Clear aligners are becoming an increasingly popular way to straighten teeth that are crooked, protruding, or crowded. They offer an array of benefits that traditional braces do not as the entire process is completely different. Instead of metal wires and brackets, the teeth are shielded by flexible plastic pieces that go directly over the top or bottom arch, or in some cases, both.
When considering clear aligners, it can be helpful to become familiar with their benefits as they may help when trying to decide what treatment route to take. Continue reading to find out what benefits general dentists typically discuss in regards to clear aligners.
Outlined below are a few advantages that come with getting clear aligners to address teeth straightening concerns.
One of the main advantages of clear aligners is that they are a flexible treatment option. Because they are removable, patients have complete control of their treatment. This makes it possible to eat naturally, while also allowing for proper oral hygiene to take place.
While this is an advantage, it can also be seen as a need for discipline. It can be easy to take the aligners out and forget to put them back in for hours at a time, which can result in delayed results. General dentists require clear aligners to be worn for at least 22 hours a day. And immediately after eating, it is ideal to brush and rinse, if possible. This ensures that food debris does not get beneath the clear aligners, which can result in bacterial growth.
Another advantage of clear aligners is that they are extremely comfortable and easy on the soft tissues of the mouth. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are made of plastic materials that have a soft feel to them. Their unique design results in less discomfort during the treatment process, which means little to no soreness or sensitivity.
An added benefit is that there are not any metal wires or brackets that may poke or irritate the soft tissues in the oral cavity, which cannot be said about traditional or even clear braces.
Clear aligners do not require any special maintenance. Since they are removable, patients can simply take them out in order to brush, floss, and rinse each day. Unlike braces, the teeth and gums are not put at serious risk when wearing clear aligners, as regular maintenance can still take place. Dentists do recommend that patients clean the clear aligners once a day to avoid bacteria build-up; however, that is as easy as rinsing them in a dental solution or with a warm water and salt mixture.
Traditional braces require a lot of work when it comes to eating. Food often gets stuck between brackets, under the wires, or behind the teeth, thus making it difficult to enjoy eating. Additionally, sticky and hard foods have to be avoided in order to prevent damage to the braces.
However, the opposite is true for clear aligners. Again, due to their removability, clear aligners do not pose a problem when it comes to eating. This advantage means that patients can simply take their aligners out prior to eating. Afterward, they can be placed back over the teeth as normal.
Clear aligners do not require as many dental appointments as traditional braces do. Because an entire series of clear aligners is custom-created at the start of treatment, patients simply change their appliances out every six to eight weeks, or when advised by the dentist. In some cases, the dentist does require that the patient visit the office when changing to a new set of aligners; however, even then, there are fewer appointments required and they typically do not take nearly as long.
When considering clear aligners, it is crucial to understand that not everyone is a good candidate. Those who have minor to moderate dental issues make great candidates; however, more severe problems such as over or underbites will require the treatment of braces as this type of shift is more drastic.
If you are interested in clear aligners, then contact our office today. Any questions or concerns you may have can be properly addressed, and an evaluation can be done to identify the most suitable course of action for each individual's needs.
Request an appointment here: http://plainviewdental.com or call Plainview Dental at (516) 255-6716 for an appointment in our Plainview office.
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