Properly aligned teeth are beautiful and well-protected from injury, but many adults live with troublesome dental misalignments due to missing out on getting braces in their teens or because they didn’t wear their retainers properly afterward. Thankfully, ClearCorrect can address many minor cases of malocclusion by discreetly shifting teeth into better positions without any dietary restrictions or cumbersome metal parts. Here’s a brief guide to how ClearCorrect can help older adults achieve healthier and more gorgeous grins.
How Does ClearCorrect Work?
ClearCorrect treatment uses a sequence of customized clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth into healthier alignments. This process begins with your dentist using a special device to create a detailed three-dimensional map of your mouth which will be used to craft each aligner so it snugly fits over your teeth will exerting the consistent pressure needed. You’ll need to wear your aligners for at least twenty hours a day, so you’ll ideally only remove them for meals and oral hygiene sessions.
Every two weeks or so, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners that will pick up where the last one left off. Eventually, your teeth will be brought into a beautiful new alignment that you’ll be proud to show off.
Can ClearCorrect Help Older Adults?
Thankfully, ClearCorrect can help adults with minor dental alignments of any age achieve healthier and more beautiful smiles, but the process may take more time that it would for younger patients. While patients generally claim that the process is much easier and more comfortable than traditional braces, you’ll still need to commit to a rigorous oral hygiene regimen to keep your treatment on track while preventing tooth decay and unsightly dental stains.
You will also need to commit to wearing a retainer after the treatment ends to preserve your results, and it’s ideal to continue wearing this appliance for life. If you have received orthodontic treatment before only for your teeth to slide out of alignment again afterward, you’ll probably be much more aware of the importance of wearing your retainer the second time around.
How Can I Keep My ClearCorrect Treatment on Track?
Your dentist will provide you with detailed treatment instructions before you begin the ClearCorrect process. You can expect these to include:
- Do not wear your aligners during oral hygiene sessions or when eating or drinking anything but water
- Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth and rinse your aligners before wearing them.
- Wear your aligners for at least twenty hours daily
- Carefully clean your aligners at least once a day
- Keep your aligners in a safe, clean place when not wearing them
Don’t let your age make you think that it’s too late to achieve your ideal smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if ClearCorrect is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas earned his dental degree at Indiana University School of Dentistry and continues to refine his skills through postdoctoral coursework. He is also a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, and the Laporte County Dental Society. His office in Crown Point offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as ClearCorrect services. To book your orthodontic consultation, contact his office online or dial (219) 663-2892.