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Being able to financially stand on my own two feet began with my first real job.
When my income began to finally flow and I was able to start working on my savings, it was when my dreams began to materialize.
For 31 year old Sarah, who had been working fervently for over 3 years, receiving dental treatment was her dream.
As soon as she finished paying off her student loans, the very next investment was towards her appearance.
Sarah's protruding and separated teeth had always bothered her since her school days.
In Sarah's case, her teeth had actually grown outwards.
All of her teeth protruded out and were separated from each other.
In her situation, she had 3 choices.
Double jaw surgery, laminate, or dental correction.
Risks from double jaw surgery or laminate are high, but the results are quick and dramatic.
Dental correction takes a longer time investment; however, the procedure takes less risks and the cost is considerably lower.
Sarah decided to go with dental correction as the high risk and high cost was too much for Sarah.
Sarah's treatment plan addressed two criterias at once.
For her correction to work, pressure had to be applied in two different directions.
One of the advantages of using clear aligners is that it can address multiple conditions at once.
If a specific tooth is crooked, pressure can be placed specifically on that tooth's location.
If a multitude of teeth are crooked, pressure can be applied to various locations and aligned accordingly.
When closing gaps between teeth, pressure is placed inwards at the molars.
Pressure is evenly divided throughout the front teeth if they are protruding outwards.
Mandibular prognathism is corrected by attaching elastics to the upper and lower aligners.
The ability to address multiple issues at once derives from 3D technology.
Through 3D scanning, the patient's current status is analyzed and allows for an appropriate treatment strategy to be created.
The treatment plan addressed all her teeth corrections at once.
A 3D printer is used to assemble each aligner with slight differences that will be changed weekly.
When aligners are changed every week, teeth will be slowly guided to their designated locations.
In preparation for dental correction, for the teeth to move, space must first be created.
This step is called 'expansion'.
In order for teeth that is solidly implanted into the gums to move, small spaces must be available.
Luckily, Sarah had fairly straight teeth and, because her teeth were separated to begin with, the expansion step did not take long.
Sarah's main concerns, her protruding front teeth and the gaps between her teeth, were able to be addressed together.
7 months later, Sarah's teeth were all in the right places just as planned.
Sarah was greatly satisfied with her results.
The dental devices that are commonly found unappealing were not visible.
Sarah's coworkers were not able to notice that she was undergoing dental treatment unless she told them about it.
Even during working hours, Sarah was able to remove her aligners for presentations or important meetings.
The most satisfying part of her clear aligner treatment, she claims, was the results.
Sarah states that "for some reason, ever since I corrected my teeth, I feel as if everything seems to be going right for me."
