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Traditionally, metal braces have been the go-to choice for individuals who want to achieve a perfectly aligned smile. The treatment is lengthy and known to be painful. But, clear aligners have completely revolutionized orthodontic care by offering a convenient teeth straightening alternative. Here are the 6 essential things that you must know before choosing clear aligners.
1. Clear Aligners are Barely Visible
Whereas traditional braces include external objects like metal brackets and wire, clear aligners (sometimes referred to as clear teeth braces) are made up of plastic. Depending on the treatment you need, they are to be worn on both arches or any targeted one. It is an ideal approach for individuals who do not want to compromise their appearance but want to straighten their teeth.
2. What Clear Aligners Can Fix
Clear aligners are suitable for mild to moderate dental misalignments. They can effectively treat different orthodontic issues including:
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Teeth gaps
By exerting gentle pressure over time they help move the teeth to a desirable position. The best part? Age is not a barrier. You can start the clear aligner treatment at any age, as long as you have your permanent teeth. Moreover, the treatment duration is also comparatively less than the other teeth straightening methods, usually ranging between four to six months for mild cases.
3. No Food Restrictions
The inclusion of metal brackets and wires comes with certain food restrictions. Individuals are often asked to avoid hard foods to prevent brackets or wires from breaking. However, with clear aligners, you can easily remove them and enjoy your favorite meals anytime you want. Individuals are strictly prohibited from eating or drinking with aligners on except for water only. This feature makes the smile journey much more comfortable.
Learn if your eating and drinking habits are affecting your aligner treatment duration:
4. Adherence to Wear Time is the Key
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is definitely that they can be easily removed to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. But, this feature can make it challenging for some people to adhere to the instructed wear time. Daytime aligners typically need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day, while nighttime aligners should be worn for 8-10 hours each night. Failure to wear clear aligners as prescribed, can delay the treatment and impact the results.
5. Maintenance of Clear Aligners is Important
As much as clear aligners offer a comfortable smile journey, they do require proper maintenance. By incorporating the following steps in your regular routine you can make sure that the aligners are clean and your mouth healthy:
Daily Cleaning
Aligners are easily removable which is why it is necessary to rinse them before and after every use. Further, to clean your appliance use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush and move it in a slow circular motion. For thorough cleansing of your device use an ultrasonic cleaner and make your device bacteria-free.
Proper Storage
Aligners are composed of plastic which makes them easy to break. It is important to store your aligners properly to prevent them from damage or getting any bacteria.
6. Don’t Skip Post-Teeth Straightening Care
The retention phase is extremely important. It doesn’t matter whether you chose metal braces or clear aligner treatment. Once your teeth are properly aligned, there is always a chance of an orthodontic relapse. This is where retainers come into play. Retainers are a crucial part of your post-teeth straightening regimen to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. You don’t even need to go to a dentist’s office to get your dental retainer. Simply order it online and keep your smile in perfect shape forever.
Listen to what Dr. Athar, a US-licensed orthodontist has to say about skipping the retainers:
ALIGNERCO: Most Affordable Clear Aligners
ALIGNERCO has made teeth straightening effortless with its clear aligners. Experience straighter teeth from the comfort of your home. Choose a plan that best suits your lifestyle. Our aligners are composed of BPA-free plastic and gumline trimmed for optimal comfort.
Expert Reviewed Plans
Your entire treatment plan is thoroughly planned and supervised by a US-licensed dentist and orthodontist.
Cutting-Edge Technology
We use advanced 3D technology to map your entire smile journey. Aligners are customized according to each individual’s dental structure for the best possible outcome.
Affordable Treatment
Enjoy affordable clear aligner treatment and save up to 40% as compared to other invisible braces.
AlignerTracker App
Track your progress through the AlignerTracker App. Stay connected to our smile specialists and monitor your progress with ease.
How it works?
1. Place Your Order
Choose a plan to begin your journey and receive our impressions kit at your doorstep.
2. Create Impressions
Create your dental impressions by following the complete guidelines mentioned or by booking a free video session.
3. Receive your Dental Gadget
Send your impressions back to us and receive your custom-fit aligners, delivered directly to your home.
Recap
Clear aligners offer a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth. But before you make the decision, it’s essential to understand a few key factors about aligners. Firstly, invisible aligners are best suited for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, so it's important to determine your eligibility. Aligners come along with an adherence to wear time of 20-22 hours per day for optimal results. Since they are removable, it means you can maintain your oral hygiene and eat comfortably, but they also need proper cleaning. Lastly, the retention phase is crucial to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. Understanding these considerations helps make an informed decision on whether clear aligners are the right fit for your smile transformation.
FAQs
1. Are clear aligners as effective as metal braces?
Yes, clear aligners are well known to effectively treat mild to moderate dental misalignments.
2. What is the treatment duration of clear aligners?
The average treatment duration for invisible aligners ranges between four to six months for regular aligners. However, the duration may vary depending on the severity of the case.
3. How do clear aligners help with teeth alignment?
Clear aligners are worn on the teeth to exert consistent pressure. They are worn for a specified time depending on the severity of the case.
4. How long do I have to wear aligners every day?
The usual wear time for invisible aligners is 20 to 22 hours per day. It varies with nighttime aligners, where you have to wear aligners for only 8 to 10 hours.
5. Are retainers necessary after clear teeth braces?
Yes, even after getting your teeth straightened, there is still a chance of an orthodontic relapse. Retainers help in preventing your teeth from shifting back to their original position.