Are you looking for a more comfortable way to straighten your teeth? Dr. Jose Gil provides clear aligners for his patients in Allentown, PA. This cosmetic dental treatment discreetly realigns crooked teeth and fixes gaps in the smile. Patients with an underbite, overbite, or crossbite also benefit from clear aligners. Not every patient is a candidate for clear aligners. Patients who have more severe orthodontic problems may benefit from braces or oral surgery. Dr. Gil will help you decide if clear aligners will work for you at a one-on-one consultation.
Clear Aligners FAQs
Do you have questions about treatment with clear aligners? Read answers to common questions that many of our patients have about clear aligners below:
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
There are multiple advantages of clear aligners. Clear aligners:
- Offer discreet treatment
- Are removable
- Do not have dietary restrictions
- Have typical treatment times of 12 to 18 months
If you have misaligned or crooked teeth and want to realign your smile, contact Dr. Gil for a consultation. He will help you determine if you are a good candidate for clear aligners.
How do clear aligners compare to braces?
Traditional metal braces can sometimes be painful for patients. This is because the metal wires that tighten the brackets can irritate the gums. With clear aligners, patients may feel some soreness as they adjust to each new pair of aligners, but this will fade. Because clear aligners are removable, patients can eat, drink, brush, and floss freely. Many patients with metal braces cannot easily brush and floss their teeth and may miss spots of their smile due to their brackets and wires.
How do clear aligners work?
This orthodontic treatment uses a series of aligners to realign the teeth gradually. Dr. Gil uses dental impressions that are sent to a lab, where they fabricate each pair of clear aligners. Each pair is worn for several weeks and then switched out for a new pair. Wearing the aligners daily can slowly shift the teeth into a straighter position. Once your treatment is complete, Dr. Gil will often recommend a retainer to wear at night. This retainer ensures that your teeth stay straight for years to come.
What is the treatment time for clear aligners?
Each patient has different orthodontic needs, so your specific treatment time will vary. However, many patients will complete their treatment within 12 to 18 months. Patients need to wear their aligners every day for 22 hours a day. Cleaning your aligners and handling them with care will ensure a smooth treatment process. Not wearing the aligners for enough time or misplacing and damaging your aligners will lengthen your treatment time.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want a straighter smile? Feel free to request a dental consultation with Dr. Gil on our website. New patients can call 610-421-4540 and current patients can call 610-351-2200. Please let Dr. Gil know if you have any current orthodontic concerns or further questions about clear aligners at your next visit. He will be happy to help you.