Discreet Treatment
All You Can See Are the Results
We’re proud to offer 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners at Central Illinois Orthodontics.
Dr. Long and the team at Central Illinois Orthodontics can use these powerful new orthodontic tools to take your smile from start to finish, all without a single bracket or wire.
What Are 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners?
Our clear aligners are made of a flexible, 5-layer material that is nearly invisible and the perfect, minimally invasive way to correct the spacing and alignment of your teeth.
These transparent plastic aligners are crafted from a digital mold of your current bite and act in stages to align your teeth. For patients of all ages, our clear aligners are the perfect solution for correcting underbites, overbites, spacing, crooked teeth, and more.
This treatment is invisible, removable, and extremely comfortable, making it a great option for kids and adults.
How Do They Work?
Clear aligners work through a series of custom-made, clear trays that gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.
This process applies gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, shifting them over time. Because they're designed from a precise digital scan of your mouth, each aligner fits snugly over your teeth, optimizing comfort and effectiveness.
Our skilled orthodontic team closely monitors the treatment plan to ensure progress is on track, and adjustments are made as necessary for optimal results.
Maintenance & Care of Clear Aligners
Caring for your clear aligners is straightforward and crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of your treatment.
Rinse your aligners under lukewarm water every night and gently clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding hot water that could warp the material. It’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth before reinserting your aligners to prevent trapping food particles and bacteria.
Additionally, keeping your aligners in their protective case when not in use will protect them from damage and loss. By following these simple care instructions, you can keep your aligners clean, odor-free, and functioning properly throughout your treatment.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Your journey with clear aligners starts with a free comprehensive consultation with Dr. Long. He’ll create a digital map of your mouth, and then we’ll use that to design your custom aligners. They’ll fit like a glove!
Once you receive your first set, you'll wear them for most of the day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and for oral hygiene routines. As your treatment progresses, you'll transition to new sets of aligners every couple of weeks.
While some patients may experience mild discomfort during the initial days of wearing a new set, this is typically brief and a sign that the aligners are working. Throughout your treatment, you'll have periodic check-ups with our orthodontic team to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
The duration of your treatment will vary depending on the complexity of your case, but many patients complete their transformation in 12 to 18 months.
Benefits of 3M™
Clarity™ Aligners
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is a big decision, and our top-of-the-line 3M™ Clarity™ aligners offer a range of benefits designed to meet your needs if you’re looking for an effective, discreet, and comfortable way to improve your smile.
Nearly Invisible
One of the best features of clear aligners is their near invisibility. Made from a clear, flexible material, these aligners are designed to be as discreet as possible.
Whether you’re speaking in a meeting, socializing with friends, or posing for photos, it’s unlikely anyone will notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Removable for Easy Maintenance
Clear aligners are completely removable, which significantly simplifies eating, brushing, and flossing. Unlike traditional braces that can trap food and make oral hygiene challenging, Clarity Aligners can be easily taken out before meals and cleaning.
This not only contributes to a more enjoyable treatment experience but also promotes better overall dental health during the orthodontic process.
Customized for Comfort
Each set of clear aligners is custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, using precise digital mapping technology. This customization ensures not just a perfect fit but also maximizes comfort throughout your treatment.
The smooth, fine edges of the aligners are designed to minimize irritation of your gums and cheeks, making the experience as comfortable as possible from the first day you wear them.
Effective for a Wide Range of Corrections
3M™ Clarity™ Aligners are versatile and effective for correcting a wide variety of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites, and underbites. Their design and material allow for precise control over tooth movement, ensuring that each phase of the treatment moves your teeth closer to the desired outcome.
Choosing clear aligners means opting for a treatment that blends seamlessly with your lifestyle while working efficiently to create the smile you’ve always wanted.
Start Your Smile
With Clarity
Dr. Long and the team at Central Illinois Orthodontics love what we do, and that’s why we’re proud to offer leading treatments like 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners.
Your consultation is always free, so why wait? Let’s get started on your lifetime of happy, healthy smiles today!