Advantages of Clear Aligners Over Braces

One of the first things you notice when you meet new people is their smile. A beautiful smile can help you feel good and boost your confidence. Misaligned or crooked teeth look unsightly and can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of gum and bone damage. 

Are you dealing with misaligned teeth? If so, you are not alone. Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to straighten your teeth. One way to align crooked teeth is by wearing conventional braces. However, some patients find the wires to be uncomfortable, harder to clean, and less appealing. Clear aligners are an excellent alternative. 

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners are orthodontic devices designed to correct misaligned teeth. They are custom-made invisible braces molded from medical-grade plastic material. The mouthpieces apply pressure to crooked teeth and guide them to the desired position. They are a discreet alternative to conventional metal braces. 

Benefits

Getting traditional braces can be scary. There can be pain from wires, tightening, and the annoyance of food stuck in them. However, that should not stop you from fixing your smile and or your bite. You may be a good candidate for Clear Aligners. Are you trying to choose between traditional braces and Clear Aligners? If so, consider the following factors:

Appearance

Conventional braces are prominently visible in your mouth. While this is less of a problem for children, some adults may not want to show off their orthodontic process.

In contrast, Clear Aligners are barely noticeable. Many people may not even realize you are wearing teeth straighteners when they look at you. This is one of the main reasons that people prefer them over metal braces. 

Oral Hygiene 

Conventional braces are a hassle to clean and maintain. Keeping them and your teeth clean can be a pain. Oral hygiene is already tricky with crooked or misaligned teeth. Metal braces with brackets and wires can make oral hygiene even more challenging. That can lead to staining, discoloration, and cavities you may discover after removing your braces. 

Clear Aligner trays are removable, making brushing and flossing your teeth easy. You do not need special tools to remove food particles trapped between brackets like regular braces. It is easy to remove them and brush them with warm water and toothpaste before putting them back in your mouth. 

Comfort

Once your orthodontist attaches metal braces to your teeth, they must remain in place until professionally removed. That is not the case with clear aligners. You can easily remove your Clear Aligners to eat, drink, or clean your teeth. 

Safety

Traditional braces contain wires and protruding metal bits that can scratch and puncture your gums and the insides of your mouth. In contrast, Clear Aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear. They do not have any protruding or sharp edges or bits. And unlike metal braces, clear plastic braces do not affect decaying teeth and demineralization. 

Treatment Duration

If you choose conventional braces, you can expect to wear them for as long as five years to achieve the desired results. Clear Aligners can take one to two years depending on a number of factors, to work its magic and align your teeth.

Conclusion

Overall, Clear Aligners offer distinct advantages over metal braces for certain orthodontic cases. Although they may cost slightly more than conventional braces, they are worth the price. If you are considering getting this treatment, schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine whether you are a candidate to wear them. If you require extensive work to be done, braces may be a better fit.

For more information on Clear Aligners, contact Wanlass Dental at our Las Vegas, Nevada office. Call (702) 367-4412 to schedule an appointment today.