A well-aligned smile is something that all of us desire. But many of us suffer from teeth alignment issues, which prevent us from living our lives to their full potential.
Orthodontic treatment is the way of resolving teeth alignment issues and getting the smile of our dreams, but it has its own disadvantages.
Normally, orthodontic treatment would require us to have metal braces and brackets stuck on our teeth. This metallic look is something that puts many of us off. People feel uncomfortable in social situations, and they would rather stay with alignment problems than have metal braces in their mouths for many months.
The rise of dentist aligners has made a lot of difference recently. Now receiving orthodontic treatment has become easier for people looking for an alternative to metal braces.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays which are worn over the teeth. Each tray is worn for 7-14 days depending on the type of material. Each tray is structured to bring a subtle change in the position of the teeth. Teeth are moved slowly and brought to their ideal position in a period of a few weeks to a few months.
Why Clear Aligner Treatment is Becoming Popular?
1 – Removable –
Clear aligners can be easily removed from the mouth while eating or brushing the teeth. This is different from metal braces, in which a patient is stuck with the metallic look until the treatment ends.
2 – Aesthetic –
Clear aligners are almost transparent. If they are of good company, they fit well and can’t be easily detected by a person sitting at the other end. This makes it an aesthetic option. Many adults are delaying their orthodontic treatment because of the metallic look of the braces, so clear aligners become a go-to option for them.
3 – Easy to Maintain –
Clear aligners are easy to maintain; they can be removed from the mouth and washed with water. This ease of cleaning is not available with braces, as they can only be removed by a dentist. Also, the trays are supposed to be changed in a week or two, which further helps in maintaining hygiene as you can switch to a newer tray in a short span.
4 – Effective –
With all the benefits that it brings, clear aligners are also effective in bringing results for the patients. Clear aligners are capable of treating gaps and different types of alignment issues such as crossbite, deep bite, open bite, underbite, etc. The versatility of clear aligners makes it suitable for a variety of cases and opens a lot of options for the dentist.
5 – Lesser Dental Visits –
When you receive orthodontic treatment using clear aligners, you don’t have to visit the Dentist as many times. The clear aligners can be delivered to you together. You can take the entire set home and change the trays one after the other. For metal braces, you have to visit the dentist every month.
6 – Comfortable for the Patient –
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is comfort. There are no metal wires or brackets to cause irritation. The smooth plastic material makes them easier to wear. Since they are custom-made for each person, they fit snugly over the teeth without causing much discomfort.
Choosing the Right Treatment:
While clear aligners have many advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. Traditional braces are still the best option for severe alignment problems. Aligners work best for mild to moderate cases. Also, when you have a severe bone issue, you may need surgery first to correct bone alignment problems.
The treatment time also varies. It depends on the complexity of the alignment issue and how well a person follows the treatment plan. If the patient fails to wear the clear aligners for a specified period of time, which is usually 22 hours in a day, the treatment results can be delayed.
Cost is another factor to consider. Clear aligners are usually more expensive than traditional braces. However, many people find the extra cost worth it because of the comfort and convenience they offer. Also, we recommend that you speak to the dentist and seek some flexible payment options. Most of the dentists are happy to offer payment options to their patients.
Conclusion:
Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve the alignment of our teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. Traditional braces have been the standard option for years, but they come with some challenges. The introduction of clear aligners has provided a modern, comfortable, and less noticeable alternative.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, it’s important to consult a dentist or orthodontist. They can help determine the best option based on your specific needs. In most situations, clear aligners can treat alignment problems easily. All you need to do is follow the wear protocol of aligners.
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