With the advent of clear aligners, dental braces are no longer the only treatment option available to patients who want to straighten their teeth. These orthodontic devices are better suited for mild to moderate cases of crooked or misaligned teeth and are a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
If you are considering straightening your teeth with clear aligners, having the correct information is essential to make a confident, well-informed decision about the treatment.
Here are a few things to know before fixing your teeth with clear aligners.
Clear aligners are removable
Unlike traditional braces, which remain in your mouth throughout the duration of treatment, clear aligners can be taken on and off when you want to eat, brush and floss your teeth. This makes it easier to go about your everyday activities with a minimum fuss.
Also, you need to change your aligners as your teeth shift, meaning you'll wear different sets of aligners during the duration of treatment. Your dentist will recommend clear aligner changes based on your orthodontic requirements.
Clear aligners are not totally invisible
Although clear aligners are hard to see, calling them invisible is a bit of a misnomer. These orthodontic devices are made of transparent, medical-grade plastic material, but that does not mean others cannot notice something is going on with your teeth if they look closely.
Clear aligners are safe to wear
You may be allergic or sensitive to certain materials, so you don't want to suffer harmful or unpleasant reactions when receiving teeth straightening treatment with orthodontic devices.
Clear aligners are generally made of biocompatible plastics to ensure your safety. Patients rarely experience adverse side effects from wearing clear aligners.
Treatment plans are not the same for everyone
Each patient has unique orthodontic requirements, which are considered when creating their treatment plans. As a result, the duration of treatment with clear aligners varies depending on the needs of every individual.
You can only know your estimated treatment time once you've had your teeth examined and digital images or impressions taken for the manufacture of your aligners.
While clear aligners are a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces, they are less effective for severe cases of misaligned teeth. As a result, they may not be the right teeth straightening option for everyone.
Schedule a consultation with a dentist today to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for treatment with clear aligners such as Invisalign.
