Clear Aligners or Invisible Braces in Pasadena
Do you want to correct your smile, improve your bite, and decrease TMJ discomfort?
Schedule a consult with Dr. Mary to see if clear aligners is the right treatment for you
(626) 449-1936
Clear aligners is a form of orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. It offers an alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made of a clear, flexible plastic material that is custom-made to fit snugly over the patient's teeth.
The process begins with a consultation with Dr. Mary who is trained in Invisalign and Sure Smile treatment. During this consultation, Dr. Mary will assess the patient's teeth, discuss the patient’s goals, take a series of intraoral and extraoral photos, take an intraoral scan of the teeth, and create a treatment plan.
Once the treatment plan is established, a series of custom-made aligners are produced. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and gradually moves the teeth into the desired position. Patients typically wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
One of the main advantages of aligners is that they are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for individuals who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment option. Additionally, because the aligners are removable, they can be taken out for special occasions or when eating certain foods that may be difficult to consume with traditional braces.
Aligners are an effective option for straightening teeth and correcting bite issues, providing a more comfortable and convenient orthodontic experience for many patients.
Aligner Post-Operative Instructions
Use your fingers to put your aligners in place. First, place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligner down gently over your molars. When aligners are correctly inserted, they will fit all the way down on the teeth, with no space between the top of the aligners and the top of the teeth. Aligners will fit tightly at first but should fit well at the end of the two-week period.
Keep aligners in except when flossing, brushing, eating. It’s also best to remove the aligners when drinking warm beverages such as coffee or tea.
Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously then lifting it off of your front teeth. Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn.
Clean aligners with a toothbrush
Wear each set of aligners for two weeks unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.
Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)
Keep all of your old aligners and bring them to your appointments.
Do not place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!
Do not use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place.
If you have pets, do NOT place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your aligner trays!
Do not use denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.
Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.
Do not chew gum with your aligners in.
It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.
If you lose the tab attached to your tooth that helps the aligner snap on, please call our office right away so that we can determine if you need to come in before your next scheduled appointment.
If you lose one of your aligner trays, please wear the next tray if you have it. If you do not have the next tray, please wear the previous tray. It is extremely important to use a tray to keep teeth from shifting. Call our office to let us know which tray was lost so that we can determine if a replacement tray is needed.