Similar to traditional metal braces, clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. They are simple, custom-made plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth and gradually shift them into alignment. Here are four benefits of clear aligners:
Discreet Appearance
Clear aligners display your natural teeth even during wear, offering a nearly invisible appearance. They are made from transparent medical-grade plastic and put mild pressure on your teeth for a discreet treatment. This makes them a good option for adults and teenagers who want to correct dental issues without altering their appearance.
Comfortable to Wear
Transparent aligners are tailored to suit your teeth and mouth structure, creating a comfortable fit. Dentists use an intraoral scanner to take impressions of your mouth to develop a custom treatment plan that includes aligner adjustments as treatment progresses. This helps make sure the aligners fit comfortably and securely for the duration of your treatment.
Clear aligners have smooth edges, eliminating the wires and brackets that rub against the cheeks and gums with traditional braces. The softer plastic in invisible braces also applies even pressure, reducing inflammation and enhancing general comfort.
Removability
Invisible braces are removable, making them convenient to use during meal times. When aligners are removed, you can:
- Eat and Drink Anything: Aligners are removable during meals, allowing you to consume foods, like caramel, popcorn, and chewing gum, that are often restricted when wearing traditional braces.
- Preserve Your Oral Hygiene: Metal braces have many tiny spaces between wires and brackets, making flossing and proper brushing challenging. Remove aligners to make brushing and flossing easy. Invisible braces can be cleaned with mild soap and warm water.
Effective Treatment
Transparent aligners are effective for treating a range of orthodontic anomalies by gradually moving teeth into their correct positions. Here is how they work for different conditions:
- Crowded Teeth: For teeth that are overlapped due to inadequate space, aligners apply gentle, sustained pressure to push teeth apart and make room for proper alignment.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Aligners correct bite issues, including overbites, underbites, and crossbites, by repositioning teeth to improve appearance and function.
- Mild to Moderate Misalignments: They correct minor teeth displacements, moving teeth to the required positions for maximum alignment and improved occlusion.
Predictable Results
3D imaging technology enables orthodontists to draft a treatment plan that illustrates how your teeth will shift during each phase. Before treatment begins, patients can see a prediction of how their teeth will respond to the aligners. This provides patients with a timeline for the treatment’s duration.
Shorter Treatment Time
Although the exact duration depends on the case’s complexity, clear aligners are often designed to deliver results in a shorter period, often within six to twelve months. Aligners must be replaced frequently so they continue to fit your shifting teeth, but dental checkups are usually brief. This makes it easy to fit appointments into busy schedules while receiving effective treatment.
Clear Aligners for a Perfect Smile
After treatment with transparent aligners is finished, most patients wear a retainer to keep their teeth in their new position. Aligned teeth help promote good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of gum disease, cavities, and plaque. Corrected bite patterns also prevent excessive wear on the teeth and discomfort in the jaw. Schedule a consultation today to see if clear aligners are right for you.
