Do Clear Aligners Really Work?

Dental technology has come a long away. For those of us who are little bit older, clunky and uncomfortable braces were usually the go to method. At least for those unfortunate enough to be born with crooked teeth. While traditional braces are still an option, dental patients are now lucky enough to have a vast array of choices to straighten their teeth. One that stands out among all the rest is clear aligners. Straightening your teeth in a way that is almost unnoticeable, is one major reason this option is popular among adults and teenagers.

Many seasoned individuals feel that they have missed the window of opportunity for orthodontic treatment. They may have been told that their jaws and teeth are no longer malleable. This is a myth, with the correct amount of pressure, age is nothing but a number when it comes to achieving straight teeth.

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Aligners are made from acrylic material or clear plastic. Your orthodontist carefully examines your teeth and then decides the best way to correct your problem. This is done by moving your teeth with several versions of aligners. The aligners make small adjustments that gently moves your teeth to a desired position over time. The aligners are usually replaced every two weeks. The treatment can take between 10 to 24 months in most cases.

Depending on the condition of your teeth, clear aligners may be a great solution to your less than perfect smile. The following are pros of clear aligners:

• You can take them out when eating
• You can clean your teeth without the aligners getting in the way
• Barely noticeable
• The shape of your face does not change
• No need to feel self-conscience in social situations
• The cost is about the same as metal braces
• More comfortable than braces that have wire and rough edges

Clear Aligners may not work for everyone. These aligners work best for teens and adults who have crowded teeth or mild to moderate misalignment. They can also fix the following dental problems:

• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overcrowded smiles

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Invisible aligners do a lot more than improving the aesthetic look of your teeth. Gapped teeth can leave room between your gums and teeth where food can get lodged, resulting in sore and tender gums which can sometimes lead to gum disease. Clear aligners also have an advantage over metal braces when it comes to stains. Metal braces can cause stains that accumulate on your teeth.

Crooked teeth can make it difficult for your teeth to be well cleaned. Floss and the bristles of your toothbrush have a hard time reaching some areas of your teeth which can lead to the growth of bacteria. Crooked teeth are also most likely to crack or chip if you’re in an accident. When teeth are crowded at the bottom it can cause other teeth to protrude and rub against your top teeth which wears out your enamel as time passes.

To get the best results, patients need to make their dentists’ instructions a top priority. When you first get your aligners installed, the dentist will probably instruct you to wear them as much as possible during the initial forty-eight hours. Taking the trays out to brush teeth is allowed but then it is recommended to immediately place them back in your mouth.

One really important step to remember is to wear the aligners for at least twenty-two hours a day. The amount of time that it takes to straighten your teeth can increase dramatically if you wear them for less than the recommended hours per day.

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Changing your trays on time and in the right order is very important. Rushing the process and ignoring the time frames that your dental provider recommends, will only end up slowing the straightening process down.

Proper cleaning of your aligners is also important, not only for the look of your mouth but for your physical health as well. Cleaning your clear aligners with antibacterial soap and warm water is the best method for good dental hygiene. Avoid using toothpaste, which can end up scratching the plastic, creating a place where bacteria can thrive. Dietary guidelines should be followed as well. The mouth may create a lot of saliva in an attempt to clean out the foreign object it senses. Drinking plenty of water will keep your mouth from becoming dehydrated.

Dr. Suffoletta is known for restorative, preventive and aesthetic dentistry. He prides himself on keeping up to date on the latest dental technology available. Clear aligners are one of the many services available at Functional Aesthetic Dentistry. Don’t miss out on their current special that offers $1,000 off your next set of aligners. If you have been on the fence this is the time to take advantage of this amazing offer. Call 702-671-0001 or visit Functional Aesthetic Dentistry online to learn more.