Clear Aligners and Its Benefits

A smile can brighten your face like no other accessory. You will agree that there is some truth in the statement. A beautiful set of pearly whites, can enhance a smile and add a certain sparkle to personality. However, not everyone is blessed with perfectly aligned teeth.

The good thing is that there is help available. An increasing number of people have benefited from orthodontic devices, such as clear aligners. Traditionally, orthodontists and dentists used train-track braces to correct misaligned teeth. The procedure involved the use of metal brackets connected by wires. They stood out and were ‘ugly’, moreover they were also painful and caused different levels of discomfort to the wearer. Thankfully, medical technology has improved and come up with a better version. Today, orthodontists and dentists suggest clear aligner treatment. These are aesthetically appealing and do as excellent a job as traditional aligners.

What are clear aligners?

True to their name clear aligners are practically invisible. You can have them on, and not be awkward about it, because no one will notice them. Moreover, clear aligners are not one size fit all – they are customised to suit individuals.

Clear aligners are a snug fit; they slip over teeth, are transparent and go unnoticed. They are the best way to straighten teeth and do so gently, over a period of time. You will go through several stages (each involving a different set of trays), throughout the entire process. As the teeth move and shift to new positions (tray will feel loose), the patient themselves can start with the next set. To obtain the desired alignment, orthodontists recommend a follow up after all the trays are finished.

An important point to note here is that aligners are best suited for all ages albeit teens or adults. That is because they are custom-built to fit snuggly. A young child will not benefit from this procedure of straightening teeth, as their mouth and jawline are not fully developed. It is best to allow the ortho specialist to decide whether aligners are suited for you or not. It is also in your interest to go to an experienced professional, who has practice working with clear aligners. Dentique The Dental Studio offers excellent service and comes highly recommended.

Benefits of clear aligners

Clear aligners are the latest orthodontic device for straightening teeth but are they better than the traditional train track braces? Let us explore what makes clear aligner treatment a better choice and why you must consider them, over steel braces.

They are inconspicuous

Their most significant advantage is that they are almost invisible. Others do not notice them quickly because there are no visible signs, and that gives the wearer a boost of confidence. Clear aligners are made from transparent, see through material, and camouflage perfectly with the teeth. Clear aligners are aesthetically appealing and more desirable compared to traditional metal braces with brackets.

They are detachable

Metal braces are fixed and cannot be removed, making it difficult to eat, drink and maintain good dental hygiene. Food invariably gets stuck between the contraption, increasing the chance of tooth decay and discolouring. It is not easy to brush teeth with braces. Clear aligners have the advantage that they can be removed.

They can be easily placed and removed, and users can choose to remove them at will, and without assistance. However, dentists/orthodontists recommend that the aligners be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, for them to do their job.

Easy to maintain

A lot of bacteria grows in the mouth, and this harmful bacteria can become trapped within the clear aligners. As the aligners can be removed, it is easier to clean them. There is also the fact that it is easier to maintain dental hygiene with clear aligners. Users are encouraged to remove the aligners before brushing teeth, for that allows better access to the teeth.

With fixed braces cleaning teeth becomes a problem. The bristles on the toothbrush get caught between the wires and the braces. Further, food gets stuck in inaccessible points, increasing the risk of dental caries and decalcification. Clear aligners allow full access to the teeth surface and make brushing and flossing simple and effortless. Metal braces require frequent visits to a dental hygienist for their cleaning and for maintaining dental health.

They are comfortable

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are much more comfortable. Metal braces have a reputation for being painfully uncomfortable. Since they are made of metal, they cause a great deal of discomfort, especially on the inside of the mouth and the lips. Clear aligners, on the other hand, pose no such problems. Their clean surface and design do not obstruct or create a feeling of discomfort. Users feel a slight pressure on the teeth, which is a sign that the aligners are working, and doing the job that they are there for. Eating with braces can be painful, but with clear aligners, mealtime brings no worries.

They are accurate

Clear aligners are custom-made for each patient, and not only do they fit precisely, but it is also possible for dentists to give a more precise timeframe for the treatment. With train track braces it is possible to provide a rough estimate, which is not always correct.

Clear aligners use sophisticated procedures that involve CAD/CAM technology. State-of-the-art machines are used to study the teeth and determine the exact timeframe to correct the misalignment. For instance, with Invisalign aligners, it is possible to view digital representation of how the treatment will progress. The advanced technology shows step-by-step results of every stage of the procedure before the commencement of the treatment.

Finally, visit a reputed dentist for this procedure. We recommend Dentique Dental Clinic for all your dental problems.