What are Clear Aligners (Invisalign)?

^[1]Everybody wants a great smile, but a lot of us need help getting there. More and more people are having success with clear orthodontic devices called aligners.

Braces use brackets connected by wires to encourage teeth to move. Aligners are a series of tight-fitting custom-made mouthpieces that slip over the teeth. Invisalign is the largest producer of clear aligners, but it’s not the only brand. Others include Clear Correct, Inman Aligner, and Smart Moves.

Clear (or “invisible”) aligners aren’t for everyone. Your orthodontist or dentist will help you decide what’s best for you. Ask them if they have experience treating people with aligners. Get references or before-and-after images of their patients.

Can Anyone Get Invisible Teeth Aligners?

Because the invisible aligners are custom-built for a tight fit, they are best for adults or teens. Straightening a child’s teeth is more complicated. Young people, and their mouths, are still growing and developing; the doctor must think about this when setting up treatment.

Clear orthodontic aligners are typically used for patients who have mild or moderately crowded teeth, or have minor spacing issues. Patients who have severe crowding or spacing problems — or severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites — may need more complex treatment.

^[2]Indications For Clear Aligners

Before we delve deeper into whether it is better than braces, here are the most common indications for clear aligners:

1. Mild crowding (1-5mm)
2. Mild spacing (1-5 mm)
3. Deep overbites
4. Narrow arches that need expansion
5. The intrusion of one or two teeth
6. Severe crowding with lower front teeth extraction

From this, we understand that a clear aligner is not a treatment of choice for severe crowding and spacing in teeth, severe rotations, and skeletal malocclusions. Clear aligners are also not advised in cases where the height of the tooth in the mouth is less.

It is in these cases that conventional braces are indicated and are more effective.

Limitations And Disadvantages Of Clear Aligners

Despite the many advantages of clear aligners, they have some obvious limitations. These include:

1. A tad bit expensive than conventional braces
2. You must take care of your aligners when you remove them while eating or brushing
3. The success of your treatment depends largely on your compliance and wearing your trays for a minimum of 22 hours every day.
4. Not recommended for complex cases or might need to be supplemented with traditional braces in such cases.

^[3]The Benefits Of Clear Aligners

Appearance

Unlike metal braces, clear plastic Invisalign aligners closely fit a user’s teeth and are nearly invisible from a distance. A discreet style is one of the main reasons many people choose transparent aligners over braces.

Comfort

Clear aligners fit flush against teeth and don’t cause the cuts or discomfort that braces can. While wearers do experience some discomfort with teeth repositioning, the inside of the mouth is largely spared pain with Invisalign.

Ease of Brushing and Flossing

With clear aligners, users simply remove the mouthpiece and brush and floss normally. No need for a lengthy and challenging dental care process as with traditional braces.

No Danger With Hard or Chewy Foods

Braces wearers should avoid hard and chewy foods, including nuts, popcorn, and bagels, to prevent damage or irritation. But because people with aligners must remove them before eating, they don’t need to avoid these foods.

Fewer Orthodontist Visits

Some patients won’t need to visit the orthodontist as frequently with aligners as with braces. While Invisalign treatments usually require a visit every four to six weeks, some online companies provide customers with clear aligners and zero orthodontist visits, although this isn’t the best option for everyone. For braces treatment, customers must come into the office for every adjustment.

^[4]Takeaway!

Compared to clear aligners, traditional braces apply constant forces for consistent teeth movement, which is not seen in the case of clear aligners. Also, since clear invisible braces can be removed, they need to be worn every day for the minimum number of hours. From this, we can conclude that though clear aligners or invisible braces are the most aesthetic option of orthodontic treatment available today, they are not as effective as braces when it comes to severe teeth malalignment problems. For mild to moderate teeth alignment issues, clear aligners are the best treatment option. They are aesthetic, effective, and take a shorter treatment time for mild cases of teeth alignment.

1. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/invisible-orthodontic-aligners#1 ↑

2. https://www.credihealth.com/blog/are-clear-aligners-better-than-braces/ ↑

3. https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/invisalign-vs-braces-which-is-better/ ↑

4. https://www.credihealth.com/blog/are-clear-aligners-better-than-braces/ ↑