Clear Aligners: Benefits, Pros, and Cons

Orthodontic dentistry does not receive as much credit as it should for the incredible transformations it realizes for patients. Many times it is considered only beneficial to children and teenagers. While many beneficiaries of orthodontic treatments are children, adults too need teeth straightening. The problem is that many of them are unwilling to undergo treatment due to many biases, the major one being aesthetics. Fortunately, modern dentistry has a solution to the problem. Clear aligners now give you more options to undergo a friendly orthodontic treatment.

What Are Clear Aligners?

They are types of teeth aligners in orthodontics for straightening teeth. Clear aligners in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, feature a transparent plastic-like material, making them virtually invisible. It is why they are sometimes also called invisible braces. These virtually invisible aligners have provided a perfect alternative to traditional metal braces that feature meta brackets and wires. If you want anonymity when undergoing orthodontic treatment, clear aligners may just be right for you.

How Do Clear Aligners work?

The process of moving teeth relies on controlled pressure. The aligners are created to fit teeth snugly, strategically applying pressure on them to rotate and move them. When you wear the aligners for a long period, teeth will begin to shift. The process also banks on bone regeneration of the jaw, creating new bone tissue to support teeth in the new positions.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontics. Some of the benefits dental experts have realized from using clear aligners are:

1. More patients are willing to undergo treatment, especially adults. When there is an alternative to keep their treatment on the down low, many adults warm up to the idea of straightening their teeth.

2. Faster results: clear aligners are created to fit snugly on teeth, moving them quicker than traditional aligners. These aligners can straighten your teeth in half the time traditional metal braces would take.

After analyzing the benefits of clear aligners, you must also consider the pros and cons. It will help you make a more informed decision before beginning your treatment.

Pros of Clear Aligners

1. Removability – clear aligners near you are not permanently affixed to your teeth. You can remove them any time you want and wear them back without the aid of a dentist near you.

2. You can eat whatever you want since the aligners are removable. You do not need to worry about what you eat as long as you remove the invisible braces before eating.

3. Ease of maintenance – clear aligners is easy to clean and maintain. Rinsing them with clean water before wearing them after meals will suffice.

4. Allows for excellent oral hygiene – you have no excuse for plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth during your orthodontic treatment. All you need is to remove your teeth aligners to brush and floss your teeth.

5. Fewer dental visits – although you need to replace your teeth aligners every couple of weeks, you may not need to visit the dentist to get it done. Usually, you can arrange with our dental team at Jordan and Pham Dentistry to get advance trays, so you skip one visit.

6. Comfortable – clear braces are more comfortable than metal braces. The plastic tray is smooth and gentle to your inner cheeks, lips, and gums.

Cons of Clear Aligners

1. Restriction on wear time – the orthodontist will be strict on a wear time of up to 22 hours every day. Even though they are removable, invisible braces require that you wear them for at least 20 hours every day. The reason is that they require consistency to work effectively within the projected treatment period.

2. They stain easily – if you slack on oral hygiene, you will stain your invisible aligners. The only drink you can take with your aligners in your mouth is water. The rest of the time, you must be keen to remove your braces before eating, lest you stain or damage them.

3. They are not for everyone – appealing as they may be, clear aligners are not for everyone. Some patients can best benefit from metal braces. Invisible braces are better suited for correcting mild and moderate orthodontic problems.