A growing number of adults seek out orthodontic treatment these days. Once thought of as something only kids and teens needed, the misconception those orthodontists were just for them is finally starting to fade. In many ways, this is due to the development of orthodontic equipment. Many adults are not happy with wearing typical metal braces and worry that it could harm their professional image. In spite of this, transparent teeth aligners can alleviate many of these problems while also offering effective treatment. Clear aligners are recommended as the best solution for your existing dental problems.
It goes without saying that health and aesthetics go hand in hand when it comes to getting clear aligners for your teeth. Crooked teeth can cause serious problems for the oral cavity and digestive system, thus well aligned teeth with no spaces between them are essential to maintain a perfect look and good oral health. Often the food crumbs get stuck in the gaps between crooked teeth and don't come out for a long time, laying the breeding ground for bacteria and numerous other ailments such as tooth cavities or inflamed gums. Although brushing helps remove some of the debris lodged between teeth, the process is not foolproof for people who have misaligned teeth.
Let us first see the reasons for having misaligned teeth.
There are various causes but the common ones include:
- Losing your teeth early
- Gum disease
- Injury
- Tumors
What’s the big deal if my teeth are a little crooked?
Straight teeth not only make you look and feel better, but they're also a social and professional plus. Brushing and flossing can be challenging if your teeth are misaligned. That raises your risk of cavities and gum disease. Aligned teeth are healthier, last longer, and are less likely to break due to normal wear and tear.
In addition to the more visible issues, such as cavities, teeth that are not properly aligned can also lead to earaches, migraines, and even trouble speaking. Aligned teeth help with chewing and biting, while misaligned teeth might cause discomfort. Crooked teeth put extra pressure on the jaws, which can lead to or exacerbate issues like TMJ disorders which stands for Tamporomandibular joint disorder. In this condition, the joints of the jaw and the surrounding muscles and ligaments get affected. This can cause pain in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
Misaligned teeth have a higher failure rate in the long run. Because of the increased likelihood of decay, you may eventually lose teeth or require more extensive treatments like root canals.
Aligning your teeth is a smart investment
It may seem like a lot of money to get your teeth straightened. You might have therefore delayed your treatment for getting a straighter set of teeth doubting that the benefits wouldn't be worth the investment. However, getting your teeth straightened is money well spent. If you take care for your teeth now, you can avoid a host of dental issues and the associated high cost of fixing them later.
In comparison to the cost of treating and repairing issues caused by misalignment, the upfront cost of straightening your teeth is less.
Invisible braces: Not the same old boring metal braces!
Braces are not something new, however, invisible braces are definitely revolutionary. It was a typical practice in the 1970s to completely encircle a patient's teeth with braces. Mercifully, modern materials and technology have made braces and aligners more comfortable than in the past. When compared to traditional metal braces, clear ones are less obvious and so more commonly advised. Teeth can be gradually moved into place with invisible braces' help, thanks to a series of clear, BPA-free, medical-grade aligners. When you straighten your teeth with invisible braces, no one will know because the aligners are nearly invisible. Instead of traditional braces, aligners can be taken out for mealtime and dental hygiene.
Do you want to improve your teeth's appearance and safeguard their future health? All ages, from toddlers to seniors, are welcome at SmilePath. In case you or your child are thinking about getting braces, we offer a solution that will work for you. Book an invisible braces consultation with SmilePath over the phone or online now by calling or using the appointment scheduler.
Now, let’s walk you through everything else you need to know!
Invisible braces bring the following perks:
Less Discomfort and Pain
What’s so great about clear aligners is that they’re made of smooth plastic. This means that they shouldn’t cause any irritation to the gums or teeth that is so common with metal braces. And even though you might feel some soreness for the first few days as you get used to wearing your aligners, your mouth should quickly adjust. And then you won’t even notice that they’re there!
Some people have to adjust the way they speak a little bit with aligners, similar to how people adjust to retainers. But, once more, that’s all temporary.
Overall, clear aligners are very comfortable to wear and don’t require much adjustment at all.
No Food Restrictions
People with braces need to have a mental list going through their heads every time they sit down to eat. They have to make sure that they don’t eat any popcorn, gum, or hard candy with the fear that the food will get stuck to their braces. This is thankfully not something that people with clear aligners have to worry about.
That’s because you always take your aligners out before you eat, so there are no restrictions on what you can and can’t eat. Flossing and brushing are also easier with clear aligners because you can remove the aligners for that too.
The main rule that comes with clear aligners is that you need to wear them in your mouth for 20 and 22 hours a day. If you don’t, you could end up prolonging your treatment. You should really only take your aligners out to eat and to brush and floss your teeth.
It’s also a good idea to brush and floss right after you eat so that there are shorter gaps in between you wearing your trays.
Improves Your Self-Confidence
The transparency of clear aligners is arguably the most appealing feature for many patients. Workplace insecurity is real for those with less-than-perfect smiles. Here, clear aligners prove to be an invaluable aid. You can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing that you're wearing metal braces if you choose to straighten those using aligners.
Most people will not even realize you are wearing aligners if they are clear.
Treats Most Alignment Problems
Whether you have a couple of crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, or other issues, there’s a good chance that clear aligners can solve it. And these days, you can even use elastics in conjunction with clear aligners to make it even easier to treat more serious oral issues.
The most common issues that clear aligners are used to treat include:
- gapped teeth
- overbite
- underbite
- open bite
Other treatable issues are a crossbite, which can happen if both the lower and upper jaws aren’t aligned properly – and overcrowding of teeth.
Shorter Treatment Times
Clear aligners are a great solution for a variety of teeth alignment issues and the best part is you get the desired results in less than 12 months. Exciting? Right?
Clear aligners take about the same length of time as traditional metal braces when applied to adolescents and preteens. However, using aligning trays to straighten adult teeth can typically be finished in as little as 18-24 months. In addition to using aligners, you can speed up the process using rapid orthodontic treatments.
More Advanced Technology
When you get your custom-made clear aligners, they will fit your teeth perfectly. The most up-to-date 3D technology will be utilized by your orthodontist to generate a comprehensive three-dimensional model of your oral cavity. They can then devise a comprehensive, stage-by-stage treatment plan, outlining everything from the first diagnosis to the final results.
In order to determine the most effective method for straightening your teeth, an orthodontist will take moulds of your teeth and x-rays of your mouth. Your orthodontist will use the data to have custom aligners made and sent to their office.
Then, every 2 weeks until the treatment is finished, you'll get a new pair of aligners with the necessary adjustments.
Book Your Clear Aligners Now from SmilePath
As we can see, there are a variety of reasons why someone might want to get clear aligners. And after reading the above, it’s no wonder why millions of people have turned to clear aligners in recent years. If you’re considering getting clear aligners for yourself, then make sure to consult with your orthodontist and get their opinion.
Whether you’re a teen, a working professional, or a retired senior, there’s a good chance that you could benefit from having a straighter smile made possible with clear aligners.
Are you looking for the best clear aligners to get results in less than 12 months? If so, get in touch with SmilePath right away and order your clear aligner