Dr. Jason Petkevis is a Chester Springs clear aligners dentist near you. This treatment gives patients the option to discreetly reposition their teeth and straighten their smiles. It is well suited for patients needing mild to moderate orthodontic treatment.
Your smile is one of the first features that people notice about you. However, most people are not born with perfectly straight teeth. Although metal braces can correct misalignments, many individuals do not want to spend two to four years flashing a conspicuous smile. The clear aligner method is a unique alternative to traditional alignment treatments. It is safe and effective for people of all ages. Dr. Petkevis provides this cosmetic dental treatment to new and existing patients in Chester Springs, PA.
About Clear Aligners
Dentists use clear aligners for adults and teens who want to straighten their teeth without metal braces. This innovative system uses clear, removable aligners to gently reposition the teeth without causing damage to tooth enamel, gum tissue, or TMJ. The dentist uses computer images to represent the teeth before and after the treatment.
This provides for a more custom fit than conventional braces. We will send the images to a lab where they will make various sizes of tray aligners. They make the alignment trays out of clear, lightweight plastic. We guarantee they will fit gently and comfortably over your teeth.
Dentists use clear aligners to treat a variety of orthodontic concerns including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
You will replace your aligner trays with new, slightly smaller sizes approximately every two weeks. This allows the aligners to gradually and gently shift the teeth into their proper position. This will take place at our dental office so your dentist can monitor your progress. This also allows him to make any changes to the treatment if you need it. The entire process takes approximately six months, depending on how much adjustment you may need.
Clear Aligners vs Braces
Studies indicate clear braces can lead to improved dental hygiene during treatment compared to traditional metal braces. Because Clear aligners are removable, you can brush and floss teeth normally, unlike traditional metal braces which can be difficult to care for and often trap food particles between the braces and teeth. In addition, you can remove aligners to enjoy the food and drink you like without special restrictions.
Clear aligners are made of ultra-thin, ultra-clear, hard-soft plastic. Depending on your case, you will wear a series of aligners for approximately 2 weeks each. Most patients complete treatment in 6 to 12 months.
In addition to the esthetic and comfort advantages, Clear aligners offer several significant clinical benefits including:
- Improved gum and tooth health during treatment because of better oral hygiene
- No metal allergies due to brackets and wires
- More predictable treatment planning with special software
- Custom aligners tailored to fit your teeth precisely, for reduced irritation and fewer scratches
The Clear Aligner Process
The clear aligner treatment involves several steps to straighten your teeth. This entire process can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to complete. The length of your treatment depends on how much your teeth need to move. For the best results, you must wear your aligners as directed.
- First, you’ll consult Dr. Petkevis to see if clear aligner therapy is right for you.
- If it is, he will capture images, x-rays, and molds of your teeth. Dr. Petkevis will create a custom treatment plan for you.
- We will send this info to our clear aligner provider, where they make a 3D model of your teeth and plan how to move them.
- You’ll get to see a preview of how your teeth will look after treatment.
- Once you approve the plan, your custom aligners are made.
- We will provide you with your first set of aligners and learn how to use them.
- You must wear each set of aligners for about 3 weeks, for 22 hours a day.
- Every few weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners that move your teeth a bit more.
- You will need to schedule dentist appointments every 6 weeks or so to check your progress.
- This process continues until your teeth are in the right position.
- After treatment, we will provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth in place.
Patient Review
Clear Aligner FAQs
Clear aligners are a popular and effective way to straighten teeth discreetly. These clear aligners are custom-made to fit your smile, gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position. If you’re considering clear aligners, you likely have questions about how they work, what to expect, and whether they’re the right choice for you. Dr. Petkevis has answered some of the most common FAQs about clear aligners to help you better understand this innovative orthodontic treatment.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
It is fairly easy to keep your aligners clean. Every new package of aligners will come with specific cleaning instructions. You should use a toothbrush, cool water, and nonabrasive toothpaste to clean your aligners daily.
Why do I need to wear the aligners all the time?
Patients have to wear aligners for 22 hours a day. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss only. You must sleep in them for them to be effective. If you fail to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, the corrective process will begin to reverse and will take several days to start back up again. Failure to wear the aligners for a sufficient amount of time every day will result in a longer treatment time.
What is the process like?
First, Dr. Petkevis will take impressions of your teeth and send them away and a lab will use them to create your aligners. They will make a series of about 12 aligners. Then, you will wear each set for about two weeks before you move on to the next set. You must wear them for 22 hours a day for the aligners to be effective. A typical treatment time is around 6 months long. Last, you will receive a retainer which you should wear forever to maintain results.
Does clear aligner therapy hurt?
You may experience minor discomfort because getting accustomed to new tooth movement with each new set of aligners can take time. However, this discomfort will fade over time.
Can you eat with clear aligners?
No, you need to remove your aligners to eat. Eating with aligners in can damage and stain your aligners. We recommend only drinking water with aligners on your teeth. Do not drink hot water when wearing clear aligners because it can warp the aligners.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Straight teeth can make a smile look brighter, healthier, and more attractive. The clear aligner tooth straightening system can significantly improve your smile without the inconvenience that other methods create. It can save you time as well as eliminate the pain normally associated with tooth alignment.
If you are looking for a dentist near you that offers clear aligners in the Exton, PA, Main Line, PA, Downingtown, PA, and Chester Springs, PA area, contact Dental Distinction to schedule a consultation. Dr. Petkevis will discuss your dental health, cosmetic goals, and budget concerns to determine if clear aligners are right for you.