Clear aligners are an excellent option whether you’re looking to get your smile straight or improve your oral health. Here are some of the top reasons adults choose clear aligners over traditional braces:
Clear aligners use a series of clear removable “trays” that gradually move teeth into their desired position. These trays are custom-made for each patient’s specific needs.
Faster Treatment Times
Clear Dental Aligners for Adults are a great option for those who want to achieve their desired smile quickly and easily. This is because clear aligners are removable, meaning patients can eat, drink and brush their teeth without being restricted.
Treatment times with clear aligners vary, depending on how crooked or crowded the patient’s teeth are. Typically, treatment takes between 10 and 24 months.
Some patients also benefit from using headgear, which can shorten treatment time by applying additional pressure to the teeth, thereby speeding up movement.
While clear aligners work well for minor corrections, more complicated movements will likely require fixed orthodontic appliances to ensure predictable results. This includes cases like gaps, open bites and severe overjet.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of aligners, and some at-home brands offer financing options.
Less Frequent Visits to the Dentist
Many adults who undergo orthodontic treatment with clear aligners often see their dentist or orthodontist less frequently. These visits are usually for cleaning & evaluation, which can help check for any signs of gum disease or other oral health problems that may have developed during treatment.
In addition, a dental professional in Austin can help you stick to good oral hygiene practices during your treatment, such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day and maintaining a proper diet. These habits help reduce the occurrence of plaque accumulation, gum diseases, and white spot lesions.
While clear aligners can correct mild crowding or spacing issues, severe mouth problems like overbites or underbites require a more traditional orthodontic treatment. For this reason, you must visit your orthodontist who is an expert Invisalign Austin to discuss whether clear aligners are correct for you.
Less Discomfort
Besides allowing you to straighten your teeth without metal wires and brackets, clear aligners also don’t cause discomfort. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink everything you want while wearing clear aligners – no cables or elastics to worry about!
Many patients report that they enjoy the comfort of their aligners. And while some patients experience soreness, it’s generally mild and temporary.
If you do feel some pain from your aligners, there are a few things you can do to alleviate it. One is to only eat soft foods during the first few days of your treatment.
Another is to apply a bit of wax on the top edges of your aligners. This will help to reduce the friction that irritates your gums.
In addition, you can take over-the-counter pain medication if necessary. However, this should only be done as directed by your orthodontist. If you have a severe case of pain, you must contact your orthodontist immediately.
Less Expensive
Clear Dental Aligners for Adults are often less expensive than other orthodontic treatments like metal braces, which can cost thousands of dollars. These custom-made, removable aligners move teeth slowly to straighten them and fix bite problems.
This treatment option is ideal for patients who want a discreet and comfortable way to correct mild-to-moderate orthodontic health issues. Unlike braces, which use metal brackets and wires, aligners are clear plastic that can be removed when you eat or brush your teeth.
The process of obtaining a custom-made set of clear aligners starts with an impression kit or 3D scan performed in one of the aligner company’s offices. Then, the company analyzes the impressions and creates a custom set of clear aligners you wear during treatment. You’ll receive and replace your aligners every few weeks and retainers after treatment is complete to maintain your new smile.