Clear aligners offer an effective and subtle treatment option for patients who want to correct their misaligned teeth. They are a custom solution for each patient, creating a more impactful and comfortable tooth-straightening experience. SmileShare™ is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners to slowly move the teeth until they are straighter and properly spaced.
SmileShare is available at Norwalk Village Dental Center in Norwalk and the surrounding area. If you suffer from tooth alignment or crowding issues, SmileShare may be the right option for you. Treating orthodontic issues is as important for the health and function of your bite as it is for the appearance of your smile. Call (562) 741-6600 to schedule an appointment and learn more about this treatment.
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Candidates for SmileShare Treatment
According to WebMD, the appropriate candidates for clear aligners such as SmileShare are adults and teens. Children's mouths are changing as they grow and develop. Therefore, designing clear aligners for younger patients can be complex and may not create lasting changes due to how a child's mouth is still in development.
Additionally, clear aligners are generally recommended for treating mild to moderate alignment and crowding issues. More severe malocclusions such as severe underbite, overbite, or crossbite may require more aggressive and complex treatment. Some patients prefer to receive SmileShare following another dental treatment.
“According to WebMD, the appropriate candidates for clear aligners such as SmileShare are adults and teens.”
The SmileShare Process
The SmileShare process starts with measuring the mouth. According to the SmileShare website, this process can utilize a digital scanner or traditional methods, such as X-rays and impressions. These measurements help create a model of the patient's mouth.
After reviewing those models, the dentist makes any necessary changes to the treatment plan. Following this, the professional or a dental lab will fabricate the initial aligners. We will then provide the aligners to the patient to wear for at least 23 hours per day when not eating.
As the process continues, the dentist may take new measurements and update the treatment plan. These check-ins help reflect the small changes that naturally occur during treatment. The plan is managed by the dentist and a team of highly trained technicians.
“These measurements help create a model of the patient’s mouth.”
What To Expect From SmileShare
SmileShare should be worn for at least 23 hours each day. The aligners push the teeth into the goal position, which can cause minor discomfort. However, there is rarely any significant discomfort and it can be managed with over-the-counter medicine in most cases.
SmileShare trays are removable, requiring patients to take them out when eating. Additionally, patients should take the aligners out to rinse them after drinking any sugary or acidic drinks. Liquids can get caught between the aligners and the teeth, causing damage to the enamel if not rinsed promptly.
Dental hygiene when using SmileShare is similar to normal oral care. Patients should brush, floss, and use a mouthwash at least twice per day. Additionally, patients should brush and floss before placing the aligners in their mouths. Rinse the aligners immediately after removing them, and clean them daily with soap and cool or warm water.
“Dental hygiene when using SmileShare is similar to normal oral care.”
There are many reasons patients choose SmileShare. Professionals may recommend this treatment when appropriate as a subtle way for adult and teen patients to address orthodontic issues. A few benefits of this treatment option may include:
Discreet: One of the main reasons that patients choose SmileShare is the aligners are almost invisible when in place. This makes the treatment discreet in comparison to other options.
Effective: SmileShare works well to improve tooth alignment and address minor crowding problems. The length of treatment is often between 18 months and two years. This can be less time than the average for traditional braces, which can take one to three years, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Removable: The aligners are removable. This means eating habits and oral health care routines do not have to change.
Self-Esteem Boosting: Patients often feel uncomfortable about having misaligned teeth, crowding, or other dental malocclusions. Addressing these issues can help patients feel more confident about their smiles. For many, this treatment can have a dramatic life impact.
“One of the main reasons patients choose SmileShare is the aligners are almost invisible when in place.”
Q.How many aligners are needed in an SmileShare treatment?
A.This varies from case to case. Most patients receive treatment for between 18 months and two years, receiving new aligners every few weeks. Speak with our team to get a case-specific estimate.
Q.How does SmileShare work?
A.The aligners are designed based on a model of the teeth at the beginning of treatment and a model of the teeth in their final position. Each aligner is progressively similar to the goal model. It gently pushes the teeth via slight intentional distortions of the trays.
Q.How often do I need to wear my aligners?
A.SmileShare aligners should be worn at least 23 hours per day. They should be kept in the mouth except when brushing, flossing, and eating. Additionally, patients should temporarily remove the aligner to rinse it after drinking an acidic or sugary beverage.
Q.Is SmileShare painful?
A.No.There may be some discomfort as the aligners move the teeth into position. However, this is typically mild and can be managed using over-the-counter medication, if absolutely necessary. If there is significant discomfort, then the patient needs to call us right away.
Q.Where can I get SmileShare?
A.If you are in Norwalk, you are in luck. Norwalk Village Dental Center will be happy to recommend SmileShare if appropriate. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more.
Q.How can I maintain my bite after treatment?
A.In some cases, patients may receive SmileShare refinement aligners. These provide continuity following the treatment process to help keep the teeth in position. Otherwise, the dentist may provide a retainer that can be worn while sleeping.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Aligner Therapy
Aligner therapy is the teeth-straightening process in which the patient continues the applied pressure of the teeth with a series of aligners and seeks professional checkups from the dental professional.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
DynaFlex
DynaFlex® is a company that produces a variety of anti-snoring oral sleep devices and other dental products with precision and durability.
Enamel Reduction
Enamel reduction is a process that dental professionals will use to remove a small amount of tooth enamel for specific surgeries or restorations, such as veneers.
EZ-X®
The EZ-X® is a product that one may wear before beginning the clear aligner process in order to help reduce the need for enamel reduction during aligner therapy.
Intermediate Tooth Alignment
Intermediate tooth alignment is the process in which an orthodontic device gradually adjusts the position of the teeth and straightens them.
Medical Grade Thermoformed Material
Medical grade thermoformed material is a type of material for products like aligner trays to match the shape and form of a patient’s teeth.
Orthodontic Laboratory
An orthodontic laboratory specializes in developing orthodontic tools and appliances to help correct and straighten teeth.
PVS Impressions
PVS Impressions consist of Polyvinyl Siloxane and is a liquid that can quickly hardens into a rubber-like solid to provide a professional impression of the teeth.
Learn More About SmileShare
Do not let a poorly aligned or crowded bite continue to bother you. SmileShare is a subtle and effective orthodontic treatment. Call (562) 741-6600 to schedule an appointment at Norwalk Village Dental Center and learn more.
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Norwalk, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Fillings, Orthodontics, Implant Dentist and Dental Implants.
