You might be thinking about straightening your teeth but you are deterred by the thought of the metal mouthpieces and wires, clear aligners might be just what you need. It goes without saying that whether you are doing research on the Invisalign or just finding out what orthodontics options are available, this guide can show you everything you need to know, including the mechanics of clear aligners working, as well as what your life will be like every day during the treatment.
How Clear Aligners Work
To begin with, to know how clear aligners work, it is important to grasp their fundamentals. Clear aligners are a set of removable and custom-made trays made of smooth, BPA-free plastic. The trays are a bit different and they build up a light consistent pressure to push your teeth into a desired position.
It is initiated by a three-dimensional electronic scan of your mouth. It is with this scan that your dentist lays out a specific plan of movement in your tooths and a series of aligners are made, each one worn around one to two weeks and then the next tray of aligners are made in sequence. With time, your teeth will take the intended direction until you achieve your end result, your straight smile.
The Clear Aligners Treatment Process: Step by Step
Clear aligners treatment process is easier than most people expect. This is what you can expect in the end:
- First Visit: Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite to see whether or not clear aligners can be used on your case. At this stage, X-rays and digital impressions are made.
- Custom Treatment Plan: With the help of sophisticated software, a computer representation of your end smile is created. A simulation of your anticipated results can be seen before you are even treated.
- Getting Your Aligners: After your custom trays are manufactured, you will get your first sets of aligners with clear instructions on how to wear and take care of them.
- Wearing Your Aligners: You will get the best results when aligners are put in at least 20 or 22 hours a day, only to have a meal plus anything but water, brush and floss your teeth.
- Frequent Check-ins: As the process of clear aligners progresses, you will have regular visits to the dentist, usually after every six to eight weeks, so that you dentist can check your progress and give you new sets of trays.
- Retention Phase: You will be given a retainer to maintain your results and ensure that your teeth do not shift again once your active treatment is over.
Clear Aligners vs Braces: Which Is Right for You?
A question that patients often pose is on clear aligners vs braces. The two are useful in correcting misalignment but there are some notable differences between the two.
The conventional braces involve the application of metal brackets and wires that are permanently attached to the teeth. They are very useful with complex cases such as severe crowding, major bite problems and rotations. They, however, are not always comfortable, need dietary limitations and need more effort during cleaning.
Clear aligners are, however, virtually invisible, removable and can be more comfortable. Adults and older teenagers prefer them because they want a discreet alternative that fits into an active lifestyle. It is much easier to clean your teeth, as the trays can be taken out entirely and there are no restrictions on the food you can eat as the aligners are taken out prior to eating.
With that said, clear aligners need a high patient compliance level. Due to their removability, the outcome is reliant on the fact that they are worn regularly. In extremely complex cases, conventional braces might be the path of choice as well, your dentist will inform you about the most effective way depending on your personal requirements.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
The benefits of clear aligners go well beyond aesthetics. Here is why so many patients are choosing this treatment option:
- Discreet Appearance: The trays are barely noticeable, so, most individuals will not notice that you are wearing them at all this is a significant benefit to both the professionals and image conscious patients.
- Comfortable Fit: Clear aligners tend to produce fewer irritations on the soft tissues of the mouth because they do not have sharp brackets or tightening wires.
- Removability: The fact that you can remove your aligners at meals and to do oral care makes the treatment a lot easier to manage daily.
- Predictable Results: Digital treatment planning would allow you to observe the results of what you want as soon as the first appointment, and you would be assured of the process.
- Better Oral Hygiene: No brackets and wires to work around with: Brushing and flossing are not difficult during treatment, reducing the risk of cavities and gum problems encountered with fixed appliances in certain instances.
- Shorter Length of Appointment: The procedure of carrying out follow-up visits with clear aligners is relatively shorter and lighter than the typical orthodontic adjustment appointments.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
During the initial days of wearing a new tray, there is a possibility of slight discomfort or a slight pressure sensation in your mouth, this is a normal thing that takes place and is just an indication that your teeth are shifting. This sensation passes away soon and is found distasteful by most patients. There can be some initial feeling of speech impairment but otherwise an overwhelming majority of wearers are adjusted in less than a day or two.
It is important to keep your aligners clean. Wash them with lukewarm water frequently and clean the trays with a soft toothbrush. Do not use hot water which may cause distortion of the plastic.
Bottom Line
If you are ready to explore your options for a straighter, more confident smile, the team at Bayswater Dentist is here to guide you every step of the way. We have professional dentists who will provide a customised clear aligner consultation, where they listen to your objectives and create an individualised course of treatment. Your initial scan to your last retainer, we promise to ensure that your smile transformation is as comfortable as it can be.
Call Bayswater dentist today to make your appointment – your new smile is nearer than you think.