Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children. Adults can also benefit from treatments to straighten the teeth and realign their bite. Dr. Michael Courter has many hours of continuing education in orthodontics under his belt. Whether you have a child who might need braces or want clear aligners for yourself, Dr. Courter can help. Dr. Courter is a ClearCorrect provider in Midland, TX.
ClearCorrect™ uses a series of plastic aligners to straighten tooth misalignment over time. Compared to traditional metal braces, ClearCorrect aligners are a more comfortable and discreet cosmetic dentistry treatment. Want to know more? Discover the benefits of ClearCorrect treatment below. You can also discuss options for orthodontics in Midland, TX, at Dr. Courter’s Permian Basin dental office today.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic problem. Most cosmetic dental problems have a basis in oral health issues. Crooked teeth look unseemly and can make you self-conscious about your smile.
Crooked teeth create tight spaces that are hard to clean, even with dental floss. You’re more likely to develop tooth decay or gum disease issues with crooked teeth.
Misaligned teeth also create an imbalanced bite. If you have crooked teeth, you unevenly distribute the bite force throughout your mouth. It puts more stress on certain teeth, causing them to chip or break more easily.
TMJ disorders are another problem we see in people with crooked teeth. An uneven bite stresses your jaw, as it doesn’t track smoothly. TMJ disorders cause pain throughout the face and can cause issues with the way your jaw functions. To learn more about TMJ disorders, see TMJ Treatment.
Treatment with ClearCorrect™ in Midland, TX: Expert Treatment for a Straighter Smile
Clear aligners will slowly push your teeth into alignment over time. This way, we can correct many mild to moderate orthodontic issues in 6 to 18 months.* Not only are the aligners more discreet than braces, but they’re also removable. That means you can eat anything you want without restriction, and you’ll be able to brush and floss normally afterward.
Dr. Courter creates treatment plans to correct a crooked smile using his skills and extensive experience. He will plan ClearCorrect in his Midland, TX, office by taking X-rays of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Dr. Courter will help ensure that clear aligners are the best option for your orthodontic problems.
To begin treatment with ClearCorrect, Dr. Courter will take dental impressions of your teeth. He will use these impressions to map out your orthodontic treatment. Our team will send the impressions to a dental lab, where they will craft several consecutive pairs of aligners.
The lab fabricates each pair of ClearCorrect aligners with slight adjustments. Once the aligners are complete, Dr. Courter will ensure that the first pair fits you precisely. You will need to switch out the aligners every few weeks as your teeth conform to the shape of the trays.
Orthodontic Relapse
Once you complete ClearCorrect, we will provide retainers to keep your teeth straight. Wearing retainers will prevent teeth from shifting back to their previous positions. Also known as orthodontic relapse, shifting teeth often occur when patients do not wear their retainers after orthodontic treatment.
If you experience orthodontic relapse, you may need additional treatment. Wearing your retainers consistently will ensure that your teeth remain straight.
The Benefits of ClearCorrect Treatment
ClearCorrect can offer several unique benefits for patients who want to improve the alignment of their teeth or bite. These advantages set this orthodontic treatment apart from traditional braces:
- Virtually unnoticeable orthodontic appliance, allowing people you don’t know to be unaware that you’re undergoing treatment.
- Removable convenience allows you to brush, floss, and eat all your favorite foods.
- Better comfort because your aligners are made from smooth, custom-molded plastic to fit your dental structure.
- Customizable orthodontic treatment that fits your unique needs.
- Faster and easier check-up appointments.
Clear Aligners vs. Metal Braces
Metal braces have been around for decades and remain among the most effective orthodontic options. Dentists can use braces to correct a wide variety of complex issues. Metal braces treat gaps between teeth, overcrowding, spacing issues, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. Modern braces are much smaller and less noticeable than they once were.
Children usually wear braces since they’re easier to adjust while the mouth develops. However, plenty of adults can benefit from them as well. ClearCorrect in our Midland, TX office can also be a convenient alternative to traditional braces for older patients! These patients don’t want to wear braces to work or give up their favorite foods during orthodontic treatment.
Traditional orthodontic treatments use metal wires and brackets that can irritate the gums. ClearCorrect aligners conform comfortably to your smile to minimize irritation to the mouth’s soft tissues. Because ClearCorrect aligners are removable, patients can thoroughly clean their teeth and gums without issues.
Also, patients do not have dietary restrictions with clear aligners. Alternatively, the metal brackets that braces use can temporarily leave a stain on the middle of each tooth once the dentist removes them. Patients who undergo treatment with metal braces cannot eat hard or sticky foods that can damage the wires and brackets.
ClearCorrect® FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about ClearCorrect treatment from our patients:
How many hours do you wear ClearCorrect aligners each day?
We recommend wearing your aligners for about 22 hours daily, even during sleep. You can remove the aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, you should leave them on most of the day.
The overall treatment time for ClearCorrect varies from patient to patient, although the average is from eight to fourteen months.* Treatment time depends on the severity of the patient’s misalignment and compliance with caring for their aligners.
Is ClearCorrect treatment painful?
No, ClearCorrect treatment is not painful. Unlike traditional metal braces, ClearCorrect aligners do not have sharp brackets or wires. Metal braces can irritate your soft tissues. Instead, ClearCorrect uses plastic that glides comfortably past your tongue, lips, and cheeks.
However, all orthodontic treatment causes some soreness. Your teeth may feel sore as your mouth adjusts to each new pair of aligners. This will quickly fade. Otherwise, you will find that ClearCorrect is not as painful as metal braces. Patients report that any discomfort is mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will wearing ClearCorrect aligners change how I talk?
When you begin your ClearCorrect treatment, it may sound like you have a slight lisp. This is because your tongue moves to certain parts of your mouth that your aligners now cover.
It will take time and practice for your tongue to adjust and your standard speaking patterns to return. Thankfully, this process typically only takes about a week. Try practicing speaking aloud and repeating words like “sixty” and “Mississippi.”
How do I care for my clear aligners?
Keeping your aligners clean lowers your risk of tooth decay, protects against bad breath, and prevents your invisible trays from discoloring. In addition, cleaning your aligners before placing them back on helps minimize the number of bacteria on them. To care for them properly, remember to:
- Only use plain water, clear liquid soap, or special cleaning products from our office. Toothpaste and denture cleaners are too abrasive and can damage your aligners.
- Don’t expose your aligners to hot water. Use lukewarm water, as hot water can damage the aligners.
- Give both your teeth and your aligners a quick brush after every meal. Food can cause bacteria buildup and contribute to bad breath.
- Do not wear your ClearCorrect aligners if you are eating or drinking anything other than water. Pigmented beverages can stain the aligners.
- Keep your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them! Do not wrap your aligners in a napkin or paper towel. You can accidentally throw them away or leave them behind.
Can I play sports or musical instruments with ClearCorrect aligners?
You can absolutely play sports and musical instruments while wearing ClearCorrect aligners, though there might be a brief adjustment period. For contact sports, we recommend wearing a mouthguard over your aligners to protect both your teeth and the aligners from damage. Some Musicians may notice slight changes in their sound initially, but most adapt within a few days of practice. The aligners are thin enough to rarely interfere significantly with athletic performance or musical abilities.
Do I need to wear retainers forever after ClearCorrect?
Yes, you’ll need to wear retainers after ClearCorrect treatment to maintain your straight smile permanently. Your teeth naturally tend to return to their original positions, especially during the first year after treatment. Initially, you’ll wear retainers full-time for several months, then transition to nighttime-only wear for life. Skipping retainer wear is the most common reason people need orthodontic treatment again later in life.
Ask Us About Clear Aligners Today
Are you looking for a comfortable way to straighten crooked teeth? Do you need touch-up treatment for orthodontic relapse? Ask our Permian Basin dental office about comfortable ClearCorrect in Midland, TX. Contact Dr. Courter by calling 432-287-9531. You may also request a dental appointment with Dr. Courter online.
*Results may vary