The Little Prince: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Clear aligners will fit the bill. They are retainers that fit snugly over your teeth and subtly move them to the appropriate positions. There are many brands of clear aligners on the market, with Invisalign being the most widely known.
Had enough of crowded teeth? You can consider orthodontic treatment, choosing from traditional braces, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign. Each has its own pros and cons, and are best suited for different orthodontic issues.
So, what sets these clear aligners apart from traditional braces? Let us find out.
Virtually Invisible
Many people resent the notion of metal on teeth, so traditional braces may not sit well with them. Moreover, food can easily be trapped on the braces, so you might be caught smiling with food scraps on your teeth.
With clear aligners, embarrassment about your appearance is a non-issue. The clear aligners are barely noticeable unless you tell your friends and colleagues about it. The only surprise they will receive is when they realise your smile gradually becomes more attractive.
Easy Removal
Occasionally, braces can feel like a clingy boyfriend/girlfriend. Sticks to you around the clock, and gives you undue pressure. Surely, there’s a more convenient way to straighten teeth?
Meanwhile, you will be required to wear clear aligners 22-24 hours a day. However, they can be removed before eating or drinking and makes for easier brushing and flossing than braces. You can heave a sigh of relief now.
Comfort and Safety
While both braces and clear aligners take some getting used to, clear aligners are relatively more comfortable than braces. Ask anyone who has worn braces, and they will tell you stories of how they had to cope with mouth sores and irritation from the wires and brackets.
The sharp wires and brackets are also at risk of wear and tear, possibly grazing and injuring your teeth and gums. There is no such issue with clear aligners, which uses various sets of customized plastic aligners to correct teeth position.
Longer Interval between Visits
Opt for treatment with clear aligners, and you will most probably only need to visit your dentist every 4-6 weeks. This arrangement will be a boon to working adults and teenagers with an active lifestyle, as it translates to possibly fewer trips to the dentist. Comparatively, patients wearing braces need a follow-up visit every 3-4 weeks.
Get the Right Fit
While the advantages of clear aligners have been explained, conventional braces may, in some cases, be preferred to them. Braces are typically more affordable than clear aligners, and are more suited for complex orthodontic issues. There is also less discipline required, since they are irremovable anyway. Conversely, some patients may be tempted to remove the clear aligners to take a breather.
The best practice is to seek a professional opinion. At Dr. Smile, our professional dentists are at the ready to answer your dental queries and provide earnest advice. Simply call us @ 6779 2788 or fill in the feedback form @ https://drsmile.com.sg/contact-us/ and we’ll reach out to you soon.