What exactly is Clear Aligner treatment?
Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are a type of orthodontic treatment that corrects misaligned or crooked teeth. They are a virtually invisible and completely removable alternative to braces designed around convenience and flexibility.
How do clear aligners work?
Aligner treatment starts with a 3D scan of your mouth used to determine your individualized treatment plan. Dr. Tottori evaluates the scan that depicts each stage of treatment from initial position to the final desired result. The Doctor approved information is sent to the lab, which prints each set of clear plastic aligners, from the first trays to the very last.
Invisalign & Invisalign Teen
It goes without saying that Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are a household name in orthodontics. Dr. Tottori was in the first group of orthodontists in Hawaii to get certified as an Invisalign Provider. Many of our patients are familiar with Invisalign even before we introduce it to them.
After Dr. Tottori determines that you are a candidate for Invisalign, he'll plan out your treatment step-by-step on a digital 3D model of your mouth. He will then send his prescription to the Invisalign lab, where the lab will print out all your clear aligners for your entire treatment. Invisalign has two different product lines — one for adults (the original Invisalign) and one for teens. Invisalign Teen has been made specifically with teenagers at the center and includes its own set of advantages for teens looking for a discrete orthodontic option.
3M Clarity Aligners
The basics of 3M Clarity Aligners are quite similar to that of Invisalign. You need to wear the aligners consistently in order to complete your orthodontic treatment effectively, and they can should be removed to brush, floss, eat, and drink. The initial planning that goes into the 3M Clarity Aligners uses a different software than Invisalign, but provides Dr. Tottori with similar tools to create the perfect individualized treatment plan for you. The custom aligners are created using 3D computer imaging technology depicting each stage from initial position to the final desired result.
Clarity Aligners have a few advantages over Invisalign. They primarily are: 1) Dr. Tottori has a choice of aligner materials that he can choose from during your orthodontic treatment; consequently, the aligned can have a better fit and provide the appropriate direction and amount of force to your teeth. 2) Clarity Aligners does not limit your treatment to just aligners, we can integrate braces with Clarity Aligners so that your treatment will be the best fit for your individual needs.
Which option will you choose?
Ultimately, the choice for clear aligners is yours! During a free consultation at our Honolulu or Kapolei Office, Dr. Tottori will help you decide which orthodontic treatment plan is best for you. To schedule your next appointment, contact Tottori Orthodontics today! We look forward to starting your orthodontic journey.
