We all know how important oral health is, and how much misaligned teeth can impact our lives. Misaligned teeth can cause emotional and physical effects. Your jaw or bite may cause you pain, or interfere with talking or chewing. Misalignment can also cause uneven wearing of your tooth enamel leading to cavities or infections. There is also evidence that oral infections can enter your bloodstream and cause heart conditions. This is definitely something you will want to avoid. You may also feel insecure, and like you don’t want to smile or show your teeth when you talk.
Thanks to modern orthodontics, several solutions are available to realign teeth and ensure good oral. Depending on your needs, you have probably considered getting some form of braces. While the thought of traditional wire braces may make you cringe, there are other options. You may have heard of clear aligners, like ClearCorrect, as an alternative for traditional braces. However, you might not know that they have more benefits than just looking better. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of clear aligners compared to traditional wire braces.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
A clear aligners Gold Coast expert states that similar to wire braces, the goal of clear aligners is to gently move your teeth into alignment over time. Traditional wire braces are fully attached to your teeth by metal or ceramic brackets. Your orthodontist only checks these wires every 6 weeks. The wires and brackets can only be removed by professionals at the end of the adjustment period. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are individual trays which you change yourself, usually every week. They are attached by small plastic nubs which are removed by a professional at the end of the adjustment period. These key differences mean clear aligners are a much more flexible treatment plan than traditional braces. You may receive six, twelve, or more sets of aligner trays depending on your personal needs.
How Are Clear Aligners Made?
You don’t have to worry about getting a clay mold of your teeth to use clear aligners. Instead, technicians will use photographs and x-rays to create a 3-D model of your teeth. They use this model to map the gentle movements that will realign your teeth. Then the technician uses a computer to create the precise aligners you will use.
Your dentist delivers the aligner sets to you every few weeks. This gives you a chance to discuss any problems you are having. This makes clear aligners a very personalized orthodontic treatment with a lot of flexibility.
What Orthodontic Problems Can Clear Aligners Fix?
Combined with regular appointments to check the progress of your alignment, Clear aligners can treat most problems. This includes crowded or spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and individual crooked or rotated teeth. Complicated problems may require traditional wire braces, but most adults and teenagers can benefit from clear aligners. Using ClearCorrect offers the additional benefits of the closest fitting aligners with improved clarity and resistance to clouding. This means they are the least noticeable orthodontic alignment plan available.
Clear Aligners Can Help with Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is important to maintain oral health. From regular brushing and flossing to x-rays and cleanings, your mouth deserves the best. Wire braces can be a big barrier to preventative dentistry. Your orthodontist will only check traditional braces every six weeks or so. This means you are on your own for cleaning around and under the wires. Most orthodontists recommend that you brush each tooth individually to ensure proper cleaning with wire braces. This means spending at least five minutes brushing your teeth after every single meal! You also must ensure your diet is “braces-friendly,” cutting down on sugary or sticky foods and drinks. These new habits are hard to stick to, especially for young adults who are often getting braces.
This means it is very easy for damage to occur while you have traditional wire braces. Some orthodontists say it is very common for obvious white marks to develop below your braces. Sometimes cavities can form underneath the brackets. These complications can really interrupt your treatment plan. Fortunately, clear aligners can actually help with preventative dentistry.
You can remove your clear aligners while eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth. This means you can enjoy your current diet, then brush for the normal two minutes. Using ClearCorrect braces makes it much easier to take care of your teeth at home and the dentist’s office.
Financial Benefits of Clear Aligners
Orthodontic treatment is typically expensive, but a very worthwhile investment. Clear aligners cost about the same as traditional metal braces, but ClearCorrect has introduced competition to the clear aligner market. Your provider can tell you what your dental insurance will cover. They might also offer payment plans or financing, so don’t be afraid to ask. You can safely use aligner trays on a personal schedule, and you can discuss what will work best with your provider. You may also save money using clear aligners because you do not need a professional to adjust the wires every six weeks.
A good rewards program can help, as some dentists will partner with an orthodontist to ensure patients receive the best care within their budget. You may also discover that you can receive a family discount, so if you have multiple children or want to realign your own teeth as well as your child’s, this can be a great option. You can also ask your employer what benefits they offer specifically for orthodontic treatments.
Smile Away!
Now that you have the basics of clear aligners figured out, you will be smiling in no time. Your dentist and orthodontist will be sure to find a plan that works for your mouth (and your budget!). Whether you choose ClearCorrect or another treatment plan, you’ll know that you are keeping your oral health in tip-top shape.