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The 6 Most Common Questions About Clear Aligners – Answered!

May 22, 2023

If you want to straighten your smile in Pittsburgh, you have lots of options, including clear aligners treatment with SureSmile. But before you commit to treatment, you’ve got questions. We get it! And if you read on below, you can get answers to the most common answers about clear aligner treatment, how it works, and what to expect. Read on for all the details, and feel free to contact the team at South Hills Dental Arts if you have any questions that we don’t answer below!

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners work similarly to braces. Each set of aligners places gentle pressure on your teeth. Over time, this pushes your teeth toward a healthier position. You will usually wear your aligners for about 20-22 hours per day.

You also will switch to a new set of aligners about every two weeks. By switching through multiple sets of aligners over time, you can continue shifting your teeth toward the proper positions. The end result? A healthy, straight, and beautiful smile!

Are Clear Aligners Effective?

Yes. Clear aligners are a very effective treatment for orthodontic issues. And at South Hills Dental Arts, our team uses digital imaging and modern treatment planning tools that help speed up the process and provide the best possible results for your SureSmile treatment.

Why Should I Choose Clear Aligners Over Braces?

Most people choose clear aligners over braces because they are much less noticeable. Clear aligners are almost invisible when worn, and do not affect your speech or appearance. If you want to avoid the effect that braces have on your appearance, clear aligners are a great choice.

Clear aligners are also removable, so there are no dietary restrictions. You can eat whatever you want! You also can remove your aligners to brush and floss, so it’s easier to stay on top of your oral health, too.

Are Clear Aligners Painful?

We’re not going to beat around the bush. You will feel some discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners. This is normal, since your teeth will be reacting to the pressure that’s moving them toward the proper position. This goes away within a day or two, though. 

And, overall, clear aligners are more comfortable than braces. They exert more gentle, even pressure. They also are very thin and smooth, and there are no sharp, pointy, metal bits that can irritate or cut your mouth.

What Can Clear Aligners Fix?

Clear aligners can fix most of the same things as braces. This includes crooked teeth, uneven teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites and underbites, and so much more. Generally speaking, most minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues can be treated with clear aligners. However, patients with very severe orthodontic problems may require treatment with traditional braces.

Which Clear Aligners Are The Best?

That’s a matter of opinion, of course! But at South Hills Dental Arts, our dentists offer SureSmile. SureSmile uses modern technology and offers great results at an affordable price. It also uses a special plastic material that’s a bit thinner than the competition, which means SureSmile is even less noticeable than competitors like Invisalign or ClearCorrect.

Get More Answers – Schedule Your SureSmile Consultation Today!

SureSmile is a great alternative to braces for most patients in Pittsburgh. If you’re interested in straightening your smile with clear aligners, don’t wait. Contact South Hills Dental Arts online or give us a call at (412) 924-7432 to schedule a consultation at one of our four convenient locations throughout the area, and take the first steps toward the smile you’ve always wanted.

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