Clear Aligners in Colorado Springs, CO
In recent years, the popularity of clear aligners as an orthodontic treatment has soared, driven by their accessibility and discreetness. As more patients consider their orthodontic options, we’re committed to offering more convenient solutions for enhancing your smile. While traditional braces have set the standard for teeth straightening, clear aligners are a simpler and often preferred alternative. They offer a more comfortable way to straighten your smile, avoiding the challenges of metal braces.
At the Mini Dental Implant Center of America in Colorado Springs, we provide clear aligners like Invisalign® to efficiently realign your teeth.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent plastic trays that gently shift your teeth into their correct positions. Unlike traditional braces, they are virtually invisible, offering a less noticeable option for orthodontic treatment.
Aligners apply controlled force to your teeth, gradually moving them. Each set of aligner trays is slightly different, designed to shift your teeth in stages. Dr. Bashi will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique dental structure.
The Clear Aligner Treatment Process
Your journey to a straighter smile is straightforward yet impactful. At our practice, we use a patient-centered approach to ensure personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique needs and goals.
Free Consultation
At your free consultation with Dr. Bashi, he will first determine if you are a good candidate for clear aligners. He will then explain what you can expect from your treatment, including the expected duration of treatment and associated costs. If we clear aligners are right for you, Dr. Bashi will take X-rays to capture precise details of your mouth’s structure, which forms the basis for your treatment plan.
We send these images to a dental lab where your custom trays are crafted. The technicians use your dental specifications to create a 3D rendering and computer model, illustrating how your teeth will move to their desired positions. Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness in achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.
Preparation and Fitting
Before fitting your aligners, Dr. Bashi will evaluate whether you need small tooth-colored attachments on certain teeth to assist in gripping and moving the teeth effectively. However, not every patient will need these patches, as everyone’s case is different. These attachments, made from the same composite material used in white fillings, can be easily removed without causing discomfort once the process is complete.
During your visit, Dr. Bashi will assess the fit of your first set of aligners, confirming that they fit correctly. Throughout your treatment, you’ll receive a new set of aligners roughly every two weeks. Each aligner is designed uniquely and must be worn in a precise sequence. As your treatment progresses, each new aligner contributes to gradually shifting your teeth to achieve proper alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
In many instances, the cost of clear aligner treatment aligns with the cost of traditional braces. Dental insurance plans treat clear aligners and braces the same way, so if they cover one, they will cover the other.
At your free consultation, we will assess the complexity of your case to determine the specific cost of your treatment, as it can vary from patient to patient. We can also get pre-authorization from your insurance provider so you know how much is covered and what your out-of-pocket expenses will be. For those who need financing assistance, we partner with multiple lenders that offer various flexible financing options.
Clear aligners are designed to be worn for most of the day, including during sleep. Typically, wearing aligners while sleeping is part of the recommended treatment plan to ensure consistent progress.
You will wear your aligners for approximately 22 hours per day. While short removal periods are permitted, such as during meals and oral hygiene routines, consistent and extended wear is crucial for successful treatment.
It is important to always adhere to the specific guidelines provided by Dr. Bashi to achieve the best results in your teeth straightening journey.