At Lindsey Orthodontics in Griffin, GA, we strive to help you achieve your best smile. If you’re struggling with crooked or crowded teeth, clear aligners may be the best option available. However, you might worry that you need extractions to accommodate the treatment. These are the facts about extractions and clear aligners.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are one of the most common treatments our Griffin GA orthodontist recommends to patients. If you have crowding or crookedness but don’t want traditional braces, they can help shift your teeth into their proper position. A model of your mouth is taken so that you can have a custom set made to fit your teeth. As your treatment works, your aligners are periodically replaced to accommodate the changes that are taking place. The process usually takes no more than 18 months.
Many of our patients request clear aligners from our orthodontist Locust Grove GA. They offer the benefit of being more discreet and easier to manage than regular braces. You can also remove your aligners to eat and practice oral hygiene. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
Avoiding Extraction With Clear Aligners
It’s normal to be concerned if you think you might need extractions before getting clear aligners. Our Griffin GA orthodontist can explain situations when it’s unnecessary. If your teeth have mild to moderate crowding, you can avoid extractions.
Another scenario that allows you to avoid tooth extraction is if you have gaps. Clear aligners can fix this problem by pulling your teeth together and closing up those spaces. Bite issues such as overbite, underbite and crossbite can also rely on aligners alone.
In some situations, our orthodontist Locust Grove GA can perform teeth shaving so you can avoid extraction. The process involves removing a small portion of enamel to slenderize the tooth. It’s most common with moderate crowding.
When You Need Extraction With Clear Aligners
You may need extractions with clear aligners if you have certain dental issues. Our Griffin GA orthodontist recommends the procedure for the following:
Tooth decay
Advanced gum disease such as periodontitis
Impacted wisdom teeth that require extra space in your mouth to accommodate clear aligners
Jaw alignment issues such as a severe overbite or underbite
Whatever the problem with your teeth, our orthodontist will evaluate your dental health and determine the most effective treatment. This can help when you need clear aligners to regain your best smile.
If you need clear aligners or any other treatment to improve your teeth, we can help. Contact us at our Griffin office at (770) 228-1223 or our Locust Grove Office at (770) 914-7994 to schedule an appointment.
