In an era where looks matter more than ever, the demand for a less obvious orthodontic solution has increased. This demand has been met by clear aligners. Clear aligners have replaced the chunky metal braces, which were the only orthodontic solution for over a decade. So, what are clear aligners, and how do they work? In this guide, we will talk about the ins and outs of clear aligners and answer the common questions related to them. Keep reading.
Clear aligners are nearly invisible orthodontic devices that move teeth without metal brackets. They are custom-made for each patient and snap onto their teeth, providing an aesthetic solution for those who want to fix their teeth without the look of metal braces.
When worn constantly, they gradually move teeth to new positions by applying mild pressure. Clear aligners can manage mild to moderate malocclusion, but more complex cases may require traditional braces.
Clear aligners are made of plastic. However, the plastic used must check many boxes to be used for this purpose. It must be high-quality, biocompatible, free of Bisphenol A, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The ideal clear aligners should be durable enough to resist the forces of mastication yet flexible enough to let your teeth move within them. This criterion is met by a few materials, such as,
As the name suggests, trimethyl orthosilicate is a plastic used in orthodontics. Invisalign, the largest producer of clear aligners, is also made from trimethyl orthosilicate. These aligners are highly durable yet flexible and also the most affordable option.
Although polymethyl methacrylate is a tough material, it is not as durable as trimethyl orthosilicate. It is brittle and can be broken if exposed to high pressure.
Acrylic resin is another material used to make clear aligners. Other than aligners, it is also used to make dental crowns and bridges.
Clear aligners are used as a substitute for traditional braces. It is used to treat the following orthodontic problems:
However, it is important to know that clear aligners are not best for children as they are in their ages of growth and development. Orthodontic treatment in such patients can use growth to provide desired results. Additionally, patients with severe open bites, overbites, or extremely rotated teeth require more complex treatment that is not possible through clear aligners.
When you go to the dentist to get clear aligners, they will evaluate your condition to determine whether they are the best treatment option. If they are, the dentist will start by recording an impression of your teeth through impression materials or 3D Imaging. Then, they will create the aligners using CAD/CAM software and stereolithography. Once the aligners are ready, they will be placed on your teeth.
Clear aligners gradually move your teeth about 0.25 to 0.33 millimeters weekly. However, they must be worn at least 22 hours daily to work effectively. After a week or two, you will receive a new aligner to continue the treatment. The total number of aligners depends upon the severity of your malocclusion.
Taking the aligners out while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing is essential. If you wear them consistently, you can see effective results in 10 to 24 months, depending on your specific case.
Now you may be wondering, what are clear aligners benefits? Clear aligners provide many advantages over traditional braces and are preferred over them. These benefits are stated below.
The main advantage of clear aligners over braces is that they are “clear.” Their transparent nature makes them an aesthetically pleasing orthodontic option. Clear aligners have helped patients who were unable to get braces when they were younger and avoided them when they got older due to the appearance of metal braces.
Another benefit of clear aligners is the added comfort. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners eliminate the need to deal with poking wires and elastics, preventing mouth ulcers and discomfort.
Clear aligners can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This not only makes these activities easier but also enables you to clean your teeth properly. Maintaining oral hygiene is extremely difficult with traditional braces.
In certain cases, clear aligners have been shown to provide faster results than regular orthodontic treatment.
Along with the benefits, clear aligners have some drawbacks compared to traditional braces, such as,
Although convenient, clear aligners are not for everyone. Their use is limited to only mild and moderate cases of malocclusion and can not be used in children.
Clear aligners require patient compliance. They must be worn at least 22 hours daily to work properly. If worn less, they do not move the teeth effectively, prolonging the treatment time. Traditional braces are fixed, so the patient cannot remove them.
Food or drinks can sometimes be trapped inside the aligners, causing caries or periodontal diseases.
Generally, clear aligners are more expensive than traditional metal braces because of the materials and technology used. The average cost of clear aligners ranges between $5000 to $6000 in most cases. However, it may differ depending on the duration of treatment. In New Jersey, Invisalign aligners cost about $2500 to $5000.
If you get Invisalign in Paramas Park, NJ, we offer flexible payment plans with Cherry Payment Plans. You can split your payments with low down payments and easy monthly installments.
We hope to have answered your question about what are clear aligners by the end of this article. All in all, clear aligners offer a less noticeable, comfortable, and effective way to achieve the perfect smile.
With a nearly invisible appearance, they are a popular orthodontic choice for patients around the globe. If you are considering getting clear aligners, contact us at Paramus Park Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Studio. Our experts provide affordable and quality Invisalign dentistry in Paramus Park, NJ.