The approach to straightening crooked teeth has changed in recent decades with the invention of clear aligners. These teeth-straightening appliances are similar yet different to traditional metal braces. Do you want to know how?
Clear aligners, like traditional metal braces, work to fix your crooked or misaligned teeth. However, they offer a host of advantages over their metallic counterparts. Clear aligners are transparent and removable, meaning they won’t alter your appearance or interfere with your oral hygiene. These unique features are what make them stand out and why orthodontists often recommend them. If you’re seeking a path to a healthy, beautiful smile without the inconveniences of metal braces, clear aligners are a clear choice.
How Are Clear Aligners a Modern Solution to Straighten Teeth?
We all know that traditional braces have metal brackets and wires attached to teeth to help move them to the correct position. They have been the go-to solution for years now. However, dentists would often hear complaints from their patients about how these metal braces would cause them discomfort, cuts and sores in their mouth, and affect their self-confidence. Keeping these in mind, researchers and dentists came up with an innovative and effective solution that combats all the disadvantages of metal braces- Clear Aligners. They are a modern and advanced approach to teeth straightening that you can trust.
Clear aligners can be called by other names like invisible aligners, invisible braces, teeth aligners, and clear braces. These modern orthodontic appliances are custom-made, transparent trays that fit tightly over your teeth- very much like a mouthguard. They are made from BPA-free plastic material and are flexible in nature. They function by slowly applying pressure to your teeth over time and moving them to the desired place.
How Are Clear Aligners Better than Metal Braces?
Both clear aligners and traditional braces are considered to be successful orthodontic treatments. However, aligners are better than metal braces in numerous ways-
Almost invisible: Many patients are very self-conscious about wearing metal braces and hesitant to smile because of how it affects their appearance. Clear aligners are transparent and almost invisible, which saves them from this hassle.
Smooth & comfortable: Metal braces have brackets and wires that can irritate the soft oral tissues and cause cuts and bruises. Clear aligners are designed to be much better; they are made from smooth and safe plastic material that does not harm or injure the cheeks and tongue.
Removability: Clear aligners help you maintain good oral hygiene. They are removable, allowing you to brush and floss easily. Unlike metal braces, which are fixed to the teeth, making it easy for the food particles to get trapped between teeth.
Dietary freedom: Metal braces come with dietary restrictions. You cannot consume hard and sticky foods like candy, popcorn, or nuts, as these can cause breakage of the brackets and wire. However, clear aligners being removable gives you the dietary freedom to eat all your favourite foods.
No emergency visits: We know now that metal brackets and wires are prone to breakage when consuming hard foods. This may lead to emergency visits to the dental clinic to get them fixed. Clear aligners do not have any such issues.
Predictable: The treatment plan for clear aligners is made using a 3D virtual setup that lets you see your future smile before even beginning the treatment. This lets you have predictable results.
Less clinic visits: With clear aligner treatment, you have to wear your set of aligners and move on to consecutive sets by yourself at home, as instructed by your dentist. This means you won’t have to visit your dentist often for any adjustments or wire changes.
It’s important to note that clear aligners are suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic cases. Patients who require complex tooth movements might need to resort to metal or ceramic braces. We recommend you consult with your dentist to decide on the best treatment option for you.
See also: Benefits Of Getting Your Cataracts Treated By A Surgeon
What Is the Working Process of Clear Aligners?
The 3D virtual setup helps to determine how many sets of aligners a patient will need during the entire span of their treatment. Once the treatment begins, the patient wears each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks, 20-22 hours a day or as directed by the dentist, before moving on to the next set. These customized sets of aligners move the teeth slowly to the desired position. After the treatment ends, the patient may have to wear retainers to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their old position.
Clear aligners have proven to be a game-changer in the orthodontics industry. They require minimum care and provide top-notch results. Some ways to care for aligners include washing them after removing and before putting them back on, in cold water with a soft brush and mild soap. Don’t consume hot and colored drinks as aligners can get stained and distorted from the heat. Another important note to remember is wearing your aligners for the recommended time, otherwise your treatment duration will get affected. Finally, always remember to store them in the protective case they came in to avoid misplacing or damaging them.
If you’re thinking of getting aligner treatment, then consult your dentist about it today! They are the right professionals to guide you on the same.
