Clear Aligners

Would you love to have a beautiful smile with perfectly aligned teeth? But does the thought of wearing braces puts you off? There's a solution and it's called clear aligners. Keep reading to learn all about this innovative align technology and new-age orthodontic treatment.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are custom-made, well-fitted, transparent devices that slip over your teeth. They are also called invisible braces and are tailor-made based on your teeth impressions. Aligners are used to correct mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues in the mouth.

The best-known companies that make aligners are Invisalign and Clear correct. Other brands include Smart Moves and Inman Aligner. Orthodontists typically offer clear aligners to teenagers or adults. They are not usually offered to children because the teeth are still growing and developing in kids. An orthodontist must keep this in mind when developing a treatment plan.

Why clear aligners?

The main advantage of clear aligners is invisibility. Many people prefer them because they are invisible and make it easy to conceal the fact that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, which some adults find embarrassing. Wearing clear aligners has the added benefit of hiding existing gaps in the teeth and improving the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Also, you don't need to avoid sticky or hard foods during clear aligner treatment, which is not possible with braces as these foods can damage the brackets, links, and wires.

How aligners work

Simply put, clear aligners straighten your smile while you sleep. Invisalign and other clear aligners are designed to apply gentle pressure on the teeth and make small movements. During the treatment process, the gentle pressure on the roots causes the jaws to move the tooth sockets, which causes tooth movement as well.

Are clear aligners better than braces?

Aligners like Clearcorrect are a more modern and near-invisible method of correcting orthodontic problems. Clearcorrect works like braces in straightening crooked teeth and addressing overcrowding in the mouth. However, clear aligners can only be used to correct mild to moderate spacing and crowding problems. People with severe crowding or spacing issues, overbite, underbite, etc., may need more complex treatment.

Your orthodontist can help you decide which is better for you. However, an additional reason to try clear aligners is that orthodontic treatment using Clearcorrect and other types of clear aligners is usually faster than traditional braces in patients who need minor adjustments in tooth position.

Do clear aligners really work?

Your orthodontist or dentist will tell you whether Clearcorrect or other clear aligners will work for you. In general, these devices are a good solution for mild to moderate overcrowding and spacing problems. Clear aligner treatment works best in people whose back teeth are well-fitted together and who need simple correction and teeth movement in two dimensions.

Will my teeth hurt during treatment?

Clearcorrect, Invisalign, and other clear aligners are not painful. However, they can make your teeth feel sore because of the pressure being exerted during the treatment. The experience is similar to traditional orthodontic treatment.

How can I keep track of when to change my aligners?

For best results with your teeth, you will need to wear your Clearcorrect aligners for 20-22 hours every day. You can remove the aligners when you eat and when you brush and floss your teeth. Aligners come in a series, and every 1-2 weeks, you will switch to a new set of aligners to gently move your teeth in the right direction.

Your orthodontist will develop a treatment plan and let you know when to switch to the next set. You should make sure you follow the instructions your orthodontist gives you in terms of changing aligner trays. This will help move your teeth at a good pace and get you closer to achieving your desired results.

How to care for your clear aligners

You can take some simple steps to keep your Clearcorrect or other aligners looking good.

Rinsing

Rinse the trays when you take them out of your mouth. This prevents saliva and plaque from drying on the aligner trays.

Brushing

Do not brush your aligners with toothpaste as this can scratch the resin and discolor it. Use a separate toothbrush for your aligners and clean them with clear, anti-bacterial cleaning solution. Your orthodontist or dentist may recommend brushing and flossing after each meal to prevent food particles getting stuck between your teeth and aligners.

Cleaning

Clean your aligners whenever you brush your teeth. This will prevent plaque build-up and keep them looking good. It will also prevent bad smells in your mouth.

Soaking

Once a day, soak your aligners in denture cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water in equal parts for about 30 minutes. It is best to do this when you are eating and your aligners are out.

Eating and drinking

The only thing you can consume while wearing your aligners is water. Never eat or drink anything else when your aligners are in.

Traveling

If you're traveling, prepare a kit for your aligners, consisting of a separate toothbrush, cleaning solution, and cases.

Follow these tips for keeping your clear aligners looking good. This will ensure your aligner trays stay sparking and look as invisible as the first day you got them.

What happens after my clear aligner treatment is complete?

Results

When your aligners are removed, your teeth should be straight with minimal gaps and no overcrowding. Any crooked teeth that were visible with your smiles should now be aligned. Biting and chewing food should also be easier for you.

Retainers

To ensure your teeth do not go back to their old positions, you will have to wear a metal retainer. Your orthodontist or dentist will tell you how long you will have to do this, but it is usually for 22 hours a day for up to 6 months. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to keep your teeth in their new position.

Follow-up

Keep in mind that after your Clearcorrect treatment is over, you may still have to return to the orthodontist for followup appointments to allow the doctors to check your progress and ensure the treatment was successful.

Are clear aligners right for me?

Many adults find clear aligners are convenient, hassle-free, and affordable. Of course, the biggest advantage is how invisible they are. Aligners are a good choice for you if you have mild to moderate crookedness or gaps in your teeth. Invisible aligners are also a good option if you had orthodontic treatment many years ago and need aligners to re-align teeth that have since shifted out of place.

Another factor to consider is how quickly you want your orthodontic treatment to be completed. Clear aligners are a faster treatment for mild imperfections, but they can take longer to correct severe misalignments.

Last but not least, you should consider whether you are motivated and willing to diligently wear and care for your aligners. If you are not sure whether clear aligners are right for you, you can book an appointment and ask the orthodontists to show you before and after images of other patients to help you make the decision.

What is the average price of clear aligners according to the American Association of Orthodontists?

Clear aligners can be similar in price or may even be more affordable than traditional braces, depending on how much re-alignment your teeth need and how many sets of aligners you will require. In the United States, traditional braces are usually $2,500 to $6,000, more if you choose plastic or ceramic ones that are tooth-colored and less visible. Invisible aligners like Clearcorrect are around $3,500 to $8,000.

Prices for aligners can vary depending on your geographical location and the experience level of your dentist. In the UK, average costs are £1,500 to £5,500. You should inquire whether the price quoted to you includes the cost of an additional set of aligners with revisions, and whether the cost of retainers is included. Insurance coverage is usually similar to braces. Many orthodontists offer an easy payment plan to customers to make the treatment affordable.

Finding a provider

The MeTime app makes it easy to find dentists and orthodontists in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Want to find out more about clear aligners and what they can do for your smile? Try the MeTime app now!