What are the ClearCorrect aligners made of?

The clear aligner system known as ClearCorrect is a popular alternative to traditional braces since the goal of straightening teeth is accomplished with a series of removal aligners. While this may be appealing to you if you have issues with an underbite, overbite, crowded teeth, or similar alignment problems, you may be wondering just what ClearCorrect aligners are made of. After all, virtually invisible aligners are only going to be useful if they are also durable enough to stand up to regular use.

A Specially Formulated Plastic

You’ll be wearing each set of aligners for about three weeks before you get your next set of custom-made aligners. All of your ClearCorrect aligners will be crafted in a ClearCorrect laboratory based on your unique teeth and mouth measurements and characteristics. The aligners are made from a specially formulated type of plastic that’s designed to be thin for comfort purposes yet durable enough to gently and steadily move teeth to their correct position.

An Extensively Tested (and Re-Tested) Material

The team at the ClearCorrect laboratory is well-aware of the fact that the aligners need to be both durable and comfortable. For this reason, the polyurethane resin used for the aligners has been tested and re-tested extensively. Specifically, the aligner material has the following characteristics:

• Stress retention: Your ClearCorrect aligners will be strong enough to be worn practically all the time – except for when you eat and brush and floss after each meal.

• Crack and impact resistance: While it’s advised that you do your best to avoid dropping your aligners during the process of putting them in and taking them out, accidents do sometimes happen. Fortunately, your aligners are designed to be resistant to this type of damage.

• Clarity: The plastic used for the aligners is strong and durable, but it’s also made in a way that keeps each aligner virtually invisible.

• Stain resistance: ClearCorrect aligners are made with a type of plastic that’s designed to be resistant to staining – so your clear aligners will likely remain clear and nearly unnoticeable until it’s time for the next set!

Sensible Precautions Are Still Necessary

Yes, ClearCorrect aligners are designed to be fairly durable. Even so, it’s important to take some sensible precautions as you wear them until it’s time for your next set. For instance, be sure to remove them each time you eat so you don’t place too much pressure on the aligners. Plus, it’s easier to properly chew when the aligners are out.

And while the aligners are designed to be resistant to stains, err on the side of caution and remove them when you drink beverages that tend to produce stains – tea and coffee, cola, fruit juices, and red wine is the main culprits.

Also, when you brush and floss, be careful with where you place your aligners; they are impact-resistant, but not indestructible. The aligners can, however, be cleaned with a toothbrush and rinsed. Further care for your aligners by:

• Not chewing gum when they are in
• Removing them when playing contact sports, especially if you’ll need to wear a mouth guard to protect yourself against a mouth impact
• Inspecting your aligners before placing them back into your mouth to make sure there are no cracks or other signs of damage

Your ClearCorrect aligners are also more likely to be strong enough to remain comfortable and supportive because of the way they are crafted. Our part of the process involves creating fabricated impressions and providing the dental photographs and radiographs necessary for the ClearCorrect lab to craft customized aligners. Contact us today to find out if ClearCorrect is the right solution for you.