Clear aligner trays have become a popular option to achieve straighter smiles. After all, they are near-invisible, removable, and more comfortable than traditional braces. Dr. Melanie Wang doesn’t just provide you with precise and durable aligners; we create treatment plans that suit your unique lifestyle and needs.
If you’re planning to get this treatment, here’s everything you need to know about our clear aligner program at Dr. Melanie Orthodontics.
How Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligner trays look like mouthpieces, but more transparent and fit precisely into each of your teeth. The treatment involves a series of orthodontic appliances, each designed to lead you into the next. One aligner will move your teeth up to a certain point, then you move to the next one until your teeth finally arrive at their targeted position.
Similar to braces, aligners also work by applying pressure to each of your teeth. However, the design is different. Its lack of separate parts means fewer parts that can break and fewer spaces to clean and maintain. More importantly, clear aligners are removable: you can take them off whenever you’re eating or on special occasions.
Additionally, clear aligners are made from clear-colored, BPA-free plastic that’s discreet. They don’t attract as much attention as traditional braces, and they’re safe for everyday use.
What to Expect From Our Clear Aligner Program?
If you’ve decided to visit our San Diego or Rancho Santa Fe offices to get clear aligners, it helps to understand how things will go. We understand that the experience can be both exciting and overwhelming, and learning the process beforehand helps put your mind at ease. After all, Dr. Melanie Orthodontics is committed to making the best treatments available and comfortable for everyone.
Get a Tour of Our Office
Regardless of which office is closer to you, our team is ready to receive visitors and give them a tour. Since we cater to patients of all ages, we commit ourselves to a high standard of care. To deliver the treatments you deserve, we leverage the latest orthodontic technology. Additionally, our offices are designed to be inviting and comfortable to ease your mind, with our offices found in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego, California.
Initial Consultation and Your Personalized Treatment Plan
You can opt for a free initial consultation with Dr. Melanie Wang. She usually starts your session by knowing more about you and the smile you wish to achieve. This is often followed by our standard orthodontic evaluation process, in which Dr. Melanie thoroughly examines your mouth, from the teeth to the jaws.
At this point, Dr. Melanie will scan your mouth through a mix of digital scans, photographs, and X-ray scans. She puts all of these data together, with help from specialized software, to create a precise 3D model of your mouth. She also uses this platform to design a personalized treatment plan. Aside from precisely fitting your teeth, the recommendation will also consider a lot of other factors such as your medical history, dietary and lifestyle requirements, and more.
After everything is ready, Dr. Melanie will walk you through your treatment plan. She’ll align your expectations, run you through how clear aligners work, and also explain the payment options available. If everything works for you, it’s time to get the aligners made.
Fabricating and Issuing Your Clear Aligner Trays
Based on the treatment plan, our team will then fabricate the custom aligners. Depending on the case, the number of aligners needed for a treatment wildly varies. You can get as few as five trays for minor cases to 20 or more for more complex cases.
At Dr. Melanie Orthodontics, we offer our in-house brand of clear aligner trays: TLC Aligners. Similar to other brands like 3M Clarity or uLab aligners, it is made from BPA-free, medical-grade thermoplastic material. It’s durable, safe, and near-invisible. Our TLC Aligners are 3D printed to precision, with each aligner designed to move your teeth for the next tray to do its job just as efficiently.
Once the aligners are ready, Dr. Melanie can issue the first set of aligners for you to take home. She’ll also explain how to use them properly and how long you’ll be wearing each of them. After that, you’re free to go.
Routine Check-Ups and Transitioning to Retainers
Regular check-ups are necessary for any orthodontic treatment, although our TLC Aligners require fewer appointments compared to braces. During these visits, Dr. Melanie will check up on you, your teeth, and your aligners. In cases where corrective measures are needed, she’ll get you up to speed.
There are instances where your next aligners might fit poorly. It can be caused by missed wear time or natural factors such as your teeth responding at a different rate than originally planned.
Once you’re done with all your clear aligner trays, it’s time to say goodbye to them. At your final consultation for this treatment procedure, we’ll be providing you with a set of retainers. You’ll change into them to ensure your newly aligned teeth stay permanent for the years to come.
Start Your Clear Aligner Treatment Today
Clear aligner trays are becoming popular among people of all ages thanks to their comfort and accessibility. Even better, our offices in San Diego and Rancho Santa Fe can fit you with our in-house brand, TLC Aligners, for an aligner treatment that suits your unique needs.
If you’re ready to achieve that straighter smile with clear aligners, schedule a consultation with us, and we’ll get you started right away!