Comfort, appearance, convenience – these are just a few of the many advantages that ClearCorrect has over traditional braces. In fact, this unique orthodontic treatment might even be able to straighten your teeth more quickly than braces can! However, the exact ClearCorrect timeline in Edmond can vary from person to person. Let’s go over some of the factors that influence how long ClearCorrect treatment takes.
The Basics of ClearCorrect
Rather than metal brackets and wires, ClearCorrect straightens your teeth with a series of plastic, see-through aligners. By gently exerting pressure on specific parts of your mouth, each set of aligners gradually shifts your pearly whites into their ideal positions.
How Long Does ClearCorrect Treatment Take?
On average, ClearCorrect treatment takes about 12 months. Some patients may require 18 months, while others can finish their treatment in less than 10 months. Overall, ClearCorrect straightens teeth significantly more quickly than metal braces, which usually take two whole years or longer.
That said, each patient is different. Multiple factors can affect your ClearCorrect treatment timeline, such as:
- Amount of teeth movement required – Generally, the greater distance your teeth need to be shifted, the longer your treatment will take.
- Which teeth need moving – Repositioning a small front tooth with just one root takes less time than moving a large molar with several roots.
- Presence of bite problems – In addition to crooked teeth, ClearCorrect can also fix bite issues like underbite, overbite, and crossbite. However, it typically involves shifting all of the teeth, which lengthens the treatment timeline.
- Age – As the teeth move into their new positions, the jawbone supporting them changes shape. Because teenagers’ jawbones are not fully developed yet, their treatment tends to take less time than adults who have stronger jawbones.
Are There Ways to Speed Up ClearCorrect Treatment?
To finish your ClearCorrect treatment as soon as possible, be sure to:
- Follow your dentist’s guidelines – Only wear your aligners in accordance with your treatment timeline. Starting a new set too early could actually harm your teeth or jaw.
- Remember to wear the aligners – If you don’t wear the trays for at least 20-22 hours per day, your teeth might drift out of position, adding to your treatment time.
- Remove the aligners before eating or drinking – Exposing your trays to food and drink could warp their shape. They might end up moving your teeth in the wrong direction!
- Visit your dentist regularly – You should be seeing your dentist every six weeks or so to make sure your treatment is progressing as it should.
Thanks to modern orthodontic solutions like ClearCorrect, straightening crooked teeth has never been easier. Contact your dentist to find out if ClearCorrect is right for you!
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1986 from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Two years later, he opened his own dental office in Edmond, OK and has never looked back. He provides comprehensive dental services, including ClearCorrect, for patients of all ages. To get a better idea of your ClearCorrect timeline in Edmond, visit his website or call (405) 341-7773.