Clear Aligners : An Alternative to Braces

With the advent of new technologies more and more are we able to enjoy and achieve different goals and tasks at hand efficiently in all areas of life. Technological advances in medicine and dentistry is no exception, and we can achieve successful results more readily. The clear aligner technology is one that many people don't know about.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners ( e.g Invisalign) are an alternative to metal braces. The aligners are made of a smart plastic material, custom fitted to each patient's mouth. Using gradual force to control tooth movement, they are designed to help guide teeth into a desired position. They function similarly to traditional braces but without the wires or brackets.Teeth are moved in increments through a series of aligners. Each aligner is worn for one to two weeks before moving on to the next one. For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day.

What are the advantages of clear aligners?

Invisible: Clear aligners are made of a see through plastic material that significantly reduces the visibility of the appliance. For many adults this provides them with more confidence in wearing an appliance in social settings and work environments. Many adolescent patients also prefer to wear clear aligners that will help confidently straighten their smile without any social stigma.

Removable: Unlike traditional braces, many patients are relieved to be able to remove the appliance when needed. This helps tremendously in continuing with past oral hygiene habits and keeping the aligners clean. Being able to remove the aligners also means that the patient can eat as they usually would and without any dietary restrictions that would traditionally get in the way.

Comfortable: Without the traditional brackets and wires, the aligners are less likely to irritate the gums and the cheeks.

Health benefits: Traditional wires and brackets have a tendency to accumulate a lot of plaque and deposits, if the patient has poor oral hygiene habits. This can have a negative impact on the health of the gums. Clear aligners do not trap plaque and deposits as often and with the correction of the tooth positions they will also improve the health of the gums. In addition, clear aligners also offer protection against the negative impacts of clenching and grinding of the teeth.