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ClearStep
FAQs |
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Effectiveness |
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Does
ClearStep really work? |
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Yes. Orthodontists and
dentists have been using invisible orthodontics to straighten
teeth for decades. |
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How
does ClearStep work? |
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ClearStep uses proprietary technology
to produce positioners customized for each patient's teeth. The
patient wears one set of positioners for TWO weeks and then moves
to another set if necessary. By the end of treatment, the teeth
have will have moved from an untreated to a treated, beautiful
smile. |
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What are the benefits of ClearStep? |
ClearStep has a number of
important benefits:
- ClearStep
positioners are so
clear, they're almost invisible. So no one will know you're
straightening your teeth, unless you tell them.
- ClearStep's customized
positioners are more comfortable than
other forms of orthodontic treatment. There are no wires to
tighten and no braces to scrape against the inside of your
mouth.
- ClearStep is removable, so
you can floss and brush your teeth normally during treatment.
- ClearStep
positioners are easy to maintain and clean during treatment,
which makes them more hygienic.
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How does
ClearStep
move teeth? |
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ClearStep uses clear, polymer
positioners to move teeth in small increments. Each positioner
is designed to apply controlled force on the patient's teeth.
The specific teeth to be moved and the amount of movement will
depend on the patient, and will be determined by the treating
dentist. |
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Technology |
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What
are ClearStep positioners made of? |
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Clear, medical
grade polymers. The positioners are so clear, it's likely that
no one will be able to tell you're wearing them. |
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What do the positioners look like? |
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Positioners are
clear, polymer appliances that are almost completely
transparent. Some patients have commented that positioners
look similar to tooth whitening trays, others think of them as
"contact lenses for your teeth". |
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How
long has ClearStep been on the market? |
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The technology behind
invisible orthodontics has been on the market for decades.
ClearStep has developed an advanced system of invisible
orthodontics that has unique aesthetic and hygienic benefits.
Many orthodontists and dentists consider the ClearStep product
to be the next generation in invisible orthodontics. |
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Getting started |
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How
do I get started with ClearStep? |
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Simply make an appointment with an orthodontist or
dentist who's certified to use ClearStep.
Click here to find one near you. |
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Can
I be treated with ClearStep by any orthodontist or dentist? |
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Any orthodontist or
dentist who has been certified to use ClearStep can treat you. Thousands of
dentists across the
United Kingdom and Europe are certified to provide ClearStep,
and the number is growing rapidly. |
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While in treatment |
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How
long does ClearStep treatment take? |
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As with traditional
braces, treatment times vary depending on the patient and how
much movement is required. However, treatment time is generally
about the same as traditional braces, between 9 and 18 months.
Often patients find that treatment with positioners is faster than
treatment with braces. |
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Is there anything I
can't eat while in treatment? |
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No, during treatment
you can eat anything you would normally eat. This is because
positioners are removed for eating, drinking and flossing. |
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Will smoking stain the
positioners? |
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We recommend that
patients do not smoke while wearing positioners, as positioners may become
discoloured. |
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How
often do I need to wear my positioners during treatment? |
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Positioners should be
worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing. The
closer to 24 hours a day positioners are worn, the better the
results of treatment. |
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How
often must I see the dentist during treatment? |
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On average about
once every six weeks. |
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Will my teeth move again after
treatment? |
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Your dentist will
provide retainers to help prevent your teeth from moving again
after treatment. A retainer may be a clear, plastic aligner
similar ClearStep, or may be a permanent retainer attached to
the inside surface of your teeth. Your orthodontist/dentist will
discuss the options with you. |
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Is
ClearStep treatment painful? |
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For some people there
will be temporary discomfort at the beginning of each stage of
treatment. This means that ClearStep is effectively moving your
teeth. Any discomfort typically lasts only a couple of days, and
is at the beginning of each stage of treatment. |
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Is ClearStep right for me? |
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If
I'm currently wearing braces, can I switch into ClearStep? |
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Many patients have
switched to invisible orthodontics after wearing traditional
braces for a period of time. We recommend that you consult your
orthodontist or dentist to determine if you can switch. |
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Other FAQs |
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How does ClearStep compare to Invisalign®? |
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ClearStep and
Invisalign® are both part of the invisible orthodontics
category, so there are similarities between the two products and
they are used to treat similar types of cases. However, one of
the key difference between the two systems is the appearance of
the ClearStep aligner. ClearStep positioners are smooth and have no
ridges, making them more hygienic and very easy to clean. |
