We all have this desire to bring back our misaligned teeth in order. But when we are told that in order to achieve that you have to wear braces for a long time, it doesn’t feel so good, does it? But with the advanced orthodontic treatment of invisible teeth aligners, you can straighten your teeth without the use of wires.
Such invisible teeth aligners can also be used to skillfully shut down those people who judge older people for wearing braces. No one will be able to figure out if you have worn braces.
People who work in the media and film industry, and those who do jobs that require constant interaction with others, may find it difficult to wear braces for a long time. Many people put up with the hassle of braces at the reassurance that their smiles will be prettier after the treatment. A regular braces treatment will require monthly appointments for tightening and repositioning of the braces. It is very difficult to see a doctor at regular intervals for those who are working, studying, or traveling abroad. For those who are working or studying, it can sometimes seem difficult to set aside a day for an appointment.
Invisible teeth aligners or clear aligners were developed as a solution to this. Both conventional braces and treatment with clear aligners have their own advantages and disadvantages. Orthodontics is usually a treatment method in which the teeth are adjusted using light force with the help of metal wires and small pearl-like brackets that are held over the teeth.
Clear aligners are transparent trays made of a specially formulated polyurethane resin plastic. It is a material that is capable of resisting cracks and stains. Because they are transparent, no one will be able to tell that you are using aligners on your teeth.
Before treatment with clear aligners begins, x-rays or scans are taken to understand the health and structure of the teeth and associated bones. Then a photograph of the face from different angles and measurements of the mouth are taken. After that, the measurements and related information are sent to the lab and after the expert doctor checks whether the treatment with clear aligners is suitable for you, the dental alignment process begins. Sometimes clear aligners cannot be used for all types of orthodontics. If this treatment is right for you, digital measurements of the teeth and related structures will be taken using intra-oral scanners after preliminary tests at the lab. It is then made into three-dimensional models and a certain number of trays are made after learning how much the tooth needs to be adjusted. The number of trays to be given to the patient is determined by the extent of adjustment of the patient’s teeth.
The entire tray can be handed over to the patient on the day of treatment. Then the patient will have to see the doctor only after the treatment period is over. Each tray should be used for at least 12 to 20 days. If the first tray is worn exactly as prescribed by the doctor, it should begin to loosen after about 12 to 20 days. Digital technology pre-determines how the teeth will move and how they will move and be precisely aligned when moving from one tray to the next. After placing a tray, the doctor will give instructions to the patient about which tray to place next. Accordingly, when one tray becomes loose, the patient can put on the next tray without the help of the doctor. Clear aligners also have parts that attach selected teeth to the tray.
How much will clear aligners cost?
Another major difference between regular braces and clear aligners is the cost. Clear aligners are more expensive than braces. It is the same everywhere. But for expats, for whom monthly appointments are a hassle, teachers, airport staff, people who work in jobs that require constant contact with others, celebrities, working or studying abroad, treatment with clear aligners is extremely beneficial.
Many people wonder how a plastic tray can cost so much. It has already been mentioned that a special kind of plastic is used to make the tray. But then the cost isn’t just about this tray alone. Making this tray is a huge process that uses digital technology to create three-dimensional images of the patient’s teeth and related structures and pre-determine the course and duration of treatment using the most advanced methods. And by wearing this tray, the teeth move and align properly as a result of research in the vast field of biomechanics. The cost of the clear aligner treatment is inclusive of the cost and doctor’s fees. Also, the cost varies depending on the brand of clear aligner.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
During a typical braces treatment, metal bead-like brackets are attached to the teeth and thin metal wires are attached to them. Then you may find it difficult to brush your teeth and keep them clean. Also, there is a risk of getting cut here and there in the mouth due to the sharp parts of the wire. Your doctor may recommend special brushes to use during this treatment period, but you may need to find some extra time to remove food particles trapped between the beads and the wire. After each meal, you should take some time to brush your teeth. Due to lack of time, sometimes many people are reluctant to do it. When this happens, food debris tends to get stuck between the teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and gum diseases.
Whether it is before braces or clear aligners, any damage to the teeth will be sealed and cleaned. However, if the mouth is not kept very clean after braces, as mentioned earlier, it is very difficult to put braces in the mouth of a normal person with pre-existing gum disease, which is prone to decay and gum disease. That’s where the advent of clear aligners comes as a relief. The patient can remove the tray and brush his/her teeth conveniently, thus keeping the gums and teeth very clean. It also plays a role in improving the general health of the patient’s body. Clear aligners are also very comfortable to wear as they do not have the pain and problems associated with regular braces.
