You might think orthodontists always install classic metal braces seen by many teenagers. This image does describe the majority of orthodontic patients. Yet, there is are new options that are gaining popularity over the classic metal braces. They are called Clear Aligners.
Clear Aligners are composed of polyurethane plastic that is hardly noticeable. Clear Aligners are not cemented or bonded to your teeth like metal or clear braces. These clear aligners are easily removable and useful in social settings, eating, brushing teeth, and flossing. It is so easy to take out the Clear Aligners trays that it might make you want to remove them more often than is recommended. Unfortunately, keeping them out of your mouth will slow down the process of straightening your teeth. Let’s talk about more of the positive aspects of Clear Aligners.
- Improved Oral Hygiene—Since Invisalign is removable, you can brush your teeth easier than traditional metal braces that are bonded to your teeth.
- A Discreet Look—These clear aligners are a discrete orthodontic treatment that will not change your self-image. Invisalign is a barely seen form of orthodontic treatment that can fit into your professional life well.
- More Dietary Choices— With regular metal braces, you have to modify your diet to protect metal wires and brackets. Yet, clear aligners give you the freedom to maintain the same diet. You can even eat apples and pizza.
- Comfort—Clear Aligners are composed of malleable plastic that will not irritate your gums and cheeks like metal braces may.
- Teeth-Grinding Protection— If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, Clear Aligners can work as a nightguard that can shield your teeth from wearing down.
Clear aligner technology is continually improving and helps with poorly aligned bites that use to be too difficult to treat with Clear Aligners. However, metal braces work most efficiently for some prognoses. We can talk and see if clear aligners are right for you.
The Clear Aligner Process
Clear Aligners function just like traditional braces. They apply small amounts of pressure to teeth in order to move them into alignment. The difference is that they do not contain metal. They consist of invisible, malleable plastic.
The Process: We compose a plan to align your teeth utilizing specialized computer software that designs your specific treatment regime. The process will be divided into many stages. At every stage, the Clear Aligners team will produce two plastic mouth aligners for your bottom and top teeth. The initial aligners are for two weeks and you need to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. Then, you will progress to the next trays that shift your teeth a small amount. This process will continue until your teeth are straightened.
Now Clear Aligners can be a successful option for teenagers due to two modifications. Teenage molars may not have come in so Clear Aligners have “eruption tabs” that leave room for the teeth to move into position. Clear Aligners for teens also have “compliance indicators” into the clear plastic that become paler during use. Therefore, teenagers, parents, and orthodontist can see how often the trays are worn. Clear Aligners are only successful if the trays are worn consistently.
Oral Hygiene During Clear Aligner Treatment
As previously stated, one beauty of Clear Aligner trays are that they can be taken out easily for cleaning. Make sure you do that. After any time you eat, you will need to brush your teeth to prevent plaque and food from being stuck in the trays. Trapped food may cause tooth decay and gum disease. You must clean your aligners consistently. You can clean your tray by brushing and rinsing them off in tepid water.
It is important to note that Clear Aligners is a different process than wearing braces. But maintaining your finished alignment is just as important. Always wear your retainers following the orthodontist’s recommendations post treatment to keep your perfect new smile.