3M Clarity Aligners – Greenville, TX
Seamless & Discreet Orthodontic Treatment
Dental misalignment can negatively affect your smile’s appearance and your oral health. If you are dealing with crooked teeth, the team at Stone Street Dental in Greenville would love to help. We are proud to offer 3M Clarity Aligners, a seamless and discreet orthodontic treatment that uses custom aligner trays to gradually shift the teeth over time. They are a great alternative to traditional braces and other types of clear aligners! Get in touch with us when you are ready to request a consultation.
Why Choose Stone Street Dental for 3M Clarity Aligners?
- Fully Customized for Each Patient
- Predictable Tooth Movements
- Discreet & Effective Treatment
How 3M Clarity Aligners Work
After we verify that you are a candidate for 3M Clarity Aligners, we will send impressions of your teeth to the lab that will fabricate your custom series of aligner trays. 3M uses two different types of plastic (one that is softer and more flexible, and one that is harder) when manufacturing their aligners in order to ensure that tooth movements are as efficient and predictable as possible.
You’ll wear each aligner for 20 – 22 hours each day for one or two weeks before you move onto the next aligner in your series. You will also see us for periodic checkups throughout your treatment. Once you work your way through all of your aligners, you can expect to be the owner of a straighter, healthier smile!
Who Can 3M Clarity Aligners Help?
If you’re curious if you’re a candidate for 3M Clarity Aligners, then the next step is simple: schedule a consultation at our Greenville dental office! If that appointment is already on the calendar, but you have a few days or weeks until then, keep reading to learn a bit more about some of the orthodontic problems this Invisalign alternative can correct.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth have their aesthetic drawbacks, but did you know that they can also increase your risk of oral health problems? That’s because food particles, plaque, and other debris can get lodged in the crevices between your teeth, which are difficult for your toothbrush and floss to reach. Furthermore, this orthodontic problem can interfere with your bite, negatively impacting your chewing patterns. The good news is that our clear aligners can gently move your teeth, enhancing virtually every aspect of your smile in the process.
Gaps Between Teeth
Similar to overcrowding, large gaps between your teeth can take a toll on the look, health, and function of your smile. Fortunately, there’s some good news: 3M Clear Aligners can correct mild to moderate cases without the metal. Instead, a custom series of trays will be made, and each one in the series will move your teeth a step closer to where they should be. By the end of your orthodontic treatment, you’ll have straight teeth, an aligned bite, and a beautiful smile.
Overbite
If your upper teeth jut out beyond your lower ones, then you likely have an overbite. The problem is that this orthodontic issue can make it difficult to smile confidently, chew efficiently, and enunciate clearly. So, it’s better to schedule a consultation with us sooner rather than later. That way, we can assess the severity of your case and determine if you’re a good candidate for 3M Clear Aligners. If you are, then your journey to straight teeth and a healthy bite will be metal-free!
Underbite
What if you have the opposite problem (your lower teeth sit in front of your upper ones)? This is referred to as an underbite. Since this orthodontic problem places your jaw in an unnatural position, chronic jaw pain, TMJ dysfunction, and trouble speaking clearly are all common. Fortunately, 3M Clear Aligners may be an option. So, don’t wait – schedule a consultation with us to find out if you’re a candidate!
Crossbite
Crossbites are when some – but not all – of the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. Sound familiar? If so, then get in touch with us to learn all about your treatment options. With the help of specialized accessories, 3M Clarity Aligners are often able to address bite problems like this seamlessly.
Open Bite
If you sucked your thumb throughout childhood, then your teeth may not meet evenly when you bite down. This orthodontic problem is known as an open bite, and it refers to when there is space in the front or back of your mouth when you bite down. The best thing to do in this scenario is to come in for a consultation so we can determine if you’re a candidate for 3M Clarity Aligners. If you are, then we will start the process of aligning your teeth and your bite!
Benefits of 3M Clarity Aligners
This Invisalign alternative offers several benefits, which is why so many of our patients in Greenville love it! If you’re considering opting for a metal-free teeth-straightening journey, then keep reading to learn a few of the many perks of 3M Clarity Aligners. Or, you can get in touch with us to schedule a consultation so we can discuss it more in person!
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Typically, treatment plans with traditional braces are 2-3 years. There are even some cases where it’s 4 years or more! 3M Clarity Aligners, on the other hand, typically deliver results in 12-18 months. At your consultation, we will learn more about your orthodontic problems, including how severe they are, and provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline. We will also share all of our tips for staying on-track so you can reduce your risk of experiencing frustrating delays.
You Don’t Have to Change Your Diet
Another considerable benefit of 3M Clarity Aligners is that they are removable. As a result, you don’t need to change your diet. You do, however, need to keep in mind that what you eat impacts your oral health and, in turn, your orthodontic treatment. For that reason, we encourage our patients to exercise caution with extremely crunchy foods, like hard pretzels, keep added sugar to a minimum, and stick to a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet as much as possible.
Hassle-Free Oral Hygiene
Traditional braces offer several benefits of their own, but they aren’t the easiest to clean. In fact, many patients with metal brackets and wires end up needing to adopt cumbersome oral hygiene regimens and buy special dental care products, like interproximal toothbrushes. Fortunately, that’s not the case with 3M Clarity Aligners. Since the aligners are removable, you can take them out and brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash like usual!
Quick Check-In Appointments
To ensure that your teeth are moving properly, we will have you come to our office periodically throughout your orthodontic treatment. The good news is that these check-in visits are usually quite quick. Plus, they often are spaced out to every six or eight weeks instead of every four (which is the case for traditional braces). So, if you are a busy student, parent, or professional, don’t worry – your calendar won’t be jam-packed with lengthy appointments.
The Aligners Are Metal-Free
Last, but certainly not least, 3M Clarity Aligners are metal-free. They are also designed to rest as comfortably as possible against the soft tissues in your mouth, preventing uncomfortable irritation, sores, and swelling. So, your journey to straight teeth will be a lot smoother!
Note: If you do experience some soft tissue irritation, you can use dental wax to cover the edge of your aligner. You can also sip on cool water, eat soft foods, and take OTC pain medication if any discomfort from the movement of your teeth arises!
How Much Do 3M Clarity Aligners Cost?
The cost of 3M Clarity Aligners varies from patient to patient. The biggest determining factor is the extent of your dental misalignment. Logically, more complex and severe cases tend to incur greater fees. During your consultation, we can discuss specific numbers with you. We can also help you understand your payment options, such as insurance, low-interest financing, and our in-house membership plan.
Clear aligner treatment can cost a few thousand dollars. While that might seem expensive, it is an excellent investment that can reward you with increased confidence and improved oral health!
Living with 3M Clarity Aligners
So far, you’ve read about how 3M Clarity Aligners work and a few of the many benefits this discreet orthodontic treatment offers. Now, you might be wondering, “What does day-to-day life look like?” After all, you want your transition into life with braces to be as smooth as possible! Below, you’ll find some helpful information on everything you need to know about wearing your trays, navigating mealtimes, and more.
Wearing Your Trays
One of the most important rules is that you have to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. This is crucial because – if you don’t where them – your teeth won’t move. The easiest way to meet this goal without putting too much thought into it is to create a routine and stick to it. An example would be 15 minutes for breakfast, 30 minutes for lunch, 15 minutes for a snack, 45 minutes for dinner, and another 15 minutes for oral hygiene throughout the day.
Cleaning Your Aligners
If you find that your clear aligners aren’t quite living up to their name, go back to the basics. That includes taking your trays out before eating or drinking anything other than water, rinsing them with clean, cool water each time you take them off, and using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean them after each meal. Do NOT use bleach, mouthwash, or any other household cleaners without talking to your dentist since these can cause the aligners to stain, warp, or break.
Eating & Drinking
We mentioned in the previous section that you need to remove your trays before eating or drinking anything other than water. This is crucial because keeping them in while eating breakfast or drinking a cup of coffee can lead to several serious consequences, including significant cracks and stains. To prevent treatment plan delays, we recommend taking them off beforehand, rinsing them with clean, cool water, and putting them in their designated case while you enjoy your meal.
Losing a Tray
If you realize that your trays aren’t where you thought they were, don’t panic. Instead, do your best to remember the last place you had them, and start the process of re-tracing your steps. Remember, they may not be somewhere obvious. So, look in your trash can, refrigerator, the pocket of the pants you were wearing earlier, and other “random” places. If they really are lost, then give us a call. We can help you determine the best way to move forward from there.
Routine Check-Ins
In order to make sure your teeth are moving as anticipated, you’ll need to come in for check-in visits throughout your teeth-straightening journey. The good news is that these appointments are usually only every six or eight weeks, and they often are short enough that they can fit into even the busiest of schedules.
3M Clarity Aligners FAQs
If you are eager to get started on your teeth-straightening journey, our Greenville team would love to help you via 3M Clarity Aligners. However, we understand if you want to gather more information before you commit to a consultation. Below, you will find answers to some FAQs about this advanced treatment. If your specific points of interest are not included here, give us a call — we will be delighted to speak with you!
How Are 3M Clarity Aligners Different from Invisalign?
Invisalign and 3M Clarity Aligners are similar in many ways. They can both provide efficient, comfortable orthodontic treatment via the use of custom-made clear aligner trays. However, 3M Aligners offer a few distinct advantages. For example, 3M accessories tend to have a lower profile than those that come with Invisalign aligners. Plus, 3M uses two different types of plastic when manufacturing its aligners, which can aid in patient comfort and desirable tooth movements.
What Do 3M Clarity Aligners Look Like?
3M Clarity Aligners are not totally invisible when placed on the teeth, but they do have a discreet appearance. They are unlikely to be the first thing that other people notice about your smile! As long as you take good care of them, they should maintain their beauty for as long as you are wearing them.
If your treatment requires additional accessories, they may not be clear. However, they should still not greatly interfere with your appearance.
How Long Do 3M Clarity Aligners Take?
The total treatment timeline varies from case to case. During your consultation, we may be able to give you a rough estimate of how long you will need to wear your aligners. Some patients take less than one year to complete treatment, whereas others need substantially more time. The biggest factor that influences your treatment timeline will be the extent of your dental misalignment.
Can You Eat with 3M Clarity Aligners?
One of the most attractive things about 3M Clarity Aligners is that they do not come with any dietary restrictions. Simply remove them at mealtimes, eat whatever you want, rinse your aligners, clean your teeth, and place your aligners back in your mouth.
Please note that you should not eat any food while wearing your aligners. Chewing with them could damage them. Additionally, drinking anything other than plain water while your aligners are in your mouth could cause them to become stained or lead to other problems. For example, sugary beverages might sneak into your aligners and damage your teeth.
Do 3M Clarity Aligners Hurt?
Some patients hesitate to start orthodontic treatment because they are worried that it will hurt. We won’t lie to you; some soreness is to be expected, especially when your teeth are initially adjusting to the aligners. Don’t worry though – this sensation is only temporary, and there are several things you can do to alleviate any discomfort stemming from this Invisalign alternative, like eating soft foods and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
What Should I Do if My 3M Clarity Aligners Broke?
Although 3M Clarity Aligners are durable, they aren’t unbreakable. If one of yours breaks, you should contact us right away (even if the damage seems relatively minor). Once we know a bit more about the severity of the situation, we can determine if it’s safe to wear your aligners for a little longer or if they need to be replaced. If you’re only a few hours or days from moving onto your next set in the series, then we may recommend switching a bit early instead. Ultimately, every case is slightly different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
How Do I Clean My 3M Clarity Aligners?
Keeping your aligners clean really comes down to one thing: consistency. In addition to rinsing your aligners with clean, cool water each time you remove them, you need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, water, and mild dishwashing liquid to clean them each morning and night. You can also purchase a clear aligner cleaner, like Steraligner, which is affordable, effective, and easy to use.
How Long Will I Need to Wear My Aligners Per Day?
Treatment plans vary from patient to patient, but one thing that they all have in common is the daily wear time. To stay on-track with your treatment plan, you need to wear your 3M Clarity Aligners for the vast majority of the day (between 20 and 22 hours). As you can see, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for eating and completing your oral hygiene regimen, which is why it’s important to stick to a schedule. At the beginning of your teeth-straightening journey, you might find it helpful to use the stopwatch on your phone as a guide. That way, you know that you’re hitting the mark each and every day.
Will I Need to Wear a Retainer After 3M Clarity Aligners Treatment?
Yes, you will! After all, this orthodontic appliance is one of the most effective ways of preventing orthodontic relapse (which is when teeth begin to move out of their perfectly aligned positions). Most of the time, patients only need to wear them at night. However, even if you have to wear yours around the clock immediately following your orthodontic treatment, it won’t be much of a hassle because retainers today are just as discreet as the aligners!
