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Clear aligners have revolutionised the dental and orthodontic industry in recent decades. With no need for clunky metal brackets or wiring, they provide a much more comfortable experience than traditional braces for the wearer. Although still a relatively modern treatment, they have been worn by millions of teens and young adults all over the world since their inception in the late nineties. Read on to get clued up on a number of interesting facts about the latest trend in teeth straightening.
They are custom-made
To ensure maximum wearability and comfortability, clear aligners are designed to fit each individual tooth. They must fit your mouth snugly to increase the chances of your treatment plan successfully realigning your teeth. The process of fitting clear aligners begins with the initial consultation. Digital scans, photographs and x-rays are taken of your mouth to produce a custom set of clear aligner trays. A small amount of tooth-coloured composite resin is then applied to each tooth to allow the trays to fit the contours of your mouth.
The installation process is pain-free and can take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Your dentist will then ensure your clear aligners are fitted securely and fully bonded to your teeth. You will require a number of tailor-made clear aligner trays for the duration of your treatment plan. These must be replaced every 2-3 weeks to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
You can remove them
Unlike standard braces, clear aligners can be removed. It is recommended you remove your clear aligners to eat and drink anything other than water. Wearing your clear aligners to eat can wear away at the structural integrity of the trays and cause them to snap and break down over time. They must also be removed to allow you to brush your teeth thoroughly and flush away any lingering food debris or bacteria.
You must remember to replace your clear aligners at the earliest possible opportunity to allow them to continue working on your teeth. Failure to do so may delay your treatment plan or may require you to shell out for avoidable follow-up treatments down the line. Some treatment providers also offer the option of night-only clear aligners which can be removed during the day. They may require to be worn for a longer length of time to achieve the same results but are less likely to interrupt your daily routine. It is worth familiarising yourself with the difference between clear aligners and traditional braces as these clear aligners are very different to wire braces.
They are suited to adults
Clear aligners are growing in popularity amongst young adults and older patients requiring orthodontic treatment. Constructed from transparent material, they are more likely to be worn fully undetected by the wearer as well as by others. As clear aligners are required to be worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day, they also demand a certain level of respect and maturity from patients. This can benefit adults who lead busy lives or simply do not wish to draw unwanted attention to any ongoing dental procedures.
Clear aligners or invisible braces also require less maintenance and upkeep than traditional braces do. With the ability to remove them as necessary, you can maintain good oral hygiene and prevent calcium deposits from developing on your teeth. This is often the case upon the removal of standard wire braces and can require further cosmetic treatment down the line to remedy. Adults and older patients are typically more image-conscious than teens or children. Clear aligners, or nighttime clear aligners, can realign your smile gradually and discretely and in less time than wire braces.
They have treated millions of patients
Since the inception of invisible brace technology over two decades ago, clear aligners have improved the smile of millions of patients and counting. A growing number of teens and young adults are opting for clear aligners as opposed to traditional braces for several reasons. For example, they are relatively invisible to others when worn, improving confidence levels in wearers insecure about their smile. They are also easily removable which means they can be worn will little to no disruption to your normal daily routine. They are also simple to clean and maintain allowing them to be flawlessly incorporated into your existing daily oral hygiene routine.
There is a high chance you know someone that has undergone clear aligner treatment and credits them with realigning their teeth and transforming their smile. With such a high success rate, why waste your time seeking out alternative teeth straightening methods?
If you are considering clear aligners, it is important to separate the facts from the myths. By researching the pros and cons of invisible braces, you can make an informed decision suited to your individual needs and requirements and take the first stop towards a brand-new smile today.
