It’s time to do something about your misaligned teeth, but you’re not sure which orthodontic device is best for you. Metal braces seem too conspicuous, with wires, brackets, and rubber bands. So, what about aligners?
Clear aligners, like Invisalign and Clear Correct, are the most popular choice of orthodontic devices available now, with over 14 million people of all ages using them. They are nearly invisible on your teeth and you won’t need to adjust your eating habits while using them.
Before making a decision, let’s answer some of the most common questions about clear aligners to ensure you have all the information you need to confidently move forward on your journey toward a beautiful smile.
What Are Clear Aligners Exactly?
A Stanford student named Zia Chishti developed the concept of the Invisalign clear aligners system during his own orthodontic treatment. These clear aligners were introduced to the public in 1998. Since that time, Invisalign has grown in popularity and it is now the most widely used option for teeth straightening.
By 2001, the company was valued at over $1 billion, proof that it had revolutionized orthodontic treatment. The aligners, made of medical-grade plastic, are customized for each patient and can help straighten crowded teeth, crooked teeth, gapped or spaced teeth, as well as several kinds of bite problems.
Naturally, you may have more questions about clear aligners. Read on for a breakdown of what you need to know in order to determine if they are the best orthodontic device for you.
What Is the Treatment Process for Invisalign Braces?
Once you decide to proceed with aligners, your dentist will take 3D digital images of your mouth. From those images, a customized digital treatment plan is created and aligners are created for use as your teeth slowly adjust. At each step, the aligners slowly and gently shift your teeth into the next spaces designated by the treatment plan. By the end of the plan, you will have a beautifully straight smile!
Do I Get All the Aligners at Once?
Usually not. Aligners are a prescription item so your orthodontist will order the first set for you at the start of your treatment plan. You’ll then start a new set of aligners, in the order prescribed, usually every one to two weeks. If an aligner breaks or is lost, call your orthodontist right away for instructions.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Clear Aligners Every Day?
One advantage of aligners compared to traditional metal braces is that you can take the aligners out to eat and brush your teeth. This is a great incentive to use aligners. You can eat whatever you want with no restrictions.
This means you keep the aligners in for about 20 – 22 hours a day when you’re not eating or brushing your teeth. This is the advantage of the aligners being clear on your teeth; people won’t see them. At the same time, you can eat all your favorite foods and your treatment will be over as quickly as possible.
Will I Have to Clean the Aligners?
Yes. You can keep the aligners invisible by keeping them clean and unstained. There are special cleaning tablets for clear aligners for when you brush. Keep in mind that products like mouthwash, scented cleaners, or regular toothpaste are too harsh on aligners. Aligners can be damaged by using anything not specifically designed for them.
Here’s a quick, inexpensive way to thoroughly clean your aligners without damaging them: Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup with semi-warm water and then soak your aligners for 15 to 20 minutes. Take the aligners out and then rinse them with cold water.
It’s also important to keep your teeth clean so they don’t stain the aligners. This might happen after you eat certain foods or drinks, so brush thoroughly before putting the aligners back in after eating or drinking.
Can I Eat Anything With Aligners?
Yes and no! Yes, you can eat anything, as long as you remove the aligners first! This is one of the best features of clear aligners. You can continue to eat all the foods you love. However, don’t try to eat with the aligners in your mouth. Just like traditional metal braces, eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can damage the aligners. And certain foods can stain them, which will make them visible on your teeth.
Take the aligners out, eat everything you want, brush your teeth, and put the aligners back in. It’s the best of both worlds!
Will My Speech Be Affected With Aligners?
Maybe, at first. This is an individual thing, with some clients experiencing a slight lisp at first, while others don’t. Your tongue has to get used to sharing the space in your mouth but after a short period of time, everything works out and you are back to sounding normal. One thing you can do to help is talk as often as normal for you. This helps retrain your tongue to accommodate the aligners.
Isn’t the Clear Aligner System Expensive? Is It Covered by Insurance?
Aligners are comparable in cost to any other kind of braces. Work with your orthodontist once your treatment plan is outlined so they can determine the exact cost of your treatment. It will depend on how long the plan is scheduled to last and how many aligners will be needed.
Before you begin this process of getting braces, it might be a good time to check into dental insurance if you don’t already have it. Find out which companies cover clear aligners, either partially or completely. Then sit down with the business manager at your orthodontist’s office and work up a plan for paying your portion.
Check into any financing options that may be available, too.
Aligners May Be the Perfect Option for You!
Now you should have a much clearer picture of exactly what clear aligners are, how they can help give you teeth you are proud to show off, and what the process may look like.
Dreaming of a straighter smile without having to go through the process with traditional braces? Our clear aligner therapy here at All Smiles Dentistry offers a discreet and comfortable way to achieve your desired results. Schedule a consultation today to get started!