Can Clear Aligners Really Straighten Teeth?

There is a common misconception that clear aligners do not work because they are made from plastic. Many patients are familiar with the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, so plastic aligners can be confusing to see.

However, clear aligners will straighten your teeth, but they take longer to achieve the desired effect.

How do clear aligners work?

Your first visit

If you go to your dentist for clear aligners, they will make an impression of your teeth using a digital scanner to create a 3D representation of your teeth. Your dentist will also take photographs and X-rays of your teeth, which are then sent to a laboratory.

Follow up

The lab technicians will provide your dentist with a computer-generated projection of your teeth. This shows how they will gradually move into the desired position with treatment. Your dentist will consult with you if they have to make any modifications to the projection. After that, they send it back to the laboratory for the aligners to be created.

Using your aligners

Once they receive final approval, the technicians will create a tray of aligners that will help move your teeth from their current positions to the desired locations. The number of aligners created depend on the severity of your case. You can get up to 48 clear aligners to straighten your teeth.

You will use each aligner for two weeks and then begin with a new tray. You will continuously switch them out until you get a perfect smile.

Why are more people choosing aligners over traditional braces?

Many people are opting for clear aligners over traditional braces for several reasons. The brackets and wires used for traditional braces are very conspicuous, which makes smiling in public embarrassing for adults. With clear aligners, you do not have to worry about people knowing you have problems with your teeth because they are almost impossible to spot.

Food particles also get stuck in the metal braces, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Braces are fastened to your teeth and cannot be removed until the process is complete.

You do not have to worry about dealing with food particles because clear aligners are removable, which means you can take them out before you eat and put them back when you are done. For this reason, clear aligners are also very easy to clean and maintain.

Even though they take longer to fix your teeth than traditional braces, the convenience of clear aligners makes them worth the extra time. The biggest problem people have with them is that aligners can be easily misplaced because they are removable and clear. If lost, you will have to pay to replace your trays.

Can you benefit from clear aligners?

Clear aligners are very effective when it comes to fixing crooked teeth. Talk to your dentist to see this treatment is best for you.

If you do not have a dentist, then call our office to see how aligners can help you get your dream smile.

Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.