Aligner Orthodontics for Adults
Sonoma Smiles is pleased to offer teeth straightening treatment that fits and complements your busy schedule and active lifestyle. From our office in Rohnert Park, California, Dr. Wayne Sutton repositions crowded, crooked, gapped, and otherwise misaligned teeth with aligner orthodontics. These clear aligners effectively, comfortably, and efficiently correct misaligned teeth and bite imbalances without the use of fixed silver-colored metal braces. Adults and teens alike appreciate the discreet nature of treatment, and the ease of straightening their teeth with removable aligners.
What is orthodontic treatment with aligners?
There are a variety of different clear aligner brands on the market today. But all of these systems generally use lightweight and transparent oral appliances that are customized to patients’ mouths to reposition the teeth. These aligners place consistent yet gentle pressure on the teeth to move them gradually throughout treatment. A series of aligners are needed to complete treatment. Each aligner corresponds with a different step in your custom treatment plan. It is essential to wear them in the correct order, and usually for around one to two week(s) as advised by Dr. Sutton.
The clear advantage of aligner orthodontics
- You can effectively straighten your teeth without anyone noticing! The aligners are made from a transparent thermoplastic, which is invisible when you smile.
- You maintain good oral hygiene, because the aligners may be removed for easy and thorough brushing and flossing.
- The ability to enjoy a variety of different foods throughout treatment is also maintained for the same reason. You can remove the aligner before meals. So, go ahead and enjoy that crunchy, sticky, or chewy yet delicious snack!
- Since the aligners are also smooth and flexible, your utmost comfort is supported at every step. There is no damage-prone hardware that rubs up against and irritates the delicate tissues inside of your mouth.
- Periodic check-ins at our office are minimal and efficient. We simply ensure that treatment is progressing well, and also provide you with additional aligners as needed.
How much does this type of orthodontic treatment cost?
Straight teeth are generally easier to clean. This feature helps to protect the teeth from the leading causes of tooth loss: dental decay and gum disease. By maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, you avoid the need for costly restorative treatment. Additionally, many of our valued patents are pleasantly surprised to learn that the cost of clear aligner therapy is comparable to traditional braces!
As your partners in oral health, we help to maximize your insurance coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. We are also happy to discuss flexible payment plans, and are transparent in our costs. The Sonoma Smiles team provides you with an exact “quote” based on a thorough evaluation of your needs and in consultation with you.
FAQs
Each patient is unique. Accordingly, no two treatment plans are the same. So, the exact and total treatment time depends on many factors that are specific to you and your situation; notably, the amount of tooth movement that needs to happen. The extent and nature of your needs for repositioning also influences the number of aligners that are required to complete treatment. On average, Dr. Sutton can achieve your dream smile in around one year (or less). More modest cosmetic cases may be completed in as quickly as six months!
To ensure that the aligners fit your mouth precisely and comfortably, we take virtual or optical impressions of the teeth. These impressions are not invasive, nor are they uncomfortable. There is no gag-inducing, gooey, or unpleasant-tasting products and methods used to make these models of your teeth. Everything is mapped out digitally well in advance, thanks to our use of the latest in-house 3D scanning technologies.
Each aligner should be worn at all times with the exception of:
- When eating or snacking
- When brushing and flossing
- When the aligner needs to be cleaned to keep them bacteria- and stain-free
Generally, this means that each aligner must be worn for 22-plus hours every day. Failure to comply with these and other instructions can delay treatment progress. And we know you are anxious to see your post-treatment smile in all of its glory!
Of course not! No one is too old to experience the many health and confidence-boosting benefits of straight teeth. In fact, clear aligner therapy is seemingly made for adult patients. The trays are much more discreet than traditional silver-colored braces. So, you don’t have to feel self-conscious when speaking during your Zoom call, or conducting that sales meeting.
Yes! While we know the mood and emotional lift that an attractive smile provides, teeth that are evenly spaced also boast protective characteristics. The excellent oral hygiene that accompanies straight, easier-to-clean teeth protects against destructive enamel wear, decay, and periodontal disease. Also, by fixing overbite, underbite, and other bite-related imbalances, we help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms associated with TMJ Disorders. A balanced bite eases the strain placed on the jaw joints to also relieve chronic facial pain, migraines, and other distressing symptoms.
As a certified provider of aligner orthodontics, Dr. Sutton will first schedule a consultation with you. He thoroughly evaluates your smile and helps you to determine the best path forward. Due to our use of advanced software and technologies, we can even show you how your teeth will look post-treatment with a virtual model of your mouth and an animated simulation of the straightening process.
Call (707) 868-0666 to book your appointment at the office of Sonoma Smiles in Rohnert Park, CA today.
