A Guide on How To Have a Perfect Smile With Teeth Aligners

The last few decades have seen a transformative shift in the field of dentistry. In the past, the discomforts associated with traditional metal braces, such as sores and cuts from the metal brackets and wires, speech impediments, and high visibility while smiling, often deterred individuals from seeking orthodontic treatment. However, with the invention of teeth aligners, a growing number of people are choosing to straighten their crooked teeth. Beyond just aesthetics, aligners are a popular choice for those looking to improve their dental health, whether it's correcting misalignments or addressing bite issues. Yet, like any other innovation, teeth aligners come with their share of advantages and disadvantages. This guide will expose you to all the benefits and drawbacks of wearing aligners.  

An Introduction to Teeth Aligners 

Before we delve into the pros and cons of aligners, let's briefly understand what they are and how they function. 

Teeth aligners, also known as clear aligners, invisible aligners, clear braces, or invisible braces, are a set of transparent, thin, flexible trays that fit smoothly and tightly over the teeth. They look similar to mouthguards. They are made from biocompatible BPA-free medical-grade plastic material. They are custom-made for every patient and function by slowly applying pressure to your teeth over time and moving them to the desired place. 

Ideally, each set of aligners is worn for 20-22 hours daily, for 1-2 weeks or as advised by your dentist, before moving on to the consecutive sets. The treatment period usually lasts for a few months to a few years. The cases that are suitable for teeth aligners are usually mild to moderate. 

Common Pros of Teeth Aligners 

Subtle Appearance: As we know, teeth aligners are made of clear plastic; they are almost invisible when worn over teeth. This makes them the least noticeable on patients when they smile. Patients who wish to straighten their teeth inconspicuously find this quality very appealing as it does not hinder their self-confidence. 

Removable: Teeth aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This convenience allows patients to eat all their favourite foods and maintain their oral hygiene in good condition. You can brush and floss easily while undergoing aligner treatment. 

Comfortable: Aligners are made of smooth plastic and do not have any sharp edges that can cause cuts or bruises in your mouth. They are very comfortable to wear and feel smooth on the touch as compared to metal braces. 

No Dietary Restrictions: With aligners, you have no dietary restrictions. You are free to eat all your favourite foods, as aligners can be removed before eating. There are no chances of food getting stuck anywhere or damage to the aligners. Just remember to rinse your mouth well before putting your aligners back on. 

Treats Mild to Moderate Cases: Aligners can effectively fix many issues like underbites, overbites, crossbites, crowding, and spacing of teeth. They might not be suitable for severe cases. However, patients with mild to moderate issues can benefit from teeth aligner treatment. 

Shorter Treatment Time: Many times, aligner treatment works faster than traditional braces. This is the case in mild to moderate cases. 

Common Cons of Teeth Aligners 

Commitment to Treatment: In order to get the desired results in the given duration, the patient has to be committed to following the instructions given by the dentist. This means the patient must wear the aligners daily for 20-22 hours for 1-2 weeks. Failure to follow these instructions can prolong the treatment time.  

Speech Hindrance: Some patients might face speech problems during the initial period of aligner treatment. With time, the problem resolves as the oral tissues and mouth get used to the aligners.  

Potential Discomfort: Even though aligners are much more comfortable than metal braces due to their smooth material, some patients may experience temporary discomfort or soreness during the initial few days of wearing them. This gradually resolves. 

Not Suitable for Severe Cases: As mentioned before, aligners are not suitable for severe orthodontic cases. Traditional metal braces are the solution for such cases. 

Cost: The cost of aligners depends on factors such as the severity of the case, the duration of treatment, the dentist's experience, and the location of the clinic. Being made from advanced technology, aligners can be slightly more expensive than metal braces. However, their cost is justified by their effectiveness, speed, and convenience offered. 

Misplacement or Damage: There are high chances of misplacing or damaging aligners as they are removable in nature. This is why it is advised to keep aligners in the protective case they came in. 

Summary 

As we've explored in this detailed blog, aligners are highly versatile and effective in straightening teeth. They have numerous pros and cons to consider. Understanding these points can help you make an informed decision for your teeth and oral wellness.