Clear Aligners

If you are looking for straighter, healthier teeth without the hassle of metal brackets and wires, Dr. Annissa Michael and our team can help. At Boulder Valley Dental Center, we are proud to provide discreet orthodontic care with clear aligners in Louisville, Colorado. This system of clear removable aligners can help you achieve a straighter smile without sacrificing style, and without the inconvenience and discomfort that can come with traditional braces.

How do clear aligners work?

After your consultation, our team will start by thoroughly examining your mouth and oral health, creating a customized treatment plan and taking an impression of your smile that we will use to craft a series of clear plastic aligners. Generally, every two weeks, you will advance with a new aligner designed to gradually correct your orthodontic issues through incremental changes in the alignment of your teeth. In most cases, we also plan to affix small, virtually invisible attachments made from white filling material to your teeth. These can serve to help anchor the aligners for faster, more predictable results, and they can be smoothed away as soon as your treatment is complete.

Full commitment is required for achieving the best outcomes! Our team will go over the specialized instructions for use with you. For best outcomes, we recommend wearing each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day as you move through the treatment. They can be removed for cleaning, eating, drinking and special occasions.

Our team will also schedule periodic visits with you to track the progress of your treatment and make any changes that may be needed. Though there may be slight delays depending on how reliably you wear the aligners, most patients complete their treatment in approximately a year.

To know whether you are a good candidate for clear aligner treatment, call our office and schedule your consultation with our dentist.

How do orthodontic issues affect me?

We are true believers that form follows function, and clear aligner therapy is about much more than cosmetic improvements to your smile. Orthodontic issues can also negatively impact your overall oral health and general well-being.

While the complexity of your orthodontic issues determines the degree of success with your outcome, clear aligners can address many of the same orthodontic problems that are typically treated with metal braces, such as:

• Crowding — Crowding decreases the effectiveness of brushing and flossing and increases your susceptibility to gum disease and decay. A lack of space in the oral cavity can cause poor tongue posture which can lead to incorrect breathing habits and a host of system-wide issues.
• Spacing — Teeth that are too far apart can create hard-to-clean areas where harmful bacteria accumulate, increasing your risk of dental decay and gum disease. Excessive spacing can also make it more difficult to speak clearly. In many cases, clear aligners can help close these gaps.
• Bite position — Issues with the bite, such as overbites, underbites and cross-bites, can put excess pressure on your jaw joint and certain teeth, leading to excess wear and tear on your teeth, clenching and grinding habits, or even TMJ disorders.

What is traditional treatment for malocclusion?

Traditional braces operate through a system of metal brackets that are anchored to the front surface of the teeth and connected through a metal wire that is threaded through each bracket and slowly tightened throughout the treatment. This can make flossing more difficult, and metal brackets can inflame the soft tissues of your mouth. Braces also require modifying your diet to avoid problematic foods.
Clear aligners are hardly detectable, metal-free, easy to clean, don’t generally cause irritation and doesn’t require diet changes.

How much do clear aligners cost?

The cost of treatment depends on your specific orthodontic needs and the complexity of your case, which we will be happy to discuss with you during our consultation. We can help you achieve the smile of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Plan Your Clear Aligner Consultation

To learn more about what the clear aligner therapy would look like for you, schedule a consultation with our dentist online or call a member of our team at 303-666-8820!