Clear aligners offer an effective alternative for patients seeking to straighten their teeth without needing metal braces; these clear trays are less noticeable and easier to keep clean than braces.
Uses similar principles as traditional braces by applying gentle pressure to shift teeth into position and realign them over time. Every few weeks, patients switch out for another aligner in the series.
Cost
Clear aligners may provide an effective alternative to metal braces in straightening crooked teeth; however, their cost may exceed that of their metal counterparts.
Cost of Clear Aligners Varies Based on Treatment Plan By orthodontist or dentist Complex cases that require more time and more aligner trays will incur higher costs
Costs may also differ depending on where you reside and the office that provides your alignment treatment, such as specialist orthodontists who exclusively offer clear aligners or general dental practices that offer clear aligner services. While the latter could save money when choosing an affordable office such as NewSmile and SmileDirectClub offering both at-home and in-office treatments that utilize digital scans or at-home impression kits – with closer monitoring provided via in-person scans.
Aesthetics
Clear aligners offer a more discreet alternative to metal braces. Their discreetness allows patients to achieve straighter teeth without feeling self-conscious; plus they’re removable, so patients can still enjoy all their favorite foods and beverages without restrictions or limitations.
Orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation. An orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth to create a working cast which will then be scanned to create a personalized treatment plan and clear plastic aligners will then be made out of Essix material.
Traditional orthodontic principles such as Angle’s classification and Andrews’ six keys to normal occlusion have long guided our thinking in orthodontics; however, these guidelines must now take into account aesthetic demands from patients that arise today – demands which have existed for some time; however the aesthetic advantages offered by clear aligners is relatively new – providing orthodontists an excellent opportunity to increase case acceptance while improving their patients’ experiences during the treatment process (1-4).
Comfort
Treatment typically entails wearing a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners that fit over your teeth to gradually move them into position. These aligners are much more comfortable than braces due to no metal wires causing irritation on cheeks or lips as seen with traditional braces.
At first, your mouth may take several days to adjust to having an aligner in its place. While you may experience some discomfort and soreness during this process, tips to alleviate discomfort include drinking cool water, eating popsicles or smoothies and chewing gum.
As another way to alleviate pain inside your mouth, you could try using a small wad of wax as cushion. Furthermore, it’s advisable to remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid food particles and acidic beverages becoming trapped underneath them – an experience which won’t do your saliva any good.
Maintenance
Preserving the quality and look of your aligners requires extra care in order to look their best, stay clean, and prevent other dental issues. Brushing and flossing regularly – particularly before wearing aligners – is crucial. Also be sure to remove them prior to eating to reduce food particles from getting stuck between the tray and your teeth.
As part of your daily hygiene regime, it’s advisable to soak your aligners daily. A solution made from lukewarm water and antibacterial soap should do just the trick – simply add a small amount of liquid soap until bubbles form before leaving them soaking for 20 to 30 minutes and rinsing before placing back into your mouth.
Protecting your aligners when not wearing them will also prevent misplacing or damaging them, which could cause them to lose their fit and delay your treatment process.
