What are Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligners or Dental Aligners are transparent plastic trays which are worn over the teeth to fix various types of teeth alignment issues. They are an effective alternative to traditional metal braces. They can treat crooked teeth, gaps between teeth and all types of bite issues.
Why do people prefer taking treatment using dental aligners?
Clear Aligners are increasing in popularity and now individuals seek clear aligners over metal braces because of the obvious discomfort associated with wearing metal braces. But it is important to note that not every candidate is fit to receive clear aligner treatment, and for many, clear aligner treatment would be a better choice. Let’s find out some of the most important aspects associated with clear aligner treatment and traditional metal braces. This mini-guide will help you weigh your options and then decide the treatment option you should be giving the upper hand over the other.
How to know if it is the right choice for you?
Conditions that make dental aligners a better choice than metal braces:
- Transparent Look: Clear Aligners lets you attain your desired smile without having to deal with the metallic look of the braces. This is an important factor for people beyond their teenage years. Adults face a lot more socially demanding situations where a discreet orthodontic treatment option would be a better choice.
- Removable Nature: Clear Aligners can be removed from the mouth easily by the patient. It is necessary to remove it while eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene procedures. This gives you a convenient option as compared to metal braces. Metal braces are fixed on the teeth and are removed only at the end of the treatment. This forces you to stay with the metallic look throughout the treatment.
- Comfort for the Wearer: Clear Aligners are extremely comfortable to wear. They have smooth edges and are comfortable to insert and remove from your teeth. There are no sharp edges which is in contrast to metal braces as they tend to hurt the insides of the mouth and cause routine problems.
- Fewer Appointments: When you start with clear aligners, you have a choice. You can get all the aligners you’ll need for your whole treatment right away. Or, you can get them in smaller sets, step by step. This way, you don’t have to visit the dental clinic as often. If you had metal braces, you’d need to go in every single month for adjustments. Because clear aligners mean fewer appointments, they’re a really good choice for people who travel a lot and can’t always schedule regular visits.
Conditions that make metal braces a better choice than clear aligners:
- Complex Cases: It is not possible to get the best possible results with all types of cases with clear aligners. However, clear aligners have grown a lot. Earlier only mild to moderate cases were treatable using clear aligners. They can now treat the majority of complex malalignment problems using clear aligners. Still, in some situations, your dentist might recommend metal braces to get better results.
- Expenditure: Clear Aligners are usually expensive as compared to metal braces. When you are running on a tight budget, you can opt for metal braces over clear aligners. However, we would always recommend you ask for flexible payment options before letting the expenses be your sole reason for choosing one type of treatment modality over the other.
- Wear Schedule: Clear Aligners will require you to stick to a certain type of wear schedule. You will be asked to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day. You can only remove them while eating, drinking coloured liquids and performing oral hygiene procedures. People who don’t stick to the strict wear schedule of aligners will not see the results. Some are shy to remove and wear aligners in some kind of social situations. This can affect the results that you want to see from the clear aligner treatment. In such conditions, one may better seek treatment using metal braces.
- Versatile: Traditional braces are more versatile and can provide better treatment results even in the case of kids. They offer better tooth control and provide a satisfactory finish even in tricky cases. This increases the scope of treatment covered using traditional braces.
The Better Option for You –
Consider the factors mentioned to choose between clear aligners and braces. If you are a busy professional or prioritize aesthetics, opt for clear aligners. If you think compliance might be an issue, fixed metal braces could be a better choice for you.
Conclusion –
Orthodontic treatment aims to give you a well-aligned smile. Both metal braces and clear aligners can achieve the desired results. The best treatment option for you is the one that suits your needs and situation, ensuring a smooth smile transformation.
