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 to 22 hours each day for one or two weeks before you move on to 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.
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!
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.
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!
At Stone Street Dental, Dr. Garrad is committed to providing orthodontic solutions that fit your lifestyle and deliver the straight, healthy smile you deserve.
Call our Greenville, TX office or book online to schedule your 3M Clarity Aligners consultation.
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!