Your Smile’s Journey From Alignment to Protection

If you are dealing with crooked or crowded teeth or have other bite issues, a multi-phase approach may be necessary to correct your smile. Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with dental devices, such as retainers, aligners, and night guards, which can help you avoid surgery.

A typical smile correction regimen includes three stages: alignment, retention, and protection. 

Stage One Alignment

People who have misaligned teeth due to an injury, accident, or genetic predisposition may require a procedure to straighten their teeth. This helps them reduce the risk of further injury, plaque buildup, and future problems with their gums and other structures. Although some cases may require surgical intervention, others may not. In these cases, an aligner may be helpful.

An aligner is a clear, dental device that utilizes gradual pressure to move misaligned teeth into a straighter position. It is typically worn for up to 22 hours a day during the duration of their treatment plan and is replaced every one to several weeks as the teeth move.

Stage Two Retention 

Once your teeth have reached the desired position, the priority will switch from alignment to retention. During this stage, you will need a retainer to maintain your teeth in their current position and prevent them from reverting back. It is worn over the teeth, similar to an aligner, and may look very similar. 

Depending on your exact needs, you may require a retainer on your upper teeth only, lower teeth only, or both. You will wear your retainer for approximately the same amount of time as an aligner.

Stage Three Protection 

Stage three is optional in most cases. However, it is recommended for individuals who clench their jaw or experience issues with grinding their teeth (bruxism) during sleep. Both can cause damage to the tooth enamel, gums, and bones and may lead to future problems with the jaw and other surrounding structures. You need a night guard to protect these structures and your new smile.

A night guard is only worn at night during sleep and removed upon waking. It may resemble a retainer, but it is significantly thicker and designed to withstand a substantial amount of force. The amount of time you will need to wear a night guard depends on your dental treatment plan.

The Benefits of Coordinating Your Oral Appliances

You can obtain aligners, retainers, and night guards through your dental care provider or online from various retail outlets. Many people choose a combination of the two due to its perceived cost-effectiveness. However, there are several advantages to choosing one provider for all three appliances.

They are as follows:

• Uniform fit: Using a single dental scan ensures a better fit for all three appliances.

• Seamless transition: Having one provider for all of your dental appliances ensures a seamless transition from one stage of treatment to the next.

• Cost transparency: Working with a single company reduces the risk of incurring hidden fees or unexpected cost increases throughout the process. 

The Disadvantages of Using Several Dental Appliance Providers

Although it may seem more cost-effective to shop around for each appliance, there are numerous disadvantages to taking this approach. 

They include:

• Inconsistent dental impressions: Oftentimes, you’ll find that your dental impressions differ from company to company. This can lead to an inconsistent fit between the devices, which may cause your teeth to shift out of alignment.

• Poor-quality materials: Some companies use inexpensive materials to reduce the cost of manufacturing retainers, aligners, and night guards. Unfortunately, some of these materials may be hazardous and cause soft tissue injury in the mouth.

• Poor customer care experience: Having to communicate with multiple customer service departments can become tedious, especially when there’s an issue with your dental device or the order.

• Gaps in shipping times: It is essential to transition from one dental device to another according to your treatment plan. However, if one company experiences a delay in shipping your device, you may risk your teeth moving back out of alignment.

Simplifying Your Dental Care with SmileSet’s All-in-one Solution

SmileSet provides an all-in-one solution for individuals who require dental appliances to correct their Smile. We understand that you may need more than one appliance to address your dental concerns, which is why we offer all three for your convenience.  

Additionally, we collaborate with licensed dentists to help you determine the type of appliance you require, as well as the duration of time you’ll need to wear it. This eliminates the need for an independent dental visit, thereby reducing the cost of your care.

Additional benefits you can expect from working with SmileSet include:

• Integrated scheduling: We will remind you when it’s time to begin wearing your next dental device or if it’s necessary to add another, such as a night guard.

• Stellar support: Our support team has access to your complete dental profile, allowing for seamless coordination of support without disruption. 

• Unified dental records: No need to chase down your records. We store everything for you.

• Bundled pricing: For greater cost-effectiveness, we offer bundled pricing if you need more than one device.

• Hassle-free consultation: Your first appointment is the start of your treatment plan. During this 15-minute virtual appointment, you will speak to a Smile Expert to discuss your concerns and treatment goals. 

• FDA-approved materials: Our devices are crafted from medical-grade, BPA-free materials. They also undergo strict quality control checks, which help reduce the risk of injury and infection.

As you can see, SmileSet provides the coordinated care you need to maintain your smile's health without any hassle. We will collaborate with you from start to finish to ensure you receive the highest quality products, customer care, and results possible. 

To schedule a visit with one of our specialists and get started on your perfect smile, contact us today.