What Are Clear Aligners?
Teeth aligners are made of transparent plastic that is custom-molded to fit your teeth. They apply a gentle pressure to shift your teeth into their desired positions. You must wear them for at least 22 hours a day. You can remove them for eating and brushing your teeth.
Some people experience a little discomfort when they are wearing the aligners. This is normal.
They are more comfortable than braces
In addition to being more discreet, clear aligners are also more comfortable than traditional braces. This is because they don’t require the same level of pressure on the teeth. Instead, they use gradual movement and gentle force to shift your teeth into place. Every few weeks, you swap out a new set of clear aligners and repeat the process.
Another advantage of aligners is that they can be easily removed before eating or drinking. This makes them a great option for patients who want to maintain their professional appearance while undergoing orthodontic treatment. However, it’s important to remember that food particles can get stuck in the aligners and may stain them, so you should brush your teeth after each meal.
In addition, clear aligners don’t contain metal brackets and wires that can irritate the cheeks and tongue. This makes them a more convenient option than regular braces, which can cause pain and irritation if they’re not cleaned correctly.
They are more discreet than braces
Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are made of a transparent material that blends into your smile. In addition, they’re easy to remove for eating and brushing. They’re also comfortable, whereas metal braces can irritate your cheeks and lips.
Moreover, plaque can hide between the brackets of metal braces. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Therefore, it’s important to clean your teeth regularly with a toothbrush. This can be difficult with braces, because you need to avoid certain foods.
With clear aligners, you can enjoy a diet without worrying about food restrictions. However, you should keep in mind that you need to remove them before meals. This can be embarrassing in social situations. Additionally, you should be careful not to lose them. If you do, you’ll have to wear the next pair. You’ll get a new set every two weeks, and each one is slightly different from the last one. This way, your teeth will gradually move towards the desired position.
They are more convenient than braces
Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are removable, similar to a sports mouth guard. They’re also clear, so they are less noticeable. This may be especially appealing to people who are self-conscious about wearing braces.
Since aligners can be removed, patients have more flexibility in their daily lives. For instance, they can remove them when eating or drinking (except for sugary beverages), brushing, flossing, and special occasions. This makes oral hygiene much easier.
In addition, clear aligners can be easily cleaned with water. You should also brush your teeth before and after putting on your aligners to remove any food particles. In addition, a 2017 study found that clear aligners can improve periodontal health by reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Clear aligners are also less expensive than metal braces, and require fewer office visits. During your initial visit, you’ll be given a treatment plan designed using high-tech software and 3D images of your teeth. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to wear your aligners for up to 22 hours a day, and you’ll be given a new set every couple of weeks.
They are more affordable than braces
One of the biggest concerns with clear aligners is their cost. However, the average teeth aligner costs much less than traditional metal braces. Choosing a doctor who uses digital images to diagnose, plan and prepare your clear aligners will ensure that they fit well and work as intended. It is also recommended that you avoid buying aligners through a mail-order company, as these may not be properly fitted and do not involve the supervision of a doctor.
Unlike braces, which can irritate the cheeks and lips, aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear. They are also removable, which allows you to brush and floss more effectively. This means that they are a good choice for adults and teens who are self-conscious about the appearance of conventional metal braces.
Clear aligners can correct a variety of bite issues, including overbite, crooked teeth and crowded teeth. They can also fix the diastema, which is a gap between your front upper and lower teeth.