Altenbach Clear Aligners – Jacksonville, FL
Constructing Clear Aligners Right Here at Our Office!
Dr. Altenbach and his team are very excited and proud to announce a new dental service: Altenbach Clear Aligners. A clear alternative to braces, these orthodontic trays are custom-made in-house using a 3D printer. By cutting the expense of a third-party lab cost, Dr. Altenbach can offer this custom service to his patients for a fraction of the price of a leading competitor, such as Invisalign®, with the same results! Dr. Altenbach’s commitment to using advanced technology is fused with beautiful cosmetic and functional results during this treatment. Using the MoonRay high-resolution DLP 3D printer, Dr. Altenbach designs and prints each aligner tray specific to you. The Moonray's precision and speed give Dr. Altenbach the tool he needs to implement a clear aligner orthodontic treatment. Think you may be a candidate for this new treatment? Ask us at your next visit!
Why Choose Altenbach Dentistry for Clear Aligners?
- Utilizes In-House 3D Printer for Custom Aligners
- Save Money by Receiving Treatment In One Location
- Advanced Technology for Creating Accurate Clear Trays
How Clear Aligners Work
Your treatment will involve working through a series of personalized clear aligners that will each be worn for about two to three weeks. This will allow you to gradually move your teeth into their ideal position after every set of custom trays. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners will be constructed of smooth plastic that’s both discreet and comfortable in your mouth. Others won’t even be able to notice you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them about your clear aligners. Of course, since they’re removable, you’ll be free to enjoy your favorite meals so long as you take them out beforehand.
Indications for Altenbach Clear Aligners
If you’ve always wanted a straighter smile, then you may be eligible for Altenbach Clear Aligners. Of course, our team will need to assess your situation first to determine if this treatment is best for you. Until you can visit us, here are a few indications that clear aligners may be the ideal solution for your pearly whites:
Crowded Teeth
Some patients may have teeth that came in too closely together or pushed against each other over time, causing you to have a crowded smile. If left untreated, this can make it more difficult to brush and clean your mouth thoroughly, allowing debris, bacteria, and plaque to accumulate more easily. With clear aligners, we can help you straighten your teeth so that cleaning and maintaining your smile is simpler in the long run.
Gaps Between Teeth
If you have gaps between your teeth, this can allow food particles, debris, and bacteria to collect in these areas over time. By wearing clear aligners, you can gradually close these spaces. Not only will this make it less likely to accumulate germs and plaque, but the rest of your teeth will be straighter and supported by each other.
Bite Alignment
Patients who have minor bite misalignment issues can benefit from clear aligners. Our custom trays can straighten your teeth and we can even use elastic bands and attachments to help realign your bite. Afterward, you should be able to chew more effectively and feel more confident about your overall grin.
Benefits of Altenbach Clear Aligners
If you’ve always wanted a straighter smile, but haven’t committed to orthodontic treatment because you’re less than enthused about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires, we have a solution: Altenbach Clear Aligners. If we determine that you’re a good candidate, you’ll enjoy several noteworthy benefits, including:
Boosted Confidence
Although traditional braces are effective, they are also a bit of an eyesore. Not Altenbach Clear Aligners! Since they are see-through and custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly, they won’t draw unwanted attention to your smile. Plus, they are removable, so you can take them out before any important event, like a first date. Just make sure you wear them for at least 20 hours a day.
Improved Comfort
Another considerable perk: our clear aligners are comfortable! That’s largely because there aren’t any metal components. Instead, your teeth and bite are moved into proper alignment with plastic trays that are both smooth and low-profile. In short, you won’t have to deal with any soft tissue irritation on your journey to your dream smile.
Ultimate Convenience
With Invisalign®, patients usually have to wait 6+ weeks for their aligners to arrive. That’s not the case with us! We have a 3D printer in-house. Not only does this allow us to begin the teeth-straightening process much sooner, but it also means we can quickly have a replacement tray made if you accidentally lose or break one of yours.
Cost-Effective
Like many other patients, the cost of clear aligner treatment may have been standing in your way for the last several months or years. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us! Since we don’t pay third-party labs to fabricate your aligners, we can pass on those savings to you. Plus, we welcome several financial solutions, including flexible financing with CareCredit.
No Dietary Restrictions
With traditional braces, patients are given a long list of dietary restrictions. With clear aligners, that’s not necessary. So, you can enjoy all of your favorite foods throughout the teeth-straightening process! All we ask is that you exercise caution with crunchy snacks and that you don’t over-indulge on sugary ones that increase your risk of tooth decay, like caramel-filled candies and ice cream.
Simpler Maintenance
Interproximal toothbrushes and pre-threaded floss are two oral hygiene products that patients with traditional braces need to keep their teeth healthy and their braces clean. Since clear aligners are removable, the process is much simpler. In fact, you probably have everything you need at home (i.e., clean, cool water, a soft-bristled toothbrush, clear, mild dishwashing liquid).
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Last, but certainly not least, clear aligner treatment typically takes between 12-18 months. Traditional braces, on the other hand, can take 2+ years. The process is also sped up since we create the aligners in-house, allowing you to start your teeth-straightening journey quite quickly. So, if you have a wedding, a vacation, or another special event that you want a straight smile for, Altenbach Clear Aligners are the way to go!
How Much Do Altenbach Clear Aligners Cost?
Since our treatment is in-house, you can expect the price of our clear aligners to be less than Invisalign. However, every patient’s smile is different, so you won’t expect a set fee for your procedure. To get an accurate estimate of the cost, you’ll need to visit our office for an initial consultation. We’ll walk you through your treatment plan and review your financing options.
Altenbach Clear Aligners FAQs
Can I Drink Coffee with Altenbach Clear Aligners?
Don’t worry – the start of your clear aligner treatment won’t mean the end of your days drinking coffee. Just make sure to remove them first. Otherwise, stubborn stains will quickly develop and your risk of tooth decay will increase significantly. It’s also a good idea to use a straw and to drink your coffee alongside your breakfast (this will help make wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day significantly easier).
How Long Do Altenbach Clear Aligners Take?
While traditional braces often take 2+ years, clear aligners can usually deliver the same beautiful results in just 12-18 months. Plus, since they are see-through and removable, you’ll be able to see all of the improvements along the way!
Important reminder: It’s possible for your treatment plan to be extended, which is why it’s crucial that you follow all of the treatment guidelines – from wearing your aligners for 20+ hours a day to prioritizing your progress visits at our Jacksonville office.
Do Altenbach Clear Aligners Hurt?
As your teeth move into their properly aligned positions, it’s normal to feel some soreness and pressure. The good news is that symptoms like these are only temporary, and you can alleviate them quickly with OTC pain medication, soft foods, and cold compresses. Plus, the aligners are smooth, metal-free, and custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth perfectly. In other words, they are considerably more comfortable than traditional braces.
Is There Anyone Who Isn’t a Candidate for Altenbach Clear Aligners?
There are some patients who aren’t candidates for clear aligner treatment right away. For example, patients with an active infection in their gums need to undergo gum disease therapy first. Similarly, patients who have a large cavity between two of their teeth need to get a tooth-colored filling or dental crown. The good news is that Dr. Altenbach provides a wide range of restorative treatments at our office, which helps streamline the process. In fact, we even make the aligners with our in-house 3D printer, so you don’t have to wait 6+ weeks to start your teeth-straightening journey!
What Happens After My Clear Aligner Treatment?
Once you’ve completed your series of aligners and you’re happy with your results, we will take your “after” photos as well as the final impressions. Then, we will create a custom retainer and give you specific instructions on when to wear it. This is a crucial part of the treatment process because – without this orthodontic device – your teeth can shift out of their properly aligned positions.
Tip: If your retainer chips or cracks, don’t use superglue to try and repair it (it contains toxins that are not safe to ingest!). Instead, give us a call so we can repair or replace it.