Everyone wants straight teeth, but almost no one wants to put up with conventional braces. Metal braces can make you feel socially awkward, as they can affect your speech and appearance. They can also be physically uncomfortable, and difficult to keep clean.
Clear aligners are an alternative to braces that offer a solution to these common complaints. But how do they compare to braces, and how do you know if you should use them?
The problem with teeth that aren’t straight.
Crooked or crowded teeth can cause more than cosmetic issues. They are also more difficult to take care of. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively, leading to a healthier mouth and smile. Straighter teeth can also be a source of confidence, encouraging you to share your smile, rather than hide it.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are essentially clear, plastic trays, fitted and customized to your mouth and teeth, which help realign your teeth to be straighter, similar to metal braces.
Do clear aligners work as well as metal braces?
The efficacy of clear aligners will depend entirely on your situation. Depending on the position of your teeth, you may be a good candidate for clear aligners, or metal braces may be your best option. The best way to know is to ask your dentist.
What is the process for getting a clear aligner?
Your dentist can provide you with clear aligners that is properly fitted to your teeth and will adjust them accordingly, little by little, over time. You will have a progressive series of trays that you will change out every few weeks as your teeth begin to shift.
Are clear aligners painful to wear?
Clear aligners are designed to be a less invasive alternative to braces. That said, while your mouth is not being fitted with brackets and screws, you may still experience some discomfort when wearing your clear aligners. After all, they are helping your teeth to shift and reposition themselves.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
Most obviously, clear aligners are invisible, so your treatment is extremely discreet. What’s more, clear aligners make caring for your teeth much easier, since they can be easily removed and replaced for brushing and flossing. You will also be able to avoid the constant “adjustment” visits that plague many people with metal braces.
Do I have to visit an orthodontist for a clear aligner?
No. Your family dentist can complete the entire process, from consultation to completion, with you.
Clear aligners are the answer for those who want straight teeth without the downsides of metal braces. To learn more about clear aligners, or to find out if you may be a candidate for straightening your teeth with clear aligners, visit Smile Concepts in Scottsdale. We make it our mission to improve smiles, and would love to help you “straighten out” any issues you might be having with your dental health.
Give us a call at 480-951-2800 to schedule an appointment today! We look forward to making you smile.
