What are ClearStraight aligners?

ClearStraight aligners consist of a series of transparent plastic, removable custom-made appliances. The aligners are less than 1mm thick and work by moving your teeth (or tooth) incrementally over time and can be fitted to both the upper and lower teeth.

How does ClearStraight work?

Your orthodontist will take scans or impressions of your teeth and a record of your bite from which a treatment plan will be prescribed. Once this is approved your individual custom-made ClearStraight aligners are produced. Approximately every two weeks you will progress to the next aligner in your series. As you continue your ClearStraight treatment your teeth will gradually be aligned to your desired smile.

How long is a course of treatment?

The total number of aligners in each series varies according to each individual’s requirements. Unless otherwise instructed by your orthodontist, each aligner is usually worn for 2 weeks for 20 to 22 hours a day. After 2 weeks you will progress to the next aligner in the series.  A follow-up appointment with your orthodontist is required every 4 to 6 weeks during which further impressions of your teeth may be taken.

For minor adjustments the length of treatment may be as little as 1 month, however, complex cases may take 6 months or more.

Why use ClearStraight?

Comfort – Unlike conventional orthodontic treatments that require brackets and wires, ClearStraight aligners sit closely over your teeth causing minimal discomfort to your lips and cheeks. This has the advantage that it takes very little time for your mouth to adjust to wearing the aligners.

Aesthetics – ClearStraight aligners are transparent making them much less noticeable than conventional orthodontic braces.

Removable – Your aligners should be removed to eat and drink, and when you brush and floss your teeth. They can also be removed for a few hours on special occasions.

Effective – The alignment of your teeth will begin from the moment you insert your first aligner. Even before your ClearStraight treatment is complete you will see an improvement.

When should you use ClearStraight?

In relapse cases, when minor alterations are required to
re-correct the teeth.

In mild cases of crowding in either the upper or lower teeth.

In mild cases of excess spacing in either the upper or
lower teeth.

Caring for your aligners

Always remove your aligners before eating and drinking (except for drinking cold water).

To clean your aligner use a soft bristle toothbrush, and a small amount of  COLD soapy water and rinse thoroughly using COLD water (do not use toothpaste). A deep clean can be obtained by using a product such as Retainer Brite.

Always keep your aligners in the box provided when you are not wearing them.

Costs

Costs will vary depending on the orthodontic practice you choose. The average cost for each aligner is £100.  There will be additional costs for consultations, x-rays, scans, impressions and treatment plans.

Are there any risks associated with using ClearStraight aligners?

As with all other orthodontic appliances there are a few minor risks:

1. Lips, cheeks, gums and bones which support the teeth may suffer some irritation or aggravation.
    
2. Poor oral hygiene, consuming food or drinks containing sugar and failure to brush and floss teeth properly before wearing the ClearStraight aligners may cause tooth decay, periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums or permanent marking.
    
3. Wearing the aligners will temporarily increase saliva production for the first few days as the brain thinks the aligner is food. Persevere, as this reflex will stop after a few days.
    
4. In cases where teeth have been crossed over for a long period of time a small dark triangle shape between the teeth may appear once the teeth are aligned. Your orthodontist can discuss with you how to tackle this problem.
    
5. The health of a tooth that has previously been traumatised or significantly restored may be compromised during treatment thereby reducing the life of the tooth. Again, please talk to your orthodontist if you are concerned about this.

Other Considerations:

1. Existing dental restorations such as crowns may become dislodged and require re-cementing. Additionally crowns may cause problems retaining the aligner in the correct position and consequently lengthen the course of treatment.
    
2. Teeth that are not covered by the aligner may grow upwards above the level of the other teeth.
    
3. The roots of the teeth may be reduced during treatment.
    
4. Aligners are ineffective in the movement of dental implants. 
    
5. Teeth may move following treatment. This can be reduced by consistently wearing the retainers at the end of treatment.
    
6. Aligners may temporarily affect speech which could result in a lisp, this should subside within a week or two.
    
7. Teeth may require re-shaping to provide space to allow the tooth or teeth to align or when dark triangles appear between teeth.
    
8. Your bite may change during the course of treatment, this may result in mild temporary discomfort. On completion of your treatment your bite may require additional minimal adjustment.
    
9. Aligner breakage can occur. If this happens contact your orthodontist.  There may be a charge for replacement aligners.
    
10. Allergic reactions may occur.

Treatment time will be lengthened and the desired result may not be achieved if the instructions provided by your orthodontist are not followed.

Frequently asked Questions

Do the aligners hurt?

When inserting your first and subsequent aligners, you will feel a moderate pressure on your teeth for the first 2 or 3 days, this will subside as the teeth move into their new position.

How long do I have to wear each aligner?

You should wear your aligner as per your orthodontist's instructions, but typically each aligner is worn for 2 weeks for 20 to 22 hours a day.

What if I break one of my aligners?

Don’t worry if you break an aligner as they can be replaced, although you will need to make an appointment with your orthodontist as you may need a further scan or impression.

Smile Solution
6, The Parade
Shirehampton
Bristol
BS11 9TS

tel: 0117 982 8222

info@smilesolution.co.uk
www.smilesolution.co.uk

Miss. S. Barlow BDS, FDS RCS, MSc, M Orth RCS
Miss. H. Leach BDS, FDS RCS, MSc, M Orth RCS
Mr J. McGill BDS, MSc, FDS RCPS, M Orth RCS, MSc
Miss L. McGarrity BDS, DPDS

Smile Solution (Chepstow)
6a, St Marys Arcade
St Mary Street
Chepstow
Monmouthshire
NP16 5EU

tel: 01291 628954
info@smilesolution.co.uk
www.smilesolution.co.uk

Miss. S. Barlow BDS, FDS RCS, MSc, M Orth RCS
Mr. D Heads BDS Ncle

Ermevin Ltd T/A Queen Square Clinic
17, Queen Square
Bristol
BS1 4NH

tel: 0117 927 2797

enquiries@queensquareclinic.com
www.queensquareclinic.com

Mr. J. McGill BDS, MSc, FDS RCPS, M Orth RCS, MSc
Dr. A. Rao BDS Dip Dent Chieti 2007

The Mall Dental Surgery
15, The Mall
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 4DS

tel: 0117 973 7444
www.cliftondentalsurgery.co.uk

Mr. J. McGill BDS, MSc, FDS RCPS, M Orth RCS, MSc

Confidence Dental Care
Millais House
Castle Quay
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3EG

tel: 01534 875587
reception@confidencedental.com
www.confidencedental.com

Mr. J. McGill BDS, MSc, FDS RCPS, M Orth RCS, MSc

Oasis Dental Care
124-126, Stroud Road
Gloucester
GL1 5JN

tel: 01452 522644
www.oasisdentalcare.co.uk

Miss H. Rowland BDS, MFDS, RCS, DDS, MOrth RCS

Linden Lodge Dental Care Ltd
17, Linden Road
Clevedon
North Somerset
BS21 7SR

tel: 01275 872066
www.lindenlodgedentalcare.co.uk

Mr R. Brown BDS

Oasis Dental Care
62, Holloway Road
Stockwood
Nr Whitchurch
Bristol
BS14 8PG

tel: 01275 832364
www.oasisdentalcare.co.uk

Mr R. Brown BDS

Gloucestershire Orthodontics (Elsey & Elsey Dental Clinic)
7, Sudeley Drive
South Cerney
Cirencester
Gloucestershire
GL7 5XN

tel: 01285 860712
www.elseydental.co.uk

Mrs M.Elsey BDS, FDS, RCPS, M Orth RCS, M Dent Sc(Orth)

Dorchester Orthodontic Clinic
15, Cornwall Road
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 1RU

tel: 01305 259417
dorchesterorthodonticclinic@ukrtc.net

Dr K. Rowland BDS, Morth RCS, MFDS RCPS

Church Road Dental Practice
269, Church Road
Redfield
Bristol
BS5 9HT

tel: 0117 244 7577
www.churchroaddental-bristol.co.uk

Miss L. McGarrity BDS, DPDS

Whitetree Orthodontic Centre
1-3 North View
Westbury Park
Bristol
BS6 7PT

tel: 0117 973 9397
reception@whitetreedental.co.uk
www. whitetreedental.co.uk

Mr Fabio Butera Dip Dent Siena 2003
Mr. D Heads BDS Ncle
Mr J. Matharu BDS, MFDS, Morth