Straightening crooked teeth once relied on metal brackets and wires, as well as acrylic and metal retainers. Invisible aligners offer a discreet, affordable, and comfortable alternative. Learn more about clear aligners to determine if they are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisible Aligners

What are they?

Invisible aligners are made of non-toxic clear plastic.  They put light  constant pressure on teeth to gradually shift them into the correct position. They must be worn 22 hours a day in order to move the teeth.  Basically they must be worn all the time except when you are brushing, flossing,  eating, or drinking anything other than water. The patient wears each aligner for one to two weeks before changing to a new aligner that continues the shifting process. How far the teeth need to move will determine how many aligners are needed.  Some people achieve desired results in as little as a few months, while others take a year or more to correct their smiles.

Do they hurt?

Tooth sensitivity in the first two days after receiving new aligners is common because teeth are shifting into place. However, there’s no risk of broken wires or other metal components irritating soft mouth tissue with invisible aligners. Their smooth plastic keeps the cheeks and lips irritation-free.  Patients that have had both metal braces and invisible aligners report much less pain with the aligners.

What other benefits do they provide?

Unlike metal braces that come with diet restrictions because of potential wire and bracket breakage, clear aligners are removed before every meal so you can eat what you want. They also avoid the “mouthful of metal” look many people dislike. Since you take the invisible aligners out before eating, brushing, and flossing, they do not increase the risk of cavities and other oral health issues such as gingivitis and demineralization, something traditional braces cannot promise. Additionally, clear aligners do not usually create speech difficulties.

Who is a candidate for clear aligners?

Invisible aligners are suitable if you have mild to moderate tooth misalignments. They can also correct malocclusions, including overbites, underbites, and open bites, overlapping teeth, crowded teeth, and tooth gaps. Your dentist will help you determine if you are a good candidate  for invisible aligner therapy and create a customized plan for your smile.   

Discuss invisible aligners during your next visit to Keen Dental Care. Based in Columbia, MO, the full-service cosmetic dental practice provides the highly-personalized attention customers want to create beautiful, healthy smiles. Call (573) 875-5336 today to schedule a FREE Invisible Aligner Consultation or learn more about their services online. Get additional cosmetic dentistry info on Facebook.