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, while traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are more noticeable.
- Removability: Clear aligners are removable, allowing patients to eat, drink, and practice oral hygiene without obstruction, while traditional braces are fixed and cannot be taken out by the patient.
- Comfort: Clear aligners are generally more comfortable as they have no sharp edges or wires, unlike traditional braces that may cause irritation or sores.
Benefits
Benefits of using clear aligners include improved aesthetics during treatment, easy removal for eating and cleaning, and a reduced risk of oral hygiene issues. Limitations include being less effective for severe orthodontic issues and requiring compliance to wear the aligners for the prescribed duration.
Who can get Clear Aligners
Suitable candidates for this treatment are individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowding, spacing, or mild bite issues. Patients with severe malocclusion may need traditional braces for more comprehensive treatment.
Length of Treatment
The duration of treatment varies based on individual cases. Typically treatment ranges from several months to a couple of years. Patients receive a series of aligners at the beginning of treatment. Patients progress to the next set every few weeks as their teeth gradually move into alignment.
Potential Side Effects
Potential side effects of include temporary discomfort or soreness when switching to a new set of aligners. Patients should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and cleaning the aligners with a mild soap or clear aligner cleaning solution.
Retainers
After clear aligner treatment is completed, we will give patients retainers to maintain their newly aligned teeth. Retainers help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Additional Information
There are no dietary restrictions with clear aligners since they are removable. However, patients should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing the aligners to prevent staining or damaging them.
We usually schedule follow-up visits with the dentist every few weeks to monitor progress, ensure the aligners fit correctly, and receive new sets of aligners.