ClearCorrect in Eau Claire | Shook Family Dental

What Is ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect is a revolutionary orthodontic system that involves replacing metal wires and brackets found in braces with a series of removable clear aligner trays that gradually move your teeth over time. Clear aligners are much more discreet than braces because they’re transparent so almost no one will even notice that you’re wearing them.

They’re also more hygienic and give you more freedom because they’re removable. This gives you the ability to eat whatever you want and to brush and floss your teeth without any hunks of metal obscuring access to entire surfaces of your teeth.

As a result, once you’re done with ClearCorrect treatment, your teeth won’t just be straight, but they’ll also be healthier without any pigmentation issues. For treatment to work on schedule, you need to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day.

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How Does ClearCorrect Work?

The process begins with a consultation with Eau Claire dentist, who will perform an oral exam and take x-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for ClearCorrect. You are not a good candidate for ClearCorrect if you have active oral health problems.

We may recommend that you are more suitable for a different orthodontic treatment if you have severe orthodontic problems. Next, we will take impressions, digital x-rays, and photographs of your teeth and send all of this information to the ClearCorrect lab that will fabricate your aligners.

Using this information, they can create a 3D model of your teeth and digitally plan your tooth movements. After designing your treatment plan, you will be able to view this 3D model of your teeth and a digital replica of your current alignment and what it will look like at the end of treatment.

Aligner fabrication takes a few weeks but once we receive your aligners, you will return to pick them up and begin your treatment. You will need to change your aligners every 2 weeks, as they will gradually change your bite.

If your new set of aligners does not fit, it is likely because you are not wearing your aligners for the necessary 22 hours a day and you will need to backtrack to the previous aligner. You will have regular follow-up appointments to check on the progress of your treatment. Treatment time can vary but the average treatment time is 8 to 14 months.

How It Works: The Root Canal Treatment Process

Step 1

Exams & Preparation

During your consultation, we will perform an oral exam and take x-rays to look at the condition of your tooth’s pulp. We will administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth and will place a rubber dam over the tooth to keep it dry and free of contamination.

Step 2

removing the infected pulp

Then, we will drill an access hole into the tooth and scrape out all of the damaged dental pulp. Your canals will be cleaned and reshaped, which can take one or a few appointments to complete.

Step 3

filling & crown fitting

Once the canals have been thoroughly cleaned and reshaped, we will fill the inside of your tooth with gutta-percha. The access hole will then be sealed with a filling and we will place a dental crown over your tooth to protect the now vulnerable tooth from damage.

What Can ClearCorrect Fix?

ClearCorrect can improve your tooth alignment by straightening your teeth and correcting a misaligned bite. However, it is most effective at correcting minor orthodontic problems.

When it comes to bite problems, we can use engagements in tandem with your aligners to help them place the necessary pressure on the teeth to achieve more complex tooth movements.

Keep in mind that if you have more severe malocclusions like an extreme overbite, braces may be a more suitable option. ClearCorrect can fix the following problems:

Crooked teeth
Small gaps
Overcrowding
Crossbite
Open bite
Minor Underbite
Minor Overbite

How Do I Care for My ClearCorrect Aligners?

Only take your aligners out to eat or clean your teeth. You should store your aligners in their designated storage case whenever they aren’t in your mouth so they don’t become damaged. Rinse your aligners under cool, not hot water when you take them out and before putting them in.

You should brush and floss your teeth after eating or drinking before you put the aligners back in. This avoids trapping stains and bacteria in your aligners. You should soak your aligners in a denture or clear aligner cleaning solution for about 15 minutes every day to remove bacteria. Then, give them a rinse. You should be vigilant about cleaning your teeth and your aligners.

The only substance you can consume while wearing your aligners is room temperature or cold water. Do not expose your aligners to hot liquids, which can morph the mold, and never eat or smoke with your aligners in. Contact us at Shook Family Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erin Tollefson or Dr. Joe Bartlett.