There are many instances when people want a perfect smile and look, but they still don’t go for dental treatment. People go for other treatment methods like root canal treatments and crowns but refrain from getting orthodontic treatment due to their long course, visible metal wires, and uncomfortable brackets.
Have you also desired a better smile with straight teeth but didn’t like the idea of wearing metal braces? What if you could fix your smile without anyone noticing? That’s exactly what clear aligners do!
Clear aligners are one of the latest innovations that orthodontics have come up with. Clear aligners are custom and almost invisible, and they are a modern alternative to braces that provide the same results as braces at a faster rate with the least discomfort.
This article is for all those people who are looking forward to straightening their teeth in a comfortable and hassle-free manner.
All You Need to Know About Clear Aligners
Clear or invisible aligners are plastic appliances which are tray-shaped and fit onto your teeth. They are made of biocompatible materials that do not harm any oral body tissues.
These plastic trays are so transparent that people cannot notice that you are wearing them. These characteristics of clear aligners have made them very popular among youngsters and socially active people.
Aligners snugly fit onto the teeth and cause them to shift gradually to the desired position. This gradual shift makes the teeth come in proper and required alignment. This orthodontic movement depends on the material of clear aligners, the type of misalignment, and the complexity of the case. Clear aligners are recommended for mild to moderate cases and, in some of the complex cases, may be used with elastics to guide the tooth movement.
After the treatment is over, retainers are prescribed to keep the teeth in their position and prevent relapse.
How can you get clear aligners: a complete guide
The patient must do their research as well about aligners, treatment courses and nature to reach any decision quickly. Taking your dentist’s advice is the best thing if you have any queries. Let’s discuss the chronology of getting clear aligners.
First consultation: Visit your dentist to understand the degree of your teeth’s misalignment and treatment plan.
Recording Impression: Once you agree to the treatment plan, your dentist will record the impressions digitally or with impression material and will call you back after a few days to get your aligners.
Aligners Delivery: Your dentist will give you sets of aligners that are numbered progressively. You have to wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks and then switch to the next set. The switching of sets lets the teeth move towards the desired position gradually and smoothly.
Regular Follow-Ups: Your dentists will give you a proper schedule of appointments, and it’s recommended not to miss these follow-ups to avoid any mishap in treatment.
Why Are Clear Aligners So Popular?
People love clear aligners over braces because they are:
✔ Invisible – Clear aligners are almost invisible and thus fulfil the aesthetic criteria.
✔ Comfortable – They are very comfortable and free of any cuts and injuries like what happens with wires and brackets in braces.
✔ Maintain Oral Health – Aligners are removable, so it’s easy to maintain oral hygiene with aligners. You can remove your aligners while eating, brushing and flossing.
✔ No Food Restriction – You can eat whatever you want without any restriction like that of braces.
Can Everyone Use Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate crooked teeth. If someone has very crowded teeth or needs jaw correction, traditional braces might be better.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Clear Aligners?
You should wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. The more you wear them, the faster they work! Most people finish treatment in 6 months to 2 years.
If you forget to wear them, your teeth won’t move properly, and treatment will take longer.
How Do You Take Care of Clear Aligners?
✔ Rinse them every time you remove them.
✔ Brush them gently with a toothbrush.
✔ Try to use chewies and aligner removing tools for seating and removing aligners at least initially to avoid any kind of damage.
✔ Keep them in their case when not wearing them.
If you lose your aligners, tell your dentist right away to avoid delays in treatment.
Eating with Aligners
You must remove the clear aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. Eating with aligners can damage or stain them.
The good news is that, unlike braces, you don’t have to avoid your favourite foods!
In a Nutshell
An excellent alternative to metal braces for straightening teeth is clear aligners. They are a fantastic option for children, teenagers, and adults because they are undetectable, convenient, and simple to use. You can clean your teeth with ease, enjoy your favourite foods, and smile with confidence while wearing clear aligners.
However, they are only effective if you wear them on a regular basis and take appropriate care of them. Consult your dentist to determine whether clear aligners are the best choice for you if you’re considering getting them.
A beautiful smile is just a few months away—one aligner at a time!
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