Dental clear aligners are orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. They are custom-made, virtually invisible, and made of a clear plastic material. Clear aligners work by applying controlled, gradual pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions over time.
Clear aligners differ from traditional braces in several ways:
Appearance: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, whereas traditional braces have metal components that can be seen.
Removability: Clear aligners can be taken out of the mouth, while traditional braces stay fixed to the teeth.
Comfort: Clear aligners are seen as being more comfortable, because they don’t have all the metal parts and wires that are associated with traditional braces.
Benefits
There are several advantages to using clear aligners instead of traditional braces; these advantages significantly improve the orthodontic experience. To start, using clear aligners makes the treatment look a lot less awkward than using traditional braces. Then there’s the fact that the person using the aligners can easily take them out when they want to eat or drink something other than water. (Water consumption in aligners is totally fine.) But what most people using clear aligners don’t realize is just how much of a role those aligners play in the whole oral hygiene of their lives. With the aligners on, a person’s teeth are a lot easier to clean than with traditional braces.
Who can get Clear Aligners
People with mild to moderate orthodontic problems—like crowding, spacing, or mild bite issues—are the most appropriate for this type of orthodontic treatment. Patients with severe misalignment may need to stick with standard-issue wire and brackets in order to ensure a comprehensive improvement.
Length of Treatment
The length of treatment is different for everyone. Treatment usually lasts from a few months to a few years. At the start of treatment, patients get a bunch of aligners. They wear them in the order given, moving to the next set every few weeks. The aligners move the teeth a little bit at a time and are replaced frequently.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects that could occur include temporary discomfort. Individuals may feel a sense of soreness when they switch to another set of aligners. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene during treatment by brushing and flossing as directed. The aligners also require regular cleaning with a mild soap, or a cleaning solution designed for clear aligners, followed by rinsing with water until no soap residue is left.
Retainers
When the clear aligner treatment is finished, patients will receive retainers for keeping their newly aligned teeth in place. These retainers are meant to stop the teeth from shifting back to where they were.
Additional Information
Clear aligners do not carry any specific dietary restrictions because they are not attached to the teeth like fixed braces are. Our patients can take them out temporarily to eat and drink whatever they like. However, they should make sure to wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day to finish each two-week phase on time and get the best results