Table of contents
The field of orthodontics has revolutionized over time. Apart from traditional braces, orthodontic patients can achieve the smile of their dreams more comfortably through clear aligners. They have become a popular course of treatment due to their many benefits. Here is an ultimate guide on clear aligners including their health benefits.
Understanding Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners are orthodontic devices that are used to reposition or straighten teeth. They are transparent and thin alternatives to traditional metal braces. They look similar to clear retainers, however, retainers are used to prevent teeth from moving whereas aligners help to move teeth to a desirable position. Unlike traditional braces, they do not include external objects like metallic brackets or wires and are not fixed over the tooth's surface but are worn over teeth.
Why Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are more likely to treat mild to moderate dental issues including overcrowding, teeth gaps, open bite, underbite, overbite, and more. Aligners offer much more comfortable teeth straightening for individuals looking forward to aligning their teeth for a perfect smile. Due to the plenty of benefits, clear aligners have emerged as a popular choice to achieve straighter teeth.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have become quite popular among individuals seeking orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening. Here are some of the benefits that you could enjoy while undergoing teeth straightening with clear aligners.
Teeth Straightening in less time
Many orthodontic patients are worried about the time it will take to straighten their teeth. Depending upon the desired results, time varies from one person to another. Treatment mostly depends upon the complexity of the case. In most cases, it takes around four to six months also depending on the wearing time of the aligners.
Barely Visible
Clear aligners are the best option for people who are worried about their appearance while undergoing teeth straightening. Aligners are made of plastic and do not include any metallic brackets or wires making them barely visible. They are ideal for people who do not want to compromise their appearance, especially for any occasion.
No Dietary Restrictions
Even while undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, you can still enjoy your favorite foods, unlike traditional braces. You can simply remove your aligners while having any meal. Aligners are easier than metal braces as the food particles often get stuck in metal braces, and it gets hard to chew.
Good Oral Hygiene
In addition to smile enhancement, clear aligners offer oral health benefits. Patients with metal braces have to put a lot of effort into maintaining good hygiene. It gets challenging for patients to maintain their oral health due to the presence of metallic brackets on the surface of the tooth. On the other hand, it is much easier to brush and floss with aligners as they can be removed easily. And, orthodontic patients can keep up with their oral hygiene by and protect themselves from gum diseases and cavities.
Raised Confidence
Having straighter teeth and a smile that lightens up the room can enhance your overall confidence. People with crooked teeth or any other dental concerns are often worried about their appearance and even do not show their excitement the way they should. Not having a perfectly aligned smile, suppresses their confidence leading to being insecure all the time.
Improved Bite Function
Another important health benefit of clear aligners is the impact on bite functioning. Clear aligners not only straighten teeth but also correct bite issues, for instance, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Clear aligners promote better bite function, reducing the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and related symptoms like headaches and jaw pain.
FAQs
1. Why clear aligners are being preferred over braces?
Clear aligners have emerged as a popular treatment option for being due to the comfortable approach. Moreover, they are removable and barely visible which grabs the attention of orthodontic patients.
2. Who can get clear aligners?
Anyone with mild to moderate dental concerns can get clear aligners. Your orthodontist can best assess your case to suggest you.
3. What is the treatment duration for clear aligners?
The average treatment duration for clear aligners ranges between four to six months. However, the duration may vary depending on the case and the wearing time of an individual.
