How Effective Are Clear Aligners in Day-to-Day Life: Pros and Cons

Invisibility

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are invisible. It is one of the biggest perks of having clear aligners that your aligners are barely noticed. It is the best option for people who do not want to compromise their appearance even during the treatment. With clear aligners, you do not have to be insecure and can still attend and enjoy any event.

Removable

Clear aligners are not fixed to the surface of your teeth like traditional braces. They can be removed anytime you want. The usual wearing time for clear aligners is 20-22 hours for impactful treatment. However, patients can simply remove them for brushing or meals.

Comfortable treatment

As compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are known for providing a comfortable treatment. Clear aligners are plastic trays that do not contain metallic brackets or wires which makes it an easy approach for patients. You can get your teeth straightened without any external objects on your teeth.

Good Oral Hygiene

Clear Aligners help in maintaining overall oral hygiene. Traditional braces include brackets and wires which cause disturbance in proper brushing and flossing teeth. Whereas, with clear aligners, you can easily remove them and brush

Predicted Outcome

As part of your clear aligners treatment plan, your orthodontist will provide you with a smile projection. It helps patients to visualize the predicted results of the treatment. In addition to that, patients can see what could be the expected results and how their smile will be transformed.

Dietary Freedom

Clear aligners can be removed easily which means you can enjoy your meals easily. With clear aligners, patients are not restricted by the type of foods. However, some healthy recommendations could be provided by your orthodontist.

Cost Effective Treatment

Clear aligners are a rather cost-effective treatment option than braces. Clear aligner treatment can be enjoyed from the ease of your home which helps minimize the total expenses for office visits for every time.

Require Compliance

As far as the removable feature of clear aligners is concerned, it can be a disadvantage in the case of some patients. Clear aligners can be removed however, patients need to ensure a wearing time of 20-22 hours a day. It means patients need to be strict with this routine for effective results. Sometimes, orthodontic patients take off aligners and forget to apply again which may lead to a prolonged treatment.

Storage

Clear aligners are composed of plastic material which often results in damage and breaking depending on the usage. It is one of the cons of clear aligners, that they must be stored well when not in the mouth to avoid any sort of damage.

Speech Issues

It is expected that patients are not used to having aligners around their teeth. Sometimes, at the beginning of the treatment, some patients may feel slight and temporary issues in their speech due to clear aligners.

Aligners Maintenance

Having removable clear aligners is an advantage but it comes with responsibility. Orthodontic patients need to understand that it is highly essential to maintain clear aligners. If you have removed your aligners, you need to store them well to avoid any contamination. In addition to it, patients need to clean aligners before the reapplication. Moreover, a slight lack of the maintenance of clear aligners can lead to bacterial buildup, odors, and raised risks of oral health issues.

Treatment Duration

Clear aligners are well opted for mild to moderate dental cases. In some cases, clear aligners might result in a longer treatment duration. The duration depends on how complex the case is.