Do you have a crowded mouth or misaligned teeth? If so, you may be hiding your smile. If you do not like traditional orthodontic treatment to address either issue, you can opt for clear aligners. These aligners are composed of clear plastic trays that shift your teeth gradually into the desired position. They provide aesthetic benefits over metal braces and offer different benefits. For instance, they are removable, which means that you can eat, brush your teeth, and floss them. Clear aligners are a discreet way to straighten your teeth. But clear aligners also have some drawbacks. For example, they may not address serious or complex orthodontic problems. A dentist in Albany, CA can help determine if clear aligners are suitable for your unique needs.
What to Know About Clear Aligners
Invisible aligners provide an aesthetic alternative to metal braces. They are invisible and made from medical-grade plastic. They’re made to wrap snugly around teeth, guaranteeing comfort and enhanced appearance.
Clear aligners are removable. With them, you can maintain your regular diet and hygiene routine. But for optimal results wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day or as instructed by your orthodontist.
How Clear Aligners Work
As with traditional braces, clear aligners are made to gently shift teeth into the desired position. Before you start treatment, the dentist will examine your jaws and teeth with X-rays, digital scans, and photos. They use the information they collect to give a proper diagnosis and develop your treatment plan.
Clear aligners reposition all your teeth to make a healthy bite. Moving teeth is complex and needs an orthodontist’s supervision. Also, these aligners are made with digital scans or initial impressions as the starting point. On average, every set of clear aligners must be worn for one or two weeks before wearing a new set. The number of aligners you will need depends on your unique orthodontic needs. You must wear them consistently and as prescribed by your orthodontist to make sure your teeth reach their desired position.
Clear Aligner Benefits
Clear aligners provide many benefits over metal braces. These benefits include the following:
- Aesthetics. Many patients choose to get clear aligners because they are discreet. Compared to metal braces, clear aligners are less noticeable as they are made from clear plastic. Their aesthetic appeal is especially appreciated by teenagers and adults who are self-conscious about the visibility of metal braces.
- Comfort. Clear aligners are smooth and made to fit your teeth for reduced comfort.
- Improved oral hygiene. Clear aligners are removable, which can benefit your oral hygiene. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, letting maintain your oral hygiene routine effectively. The absence of wires and brackets associated with traditional braces makes it clear aligners are a better option for those who do not want food restrictions.
- Treatment time and flexibility. Clear aligners can produce quicker results than traditional braces, depending on the complexity of a case. They move teeth efficiently to decrease treatment time. Also, their removability shows their flexibility.
Clear Aligner Limitations
To determine whether clear aligners are right for you, consider their limitations. Aligners may not work for serious malocclusions, severe tooth rotations, and huge gaps. In such cases, conventional braces may provide more precision. Also, whether or not your clear aligner treatment succeeds depends on your compliance. Because clear aligners can be removed, wearing them inconsistently can hinder progress, which prolongs the treatment duration or even compromises the results.
Best Practices
To make sure you get the best results from your treatment, below are the best practices to follow.
- Do not drink anything other than water. Liquid trapped against your teeth may stain your teeth and aligners. Also, this can lead to cavity formation.
- Store the aligners properly. If you remove the clear aligners, store them in their case.
- Brush your teeth before wearing the aligners. After you eat or drink, do not insert the aligners again without brushing your teeth.
