Are you looking for an alternative to traditional braces? Clear aligners may be an option for you. Clear aligners are thin, clear trays made to fit your teeth. Unlike metal braces, aligners are removable. You put them in and take them out yourself. Patients receive sets of aligners designed to move their teeth using the same method as braces: constant, gentle pressure.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners have some benefits that metal braces do not. Firstly, aligners allow for easier brushing and flossing since they’re removed for cleaning. Plus, food won’t get stuck like with metal brackets. Secondly, aligners don’t have brackets or wires that can loosen. Therefore they require fewer repairs and fewer emergency visits to the orthodontist. Lastly, aligners are nearly invisible. Often people won’t be able to tell you’re wearing them at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will wearing aligners affect my speech?
A: Like all orthodontic treatments, the aligners may temporarily affect your speech. Also, you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue adjusts to the aligners, any lisp or minor speech problem should disappear.
Q: Is it okay to drink hot or cold beverages while wearing aligners?
A: Except for cool water, we recommend that you do not drink while wearing aligners. This is to avoid warping your aligners.
Q: Can I eat while wearing clear aligners?
A: Food can become trapped in the aligners causing cavities and/or stains on your teeth. Therefore, you take the aligners out of your mouth for eating, brushing, and flossing
Q: How often do aligners need to be changed?
A: How often you need to change your aligners depends on the length of your treatment. Typically you will need to change your aligners weekly or every other week.
Q: What if I lose or break an aligner?
A: If you lose or break an aligner, you advance to your next aligner and wear it for the remaining days of your lost or broken aligner.
Clear Aligners versus Traditional Braces
Here are some points to consider when weighing if you should get traditional braces or clear aligners.
Both metal braces and aligners apply a constant, yet gentle force to properly aligns your teeth.
- Metal braces are very efficient at fixing complex tooth problems such as severe overcrowding.
- Metal braces are less expensive than clear aligners.
Clear aligners are less conspicuous than metal braces.
The important thing is to see an orthodontist. Then you can discuss the severity of your problem and whether or not clear aligners are an option for you. Also, talk to your orthodontist about cost and treatment time. Then you will have all of the data to make the choice that is best for you.
If you need to make an appointment to discuss treatment options contact us now. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely, Dr. David McDonough
McDonough Orthodontics