How long is the ClearCorrect treatment?

ClearCorrect is a clear aligner system that achieves the same goal as braces with the use of removable aligners to straighten teeth. While you may like the idea of being able to remove your custom-made aligners, you might also be wondering how long ClearCorrect treatment lasts? The short answer is around 1-2 years. However, there are many factors that will determine how long your treatment lasts.

Understanding ClearCorrect Treatment

To get a better idea of treatment duration, it helps to have a better understanding of what’s involved with ClearCorrect treatment. There are various phases of treatment. Each one normally lasts three weeks. Each phase requires a new set of aligners, which will be custom-made based on the specifics of your mouth and teeth.

During each three-week period, you’ll be wearing your ClearCorrect aligners most of the time. However, you’ll be able to remove them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. After you are done with one phase, you will come back in to see us. If everything is progressing as expected, the next set of aligners will be prepared and you’ll start your next phase.

Aligner Options Affect Length of Treatment

How long ClearCorrect treatment lasts also depends on the treatment option that’s recommended for you based on an assessment of your teeth and bite. There are three options with aligners that can affect your length of treatment.

1. Unlimited aligners: When this option is recommended, it usually means you have an alignment issue that’s likely to take some time to fully correct. Unlimited means you’ll continue to be fitted with aligners until the desired results are seen.

2. Limited 12: If it’s believed that your moderate alignment issues can be corrected within a reasonable period of time, this option may be right for you. It simply means you’ll be provided with 12 sets of aligners.

3. Limited 6: If your alignment issues are fairly minor, you may benefit from treatment that consists of six sets of aligners.

The shortest ClearCorrect treatment period would be with the six aligner option, which could be less than a year if you respond well to treatment. The longest treatment period would be with the unlimited option, which is more likely to extend beyond a year.

Other Factors Affecting Treatment Duration

Another important factor that affects the duration of ClearCorrect treatment is the specific reasons for your alignment issues. For example, if you have a minor underbite or overbite, your treatment will likely be shorter. However, it may take a longer period of time to correct the following issues with removable aligners:

• Alignment problems related to teeth spacing
• Severe overbites or underbites
• Alignment issues related to crooked teeth

ClearCorrect treatment for moderate alignment issues generally requires 32 steps. These steps are normally broken down into eight phases. However, minor alignment issues typically require a dozen treatment steps. These steps are delivered in just three phases. Treatment length may further be affected by:

• How well you follow aligner wearing instructions
• How much improvement is seen during each dental visit
• Whether or not you may need separate dental procedures performed before you become an acceptable candidate for ClearCorrect treatment

While you may want to see results as quickly as possible, there are other appealing benefits of ClearCorrect other than the length of treatment. For instance, if you prefer aligners that are virtually invisible and you want to enjoy increased comfort during the realignment process, then having to wait a bit longer for results may be a fair trade-off. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to determine if ClearCorrect is the right orthodontic treatment option for you.