The Benefits of Transparent Aligners: Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?
Are clear aligners worth the effort? Aligners are a popular choice for most patients these days. Why settle for metal braces when you could have an invisible treatment plan?
Still, it’s always wise to do your research before starting any dental treatment - take it from the experts. Hence, we created an unbiased roundup of the pros and cons invisible teeth aligners have to offer. Check them out below.
Advantages of Invisible Teeth Aligners
1. You Get Your Privacy.
Aesthetics is the most common reason why people opt for invisible aligners. Having a metal mouth draws a lot of unwanted attention to your face. It’s why we meet so many insecure patients with traditional braces.
The invisible, plastic design of aligners allows you to complete your treatment without anyone knowing you wore them at all! Did you notice when Justin Bieber or Oprah Winfrey started theirs? We bet you didn’t.
So, forget about the brace face.
2. You’ll Straighten Your Teeth Quickly.
Modern dental technology empowers dentists to create your entire treatment plan before you wear anything. What’s more, you won’t have to worry about braces popping off and delaying your treatment.
In most cases, clear aligners can straighten crooked teeth within a matter of nine months. That’s almost miraculous compared to the two years minimum required for braces.
3. They’re Personalized.
There’s no doubt that invisible teeth aligners are the most comfortable orthodontic appliances available today.
The lab uses 3D images of your teeth to create unique aligner trays for your mouth. They’ll take into account the specific shape of your teeth to deliver a mold that fits snuggly around each of your molars.
4. No Unnecessary Surprises
Computerized models take a closer look at your teeth to keep your orthodontist informed about your treatment. They’ll be able to control your progress and keep you up-to-date on the long-term changes that you should expect.
5. They’re Practically Painless
The truth is, you might experience some minor discomfort the first few hours after a new fitting. But the pain doesn’t typically last more than a couple of days.
Invisible aligners move teeth using minimal pressure, granting you an almost painless experience. Once your teeth settle in their new position, your gums and bone will get less sensitive. You’ll be back to regular programming before you realize it.
6. You Can Take Them Off Anytime
Need to eat? No problem! Ready for bed and want a break? Go ahead.
Invisible teeth aligners are removable at any time. Orthodontic appliances, like braces, tend to harbor debris and bacteria from mealtime. But there’s no need to keep your aligners on 24/7, especially if it means taking better care of your oral hygiene.
Typically, we recommend wearing your appliance for at least 20 hours daily. That leaves a window for you to relax without anything extra sitting in your mouth. Check out more how Straight Teeth Invisible aligners work.
7. Fewer Visits to Your Orthodontist
Braces are high maintenance. You’ll need monthly visits to make adjustments, plus impromptu ones to repair loose wires and rubber bands. On a busy day, a braces appointment could take almost an hour.
On the other hand, transparent aligners are more of an at-home solution. You can schedule E-consultations with your orthodontist in between your 6-week appointments.
Plus, custom-made appliances hardly require long-ending adjustments. Don’t be surprised if you spend less than 15 minutes in the dentist’s chair.
8. They’re Easy to Clean
Clear aligners make brushing and flossing easy tasks. Your routine won’t change drastically. However, you’ll have to clean your aligners daily, preferably after each meal, to avoid plaque buildup.
Still, it’s not as complicated as trying to get floss threaders around metal brackets on your molars.
9. They Give Teeth Extra Protection,
While they aren’t mouth guards, invisible teeth aligners could save your teeth from a hard knock. Soft plastic absorbs shock, which could prevent you from cracking an incisor during a ball game.
10. You’ll Boost Your Oral Health.
Research shows that transparent aligner treatment can lessen the odds of periodontal disease when compared to braces. Simply put, oral hygiene is much easier with a removable appliance than a fixed one.
Besides, the straighter your teeth, the healthier your gums. Cavities often form between the gaps of crooked teeth. Caries often leads to what we like to call the three I’s of dental health:
● inflammation,
● Irritation, and
● Infection.
Disadvantages of Clear Teeth Aligners
1. They Won’t Solve Every Case
Although invisible aligners are covering more and more cases every day, they do have their limitations.
They will successfully correct overcrowding, close gaps and minor bite issues. Yet, braces are better for complex situations. For example, your dentist may use wires to pull a hidden tooth out of the gum and into your arch. Aligners may be convenient, but they aren’t a jack of all trades.
2. You May Need Buttons
Your orthodontist may place buttons on your teeth to help secure the aligners. These additions can make it tricky to remove the aligners. Moreover, the small stubs might be visible when you’re not wearing your trays.
3. Possible Discoloration
Indeed, you don’t have to change your diet when wearing transparent aligners. But beware of certain foods - like black tea, coffee, and sodas - that can cause noticeable stains to your appliance.
4. You’ll Need to Cut Down on the Snacks.
Frequent snackers tend to dumb down on their oral hygiene practices. Honestly, removing your aligners can get annoying if you do it excessively.
Regardless, neglecting to remove them during meals puts you at risk of tooth decay. If upkeep is an issue, then it would be wise to cut down on your snacking. Food will always be around, but we can’t guarantee the same for your teeth.
5. You Might Develop a Lisp
Have you ever tried talking with your tongue on the roof of your mouth? Clear aligners can have the same effect. It may take a while to get used to them over your teeth.
In the meantime, you might notice a slight change in your speech. However, it’s nothing that a little practice can’t resolve. Try reading aloud after your new fitting. It will help train your tongue to pronounce difficult words, like those beginning with ‘S’ and ‘R.’
With consistency, you should be back to normal within a week.
6. They Only Work If You Do Too
We know you love the idea of a removable orthodontic appliance. But if you don’t stick to your treatment plan, you won’t see the differences you want very soon.
You must adhere to your wearing schedule and dentist visits. Otherwise, your teeth aren’t going to move into place on time. Moreover, if you don’t take responsibility for your oral hygiene, cavities can derail your plan altogether.
Clear aligners can straighten crooked teeth, but they need your commitment to do so.
Orthodontic treatment helps correct these issues using realignment techniques.
Are clear aligners bad for your teeth?
Clear teeth aligners are a convenient and cost-effective option for many patients.
But here’s the bottom line: there is no perfect orthodontic treatment. Each has its own set of drawbacks.
But when you consider the pros and cons, we’d say that the benefits of invisible aligners win today. The real question is, are invisible aligners right for you?
We’d love to help transform your smile at Straight Teeth Invisible. Schedule an e-consultation if you’re ready to discuss your options. Your teeth should be a priority; let’s take care of them together!
You can check out our online invisible aligners treatment on Straight Teeth Invisible.
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