Clear Aligners Offered at Michael Kim, DDS

Clear Aligners like Invisalign here in Mequon WI with Dr Michael Kim DDS and Dr Melissa Lentz

A Simple and Aesthetic Alternative to Braces

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your misaligned teeth? You’re not alone! Crooked teeth not only affect your confidence but can also lead to oral health problems in the long run. But what if we told you that a solution could straighten your teeth discreetly without metal wires and brackets? 

Enter clear aligners! These custom-made, virtually invisible plastic aligners are designed to gently shift your teeth into the desired position, giving you a straight, beautiful smile without the hassle of traditional metal braces. With clear aligners, you can achieve a confident smile that you’ll be proud to show off. Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back any longer – it’s time to straighten your smile with clear aligners!

At Michael Kim DDS, we offer clear aligners, a practical, low-profile alternative to traditional braces. We’ve found that some of our patients greatly appreciate this orthodontic option versus conventional braces.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners gently move teeth into alignment without any metal wires or brackets using constant gradual force. Clear aligners are made of solid plastic explicitly fabricated to fit the patient’s teeth. 

The patient works through a series of aligners throughout their treatment, with each set moving the teeth a little closer to the final, properly aligned smile. It is recommended that the patient wear their aligners for twenty hours each day. New aligners are switched out approximately every two weeks.

What Are the Advantages of Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a fantastic option for our patients who want a straighter smile but do not want to wear metal bracket braces or for patients who have had braces but want to make minor corrections to their smile. Some of the advantages include the following:

  • They’re simple to keep clean, making maintaining healthy gums and teeth easier.
  • They are less likely to irritate gums and cheeks.
  • They prevent wear and tear on the teeth from tooth grinding.
  • Aligners are removable, allowing easy brushing and flossing after each meal.

What Issues Can Clear Aligners Correct?

Invisible aligners correct all the same issues as traditional metal orthodontics. Below are some mild to moderate dental problems that aligners can repair:

  • Overcrowding – when there is little space in the mouth, the teeth overlap, making it very difficult to maintain oral health. Overcrowding makes it challenging to clean the teeth well and can cause dental problems like tooth decay and increase the chances of periodontal disease.
  • Gaps – large spaces between teeth can occur because of missing teeth or abnormal jaw growth.
  • Overbite – is when the upper teeth project further out than the lower teeth and are often followed by TMJ disorder and jaw pain.
  • Underbite – is when the lower teeth project further than the upper teeth, causing jaw pain and a possible TMJ disorder.
  • Crossbite – is when upper teeth bite down on the inside of the bottom teeth. It leads to uneven wear on the teeth and even jawbone erosion.

What Can I Expect from the Treatment Plan?

Before creating the special aligning trays, Dr. Kim and Dr. Lentz devise a treatment plan. A digital scan provides 3D images of the jaw, allowing your dentist to move your teeth on the monitor and view the jaw from each angle. This technology allows one to view the jaw from every angle. It foresees how facial aesthetics can change when the treatment is finally finished.  

Once the planning is complete, aligners are made to fit your teeth perfectly. The average treatment time differs for each patient, but the total number of aligners is usually between 20 and 29 sets.

What Should I Consider When Wearing Clear Aligners?

Aligner treatment wear time is recommended at least 22 hours daily, except while eating and drinking. Follow your dentist’s directions to avoid problems in the overall treatment time. Removing the aligners when consuming food or drink is essential to prevent debris from getting trapped between the trays and the teeth.

You can expect to feel soreness for the first few days after each new tray. This light ache is normal and proves that your teeth slowly shift into the correct position. On average, new aligner trays are necessary every two weeks. 

Choose Clear Aligners in Mequon, Wisconsin

Clear aligners are a fantastic option for patients who want straight teeth without traditional orthodontic treatment. They are a great option to add to other cosmetic dentistry procedures, like teeth whitening or a smile makeover. If you are interested in clear aligners in Mequon, Wisconsin, call Michael Kim, DDS to discuss. Call 262-241-5558 or send us an email.