With each passing year, more and more people visit the orthodontist. For decades, there has been a perception that orthodontic treatment should only be done on children and teens, but this is finally changing. Advances in orthodontic technology can be credited for a large part of this. Clear aligners may be precisely what you need if you are an adult who wants to fix your present dental problems.
Why consider clear aligners
Many individuals are hesitant to use traditional metal braces because they fear that it would affect their professional image. Clear aligners can alleviate many of these concerns while simultaneously offering effective treatment. The following are reasons that clear aligners might be the more suitable treatment.
There is minimal discomfort
The fact that transparent aligners are constructed of smooth plastic is what makes them so appealing. This implies that they will not irritate the gums or teeth the same way that metal braces do.
Although patients might experience slight pain or soreness in the first few days as they acclimate to wearing the trays, their mouth should adjust rapidly. With aligners, some people must change their speech slightly, the same way that they would adapt to retainers. But clear aligners are often pleasant to wear and require little modification.
There are no dietary restrictions.
Every time that a person with braces sits down to eat, a mental list must run through their mind. They must avoid eating popcorn, gum, or hard sweets to prevent food from getting caught between their braces. On the other hand, people who use transparent aligners do not have to be concerned about this. Since they must always remove their aligners before eating, there are no limits on what they can and cannot eat. Flossing and brushing are also made simpler with transparent aligners because they are removable.
When using clear aligners, the most important thing to remember is to keep them in the mouth for 20 to 22 hours every day or else treatment time might be extended. The aligner trays should only be taken out while eating and brushing and flossing the teeth. It is ideal to brush and floss soon after eating, so the aligners do not stay out too long.
It boosts self-esteem
The fact that clear aligners are clear is perhaps the most popular reason for obtaining them. Patients could be self-conscious at work if they have crooked teeth or gaps. Wearing metal braces is unlikely to make them feel any better about their professional appearance.
This is where transparent aligners may be beneficial. By choosing aligners, patients can enhance their smile and be less concerned about what other people think of their metal braces, since the trays will be barely visible.
It treats most alignment issues
Whether patients only have a few crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, or other problems, clear aligners may be able to help. The orthodontist can also use elastics in combination with clear aligners to treat more significant dental disorders.
Final note
If you are thinking about obtaining clear aligners for yourself, talk to your orthodontist first. Whether you are a teenager, a working professional, or an elderly citizen, there is a high chance that you could benefit from clear aligners to straighten your teeth.
Request an appointment or call Kathleen C. Hwang Orthodontics at 626-425-9986 for an appointment in our Monrovia office.
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