Cosmetic Dentistry

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The smile you’ve always wanted doesn’t have to come with metal brackets and wires. Clear aligner therapy offers a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth, fitting comfortably into your lifestyle without the look or limitations of traditional braces. If you’ve been holding off on orthodontic treatment because you don’t want the appearance or inconvenience of traditional options, clear aligners may be the solution you’ve been waiting for. At Lumin8 Dentistry, we understand how important it is to feel confident during your orthodontic journey. This is why our cosmetic dentistry approach includes clear aligner therapy as a modern alternative to traditional braces, helping you get the straight, radiant smile you deserve.

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear aligners use a sequence of custom-made, transparent trays to strategically shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before you switch to the next set in the series. The aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth at specific times, moving them incrementally toward their final positions. Most patients are advised to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene. This means you can eat whatever you want without worrying about food getting caught in brackets or damaging wires. You simply take out your aligners, enjoy your meal, brush and floss normally, and put them back in. Your clear aligner treatment process begins with a detailed examination and digital imaging to create a precise treatment plan. We’ll show you a virtual representation of how your teeth will move and what your eventual smile will look like before you even begin treatment.

Benefits of Choosing Clear Aligners

Clear aligners offer significant advantages over conventional metal braces.

Discreet Appearance

The most obvious benefit is their nearly invisible appearance. The clear plastic material makes them hard to spot, so you can straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious about your smile.

Removable for Easier Oral Hygiene

The removable nature of clear aligners makes maintaining oral hygiene much easier than with traditional braces. You can brush and floss normally without navigating around brackets and wires. This helps lessen your risk of cavities and gum disease during treatment.

Comfortable Fit

Clear aligners are also more comfortable than traditional bulky braces. There are no metal brackets to irritate your cheeks or lips, and the smooth plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth. You may experience some pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners, but this typically subsides within a day or two.

Fewer Dental Visits

Treatment with clear aligners often requires fewer office visits than traditional braces. After your initial consultation and the start of treatment, you’ll typically come in every six to eight weeks so we can monitor your progress and provide you with your next set of aligner trays.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Clear aligners can address many orthodontic issues, including:

Crowded teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites

However, they may not be suitable for everyone. The best candidates for clear aligner therapy are adults and teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns who are committed to wearing their aligners as directed. Successful treatment depends heavily on patient compliance. You need to wear your aligners for the suggested 20 to 22 hours per day to see results within the expected timeframe. If you tend to forget things or might be tempted to leave your aligners out for extended periods, traditional braces might be a better option.

Caring for Your Clear Aligners

Proper care of your aligners is vital for both your oral health and the success of your treatment. You should remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water. Food particles and colored beverages can stain the clear plastic and make your aligners more visible. Here are some tips on the best way to care for your clear aligners:

Clean your aligners at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap, or with the cleaning solution we recommend.
Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be harmful to the plastic.
Rinse your aligners thoroughly with cool water before putting them back in.
Store your aligners in their protective case whenever they’re not in your mouth.
Never wrap them in a napkin or tissue, as they could easily be mistaken for trash and thrown away.

You should also maintain a high level of hygiene throughout your treatment. Brush and floss your teeth carefully before putting your aligners back in after meals. This stops food particles and bacteria from becoming wedged against your teeth, which could lead to cavities or bad breath.

Investing in Your Smile

The cost of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment required. Many patients find that clear aligners are comparable in price to traditional braces. We offer flexible payment options, including Cherry financing with 0% interest for 24 months, to help make your treatment more affordable. If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover a portion of your orthodontic treatment. Our team will work with your insurance company to make the most of your benefits and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs. We believe everyone deserves access to superior dental care, which is why we offer a range of insurance and financing options to suit different budgets. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Many patients find that investing in clear aligner therapy is worth it for the boost in confidence and improved oral health they experience. Fewer oral health issues mean less expensive procedures down the road. Straighter teeth are simpler to clean, which can mitigate your risk of cavities and gum disease. A properly aligned bite can also reduce tooth wear and decrease your risk of jaw problems.

Achieve Your Dream Smile at Lumin8 Dentistry

At Lumin8 Dentistry, we’re devoted to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted using the latest dental technology and techniques. Dr. Jun Carrington and our experienced team provide personalized care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. We take the time to listen to your worries and develop treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re interested in clear aligners, teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or other cosmetic dentistry services, we’re here to help you look and feel your best. Ready to start your path toward a straighter, more confident smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about clear aligner therapy.

Ready to start your smile transformation? Contact Lumin8 Dentistry today to schedule your consultation and discover the possibilities of cosmetic dentistry. Your dream smile is just a call away!

(253) 581-6140

Clear Aligners in Lakewood, WA