If you’ve been told you need orthodontic correction you are probably weighing up the pros and cons of clear aligners vs braces. And, if you are an older teen or young adult the good news is that clear aligners such as Invisalign can help you meet your teeth straightening goals in the most discreet manner.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are fitted over the front of the teeth, almost like a mouthguard. They are made from translucent plastic and while they are not invisible, they are hardly visible to the naked eye. When you have your orthodontic assessment your dental practitioner will map out all the positions your teeth need to move into to straighten out. You will then be given a few boxes of aligners to change every two weeks. Each new set marks out a new position for your teeth.
Available on the market since the late 90s, aligners such as Invisalign have proven to be an effective method of orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate teeth straightening. They can also assist with the management of bite issues.
What is important to note is that clear aligners require a certain level of maturity from the patient. This means that you need to wear them for at least 22 hours a day in order for them to be effective. If you don’t you run the risk of not meeting your teeth correction goals.
Clear Aligners vs Braces – How Do You Know If You Are Ready?
Your dental practitioner will advise you if aligners such as Invisalign will be effective for the level of straightening that you need.
You will also be evaluated in terms of your ability to:
Remove The Aligners For Eating And Drinking
Because they are made from a special type of plastic that is easy to stain, you must remove them before eating and drinking. Drinking hot beverages can also cause the plastic to become misshapen.
Clean The Aligners Correctly
You must follow the cleaning instructions provided by your dental practitioner. Using toothpaste or abrasive substances can cause damage to your aligners, and make them more visible than they are supposed to be.
Wear Them For The Prescribed Period Of Time Every Day
Wearing your aligners for most of the day and night is important to ensure your treatment milestones are reached. You may also be given a retainer to wear once you have finished your treatment plan, which you must make sure you wear. Retainers are usually given out to wear at night and if you don’t wear it, you do run the risk of your teeth shifting back into their former positions, undoing the efforts of your orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics do not have to be worn for a very long time, in the greater scheme of your lifespan so it’s important that it is done correctly. If you want to find out more about whether clear aligners vs braces will work for your correction needs, please contact us for an appointment and professional opinion: (07) 3185 2387.
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