We know that suggesting a braces-free future is a bold move, but don’t worry; we’ve built a case around it. Braces have been around for what seems to be forever. There are only two ways we can imagine a braces-free orthodontic landscape: one is that everyone miraculously achieves straight teeth on their own (an optimistic but unlikely scenario). The second is that braces are replaced by something better.
To understand why we’re talking about replacing braces and what options we have for that, let's dive into the world of orthodontic treatments for teeth straightening.
Table of contents
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics involves diagnosing, preventing, managing, and correcting misaligned teeth, jaws, and bites. While several procedures are involved within the orthodontics framework, we will concentrate on those specifically related to teeth straightening, with a particular emphasis on alternatives to traditional braces.
Types of treatments offered for teeth straightening:
- Braces
- Clear aligners
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are brackets fixed to your teeth with a wire running through them. This wire is tightened in places to shift the teeth into desired positions. Your orthodontist may add elastic bands for additional pressure to move the teeth.
From crooked and crowded teeth to jaw alignment and bite problems, braces can correct a variety of issues. They usually come in the following variations:
- Lingual Braces
- Ceramic Braces
Lingual Braces
These are constructed similar to metal braces, but for aesthetic purposes, they are fixed on the back sides of the teeth, i.e., the lingual side, making them virtually invisible. They offer a discreet option to straighten teeth using the same mechanism as metal braces.
Ceramic Braces
Another option for those concerned about looks is the Ceramic braces. They are similar to metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets made of ceramic or porcelain rather than metal brackets. Ceramic braces offer a less conspicuous look when compared to traditional braces but aren’t exactly discreet.
Problem With Braces
If you had crooked teeth, braces were once non-negotiable. You had to face several dilemmas, from how they looked and felt to how long they lasted. This is changing, but let’s look into all the inconveniences that come along with traditional braces.
Aesthetics
Braces (even the porcelain ones) are noticeable on the teeth. This is a major concern for many. Their appearance can impact self-confidence and affect personal and professional life. Some people find them outright repulsive. Lingual braces offer a discreet solution, but they cause additional discomfort to the tongue.
Hygiene
Clean your teeth with braces can be challenging, making everyday brushing and flossing a difficult task. Inadequate cleaning can lead to plaque buildup and bad breath. If this worsens, braces might have to be removed prematurely before completion of the treatment.
Visits
Depending on the severity of each case, braces can last from around 8 months to several years, during which they require regular visits to the dental clinic.
The appointments needed for braces tend to be long. They require wire adjustments every 4 to 12 weeks, which makes it a challenge for people with busy schedules.
Pain
Braces generally cause discomfort for two reasons. First, their brackets and wires can rub on the cheeks and lips. Some patients suffer from this more than others and is often a consideration for people involved in some sports and other activities.
Second is the constant pressure of the braces slowly pulling the teeth into alignment, which creates pain and discomfort. This pain may last from a day or two to about a week, every time the wires are adjusted.
Patients have often complained of sore gums, scrapes, or sores on the inside of the cheeks and jaw pain during the first week after installation.
Cost
Depending on the severity of your situation and the orthodontist's fee, the price for getting metal braces may start from $3000 and to $10,000 (and more). Linguals are pricier than traditional ones because they require more precision in application, which is also more time-consuming. Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces because the materials used in them cost more.
1. Clear Aligners
Also known as removable aligners and, sometimes, clear braces. These are clear plastic trays that fit snugly on the teeth. They are custom-crafted according to your teeth impressions that gently shift teeth towards their desired position.
The cost and price of clear aligners depend on where you get them from. There are two ways to get clear aligners:
- In-Office Aligners
- At-Home Aligner Kits
In-Office Aligners
These are prescribed and delivered by an orthodontist working with an aligner provider. He will take your dental impressions, either by an impression kit or an oral scan, and sometimes both.
Based on your dental scan or impressions, a treatment is mapped out by the orthodontist who sends it to the provider. After a few days, you are provided with sets of aligners and guided about your wearing schedule.
The cost of in-house aligners ranges from $ 3000 to $9000 for a treatment duration that may last from 12 to 36 months. Compared to this, at-home clear aligners offer a significantly less expensive and convenient option.
At-Home Aligners
These aligners are delivered to your doorstep. The process involves ordering an impression kit and sending dental impressions to the provider. Professionals assess these scans, and a treatment plan is devised and shared with the customer. Once the customer approves, their aligners are sent to their doorstep.
At-home aligners, like those offered by ALIGNERCO, are gaining momentum because they suit everyone’s busy lifestyles. They offer day and night plans to accommodate different personal preferences and schedules.
The entire process of teeth straightening can be completed at home, starting with impressions and ending with retainers.
This revolutionary change not only makes clear aligners budget-friendly and an ideal choice for those traveling frequently or on a tight schedule.
The average cost of at-home clear aligners like those offered by ALIGNERCO ranges between $995 to $1195, and the treatment duration lasts from 4 to 8 months, depending on the plan you’ve picked and the severity of your case.
Why Clear Aligners Are Winning?
Clear Aligners offer effective solutions for mild to moderate malocclusions. In order to know why their popularity has surged globally in the last few years, we examined the reasons why they are gaining popularity among patients and dentists.
1. Discreet
While traditional braces look unappealing and bulky, clear aligners are practically transparentMost of these devices are made from high-grade plastic, making them difficult to detect.
Say goodbye to awkward photos and restrained smiles. Clear aligners will fit seamlessly into your daily life, providing a subtle way to achieve a perfect smile without the attention that traditional braces often attract.
2. Removable
Clear aligners are removable. They can be taken out before meals or brushing and snapped back on with ease. This helps with maintaining oral hygiene as well as keeping the aligners clean.
If a day-time aligner doesn’t suit your routine, consider opting for the wear-at-night-only plan. These aligners are worn only at night and straighten your teeth in the comfort of your bed.
3. Affordable
The increasing popularity of clear braces can also be attributed to their affordability. They can be up to 70% less expensive than conventional braces with no additional dentist fees.
Clear aligners offer a much quicker turnaround time. Where traditional braces took 8 months to several years, expect to straighten your teeth with clear aligners within 4 to 8 months.
On top of that, with clear aligners, there is no need for frequent appointments and long waits at the dental clinic, further reducing overall costs and hassle.
4. Less Painful
Removable aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. Since they're made of smooth plastic they eliminate the discomfort and abrasion associated with metal brackets and wires that irritate cheeks and gums.
While pain threshold varies from person to person and depending on the severity of the case, clear aligners like those at ALIGNERCO provide a significantly more comfortable alternative to traditional metal or ceramic braces.
How Do You Get Clear Aligners At Home?
To get your aligners, follow these easy and seamless steps.
1. Impressions
Place an order at the website for an at-home impression kit or a day or night aligner package that includes the kit. Once you receive it, follow the instructions to create your dental impressions and send them your impressions with a prepaid shipping label (included).
2. Approve Your Smile
On receiving your impressions, their dedicated team, using advanced computer algorithms, will create your before and after virtual 3D smile displays. This helps map the stages of your teeth straightening journey. Every treatment plan is reviewed by a US-licensed orthodontist. Once your plan is approved, you will be sent your aligners.
3. Begin to Straighten
Aligners come in a numbered series of sets. Each aligner set is made subtly different from its predecessor to move your teeth gently to their desired position. You will change your aligner trays every 10 days for the next few months. Follow the instructions provided closely to start straightening your teeth.
Treatable cases: Braces vs. Clear Aligners
While clear aligners offer a huge relief from the many drawbacks of braces, they cannot fully replace them.
Even though braces are becoming more popular, a completely braces-free orthodontic landscape is unlikely by 2040. For severe dental issues, metal braces remain the best option, as they cannot be effectively treated with clear aligners.
Dental concerns like missing teeth, open bites, large gaps, rotated teeth, and intrusion and extrusion are all highly dependent on the precision and versatility of metal braces.
So while we may expect a significantly aligner-dominant future, it is for now unlikely to expect a completely braces-free future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit a dentist for clear braces?
ALIGNERCO braces offer at-home teeth straightening treatment, from teeth impression kit to your last retainer, all delivered to your doorstep. No dentist trip is needed.
Which one is better: Aligners or Braces?
Aligners can fix mild to moderate dental misalignment cases. For severe cases, braces are a more reliable solution.
Which one is better, night or day aligners?
Both are effective. Night-time aligners are worn at night only (10 hours wear time) while daytime aligners are worn throughout the day (22 hours wear time). Night-time aligners take longer to straighten teeth, due to their less wear time, around 6 to 8 months, while daytime will take around 4 to 6 months.
Can I eat with Aligners on?
Aligners need to be taken off before eating and drinking anything other than water. They are made super precise and eating can distort their shape, compromising their effectiveness.
