A beautiful smile can make a huge difference in your appearance and self-confidence. Luckily, getting the smile you’ve always wanted is easier than ever with clear aligners.
Clear aligners are a growing trend in orthodontics and for good reason. They are a great alternative to traditional braces. Clear aligners can fix crooked, crowded, or irregularly spaced teeth. Not only do clear aligners straighten your teeth, but they also improve your bite and give you a dazzling smile!
This article will give you a little more information on the pros and cons of clear aligners. You’ll learn why clear aligners are so popular, how to choose the right clear aligners for you, and much more.
Pros And Cons Of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic appliance that help straighten teeth. They are designed to be used in place of conventional metal braces. Clear aligners are made from polyurethane, a clear thermoplastic that is BPA-free, FDA- approved, and free of harmful chemicals. But, as with anything there are pros and cons to using clear aligners.
Pros Of Clear Aligners
1. They Are Removable
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligner trays can be easily removed without causing any damage to the teeth or gums. This eliminates food getting stuck in the appliance. And, brushing and flossing is much more effective since you are not navigating around braces. Anytime you eat, drink, brush, or floss simply remove your clear aligners!
Additionally, the removable nature of these clear aligner trays allows you to maintain better dental health and reduces the risk of infection.
2. Super Comfortable
The clear aligner trays are very comfortable. They fit snugly on the teeth and cover the gum line. The material used in clear aligner trays is made from polycarbonate which makes them super comfortable and easy to wear.
Moreover, they do not involve any metal bracket, so you don’t have to deal with any pain or pricks from brackets or wires. After switching to a new set of clear aligners every couple of weeks, there will be minimal discomfort at first. After a few days, you will barely notice its presence.
3. No Food or Drink Restrictions
With traditional metal braces, hard foods are challenging and sometimes even off limits because metal wires make them difficult to chew and a bracket could easily come loose. However, because clear aligners are removed before eating and drinking, there are no restrictions. Clear aligners let you enjoy your regular diet!
4. Virtually Invisible
Clear aligners are remarkably invisible. This is one of the biggest advantages of clear aligners. Thus, they can be worn anywhere. You can feel confident smiling with your clear aligners and talking with others because they are undetectable. If you’ve been putting off getting braces because of their appearance, clear aligners are a wonderful alternative.
5. Fewer Office Visits
When treating misaligned teeth with traditional braces, you must visit the orthodontist often, as your orthodontist is responsible for ensuring that the alignment of your teeth is correct. But in the case of clear aligners, you won’t need to visit your dentist as often because the aligner tray can be easily maintained, removed, and replaced.
Cons Of Clear Aligners
1. Expensive
Clear aligners are slightly more expensive than traditional braces. However, when weighing the pros and cons, consider that with clear aligners you don’t have the inconvenience of frequent office visits or emergency visits due to broken wires and loose brackets. And, typically you get results quicker with clear aligners than with braces.
2. Not Suitable for Patients With Severe Conditions
When your teeth are severely misaligned and require in-depth treatment, clear aligners will not be effective. In this case, an orthodontist may recommend other treatments that are more effective than clear aligners.
3. Compliance Falls on Patient
You are responsible for wearing your clear aligners 22+ hours a day. Failure to wear your aligners for the recommended amount of time will not give you the results you desire. And, it is important to remove and replace clear aligners carefully. Incorrect removal can cause your teeth to be out of alignment. That’s why you have to be careful when you remove and place them.
Why Are Clear Aligners So Popular Now?
Clear aligners have become very popular in recent years. The biggest reason is the fact that they are undetectable. But there are so many more reasons that clear aligners are so popular including:
- Comfort
- No pain from tightening of braces
- Easy to use
- Less visits to dental professional during treatment
- No worries about broken brackets or wires
- Less oral abrasion
- Easy to maintain
- Hygienic
- Easier to maintain proper oral hygenine
- AND SO MUCH MORE!
Overall, clear aligners allow you to straighten your teeth quickly and easily.
Clear Aligners For Kids & Adults
If you think clear aligners are only for adults, you are mistaken. They are also very popular among children. Whether you have a younger child or a child approaching their tween years, clear aligners make a great option during those awkward years when children try to fit in with their peers. With clear aligners, your child can feel confident while getting a beautiful smile. But, adults turn to clear aligners for straight teeth too! Many professionals do not want to wear metal braces and opt for a less noticeable option for straightening their teeth.
Clear aligners are a great choice for all ages!
Conclusion – The Bottom Line!
All in all, clear aligners are a wonderful option for getting straight teeth and a dazzling smile. The FDA- approved clear plastic trays treat crooked, crowded, or irregularly spaced teeth. That’s why it is highly recommended for patients with mild to moderate cases of malocclusion.
Now that you know everything about clear aligners, you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are right for you. Nevertheless, if you have any questions about clear aligners, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
