If you need orthodontic work but aren’t thrilled with the idea of traditional wire-and-bracket braces, the solution is clear: clear aligners. Clear aligners are the modern way to straighten your teeth, using a clear plastic material that fits comfortably over the teeth to gradually move the teeth to their optimum position, just like traditional metal braces do.
But aesthetics aren’t the only reason to get clear aligners. There are myriad reasons why clear aligners are so popular – and so worth your consideration.
Aesthetics
As we mentioned before, aesthetics are a big reason people opt for clear aligners. They are clear, so they fit over the teeth and are almost unnoticeable. They are also replaced frequently so they don’t get discolored. That means your pearly whites shine through without buildup.
Ease of Removal
Because clear aligners fit over the teeth, they can just as easily come off for meals, drinks, and to clean. They are much easier to care for than wire-and-bracket braces, and you won’t get food or plaque trapped in your brackets because there aren’t any brackets to trap food particles in!
Cleaning clear aligners is easy, too. Just clean them with a toothbrush and paste, or soak them in retainer or denture cleaner, and they’ll maintain their clear tone. Even better, you’ll keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh while wearing them.
Enhanced Comfort
One of the main issues people have with traditional metal braces is that they can be uncomfortable. From poking wires to the uncomfortable sensation that occurs when your braces are tightened, wire-and-bracket braces aren’t for everyone. With clear aligners, this isn’t a problem because they are custom molded to fit your mouth, so there are no parts sticking out and no pulling sensation from your dentist or orthodontist tightening your wires.
Plus, their BPA-free plastic material is safe for the mouth!
Oral Health
When you choose clear aligners, you are making an investment in your oral health. That’s because your teeth and gums are easier to care for with clear aligners. Clear aligners are easily removed, so you can maintain your regular oral health routine, which includes brushing for two minutes at a time, at least twice per day, and flossing at least once per day, thus reducing your risk for cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease.
Predictability
Because clear aligners use computer imaging to predict the outcome of your treatment, you can see a rendering of what your teeth will look like following your treatment, making it easier to stick with your treatment goals.
Convenience
Because you will receive a new aligner to change out after a specified amount of time, you don’t need to visit the dentist or orthodontist as frequently for adjustments as you would with traditional wire-and-bracket braces. In fact, you may receive several sets of your aligners at the same time and monitor your own progress from the comfort of your own home, following your practitioner’s instructions. Instead of visiting every two to three weeks, you may not have to come by the office for four to six weeks!
Faster Treatment
While your treatment will vary depending on your individual mouth, with clear aligners, you can often finish your treatment faster than you might with traditional wire-and-bracket braces. This is because, due to the nature of your custom treatment plan, you may be able to focus more attention on the specific teeth that need attention most.
The Dangers of Clear Aligners
While clear aligners are made from a safe, BPA-free material, there are still some dangers associated with clear aligners, namely the trend of “braces by mail.” This aligner trend has made waves in recent years, claiming to be a cheaper alternative to dentist- or orthodontist-prescribed aligners. However, they can be very dangerous as they are not monitored by a professional. Thus, if something goes wrong, you may not even realize there’s a problem. This can worsen your bite and the alignment of your teeth and even cause teeth to fall out!
If you’re interested in clear aligners, we recommend you avoid the by-mail trend and speak to Restore Modern Dentistry about your clear aligner options here at the office.
To schedule a consultation, please contact the office today!