It is common knowledge that for numerous years, people have been using traditional metal braces as a solution for their crooked teeth.
Metal braces were associated with a lot of discomfort and Dentists were looking for an alternate for years. Finally, a new and advanced solution rose in the past few years- teeth aligners! These easy-to-use, hidden, and effective teeth-straightening appliances have had a huge and positive impact on the field of orthodontics. This blog will help you understand all about teeth aligners and explore how they work, their benefits, and how you can care for them.
Is It Important to Have Straight Teeth?
Yes, it definitely is! Are you someone who faces a lot of teeth problems like crooked teeth and incorrect bite issues? Do these issues often lead to oral health problems, causing you unnecessary stress? If so, you’ll be relieved to learn that having straight teeth can be the key to resolving these problems. You will be on the path to worry-free oral hygiene.
You can avoid tooth decay by straightening your crooked teeth. Well-aligned teeth are much easier to brush and floss between. However, crooked teeth are difficult to clean as the plaque accumulates between hidden spaces that are hard to reach. When the plaque accumulates, it can cause decay of the teeth.
Accumulation of plaque between crooked teeth can also affect the health of your gums. Your gums can get inflamed, leading to gingivitis. If this condition is not treated, it can progress to periodontitis, which is the severe version. This disease also causes tooth loss. Having straight teeth can prevent this from happening.
Crooked teeth can give you bite issues, irregular wear and tear, and a habit of teeth grinding. Having straight teeth can help you avoid this.
With straight teeth comes an ideal bite. Having a good bite helps you chew food and speak well.
When certain teeth, like the upper front teeth, stick out due to incorrect alignment, they are prone to injury. Straightening your teeth can help lower this risk.
What Are Teeth Aligners and How Do They Work?
Teeth aligners are clear, thin plastic trays that sit tightly over the teeth and help straighten them. These trays are custom-made for each individual’s teeth. They put mild pressure for a specific duration and shift the teeth into the correct positions. Ideally, each set of aligner trays is worn for 1-2 weeks, 20-22 hours daily. The trays help move the teeth by a fraction of a millimetre at a time.
Besides moving the teeth to the desired position, clear aligners also fix other mild to moderate orthodontic issues like teeth crowding, overbites, cross bites, and teeth gaps. The usual duration of clear aligner treatment is 18 months or more, depending on the case.
What Is the Procedure to Get Teeth Aligners?
First Consultation: In order to get teeth aligners, the first step involves meeting a dentist or orthodontist. In this meeting, the dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your smile goals and determine if you can get teeth aligners.
Impressions or Scans: If your case is suitable for teeth aligners, the next step taken by the dentist is to use the 3D virtual setup and take digital scans of your teeth. This software helps you see your future smile and allows the dentist to plan the tooth movements.
Treatment Plan Approval: You and your dentist will review and approve the treatment plan. The treatment plan also outlines the expected duration of treatment and progression.
Aligner Production: The digital scans of your mouth are sent to the dental lab. The lab uses these scans to make your custom-fit aligners. Once ready, all sets of aligners will be sent to your dentist.
Wearing the Aligners: The dentist will ask you to come back to the clinic to give you all your sets of aligners. You will also be given instructions on how to wear them. You’ll start wearing your aligners typically for 22 hours a day or as told by your dentist.
Regular Check-ups: Attend regular check-up appointments with your dentist to check your progress and make any adjustments if needed.
Completion: You’ll achieve your desired smile after successfully wearing all sets of aligners. Your dentist may advise a retainer to maintain the results.
How Are Teeth Aligners Convenient for You?
Teeth aligners are practically invisible. They are discreet and do not hamper your appearance in any way. They have smooth edges and cause minimal irritation to the soft tissues in your mouth.
They are easily removable. You can eat all your favourite foods with no diet restrictions.
Teeth aligners help maintain good oral hygiene as they can be removed. This allows you to brush and floss well.
They rarely affect speech patterns.
The treatment time for aligners is shorter than for traditional braces. You can expect to get the best results quickly.
Treatment with aligners involves fewer visits to the dentist.
Since aligners are transparent, they do not affect your self-confidence and allow you to smile freely.
How to Maintain Care of Your Teeth Aligners?
Clean Your Aligners:
Always remember to clean your aligners when you are not wearing them. Wash them regularly with cold or room-temperature water. Avoid hot water, as it can ruin the shape of the aligners. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste to clean it well. You should not use whitening toothpastes as the abrasives in them can cause scratches on the plastic material of the aligners.
You should avoid consuming coloured foods and drinks as they can stain the aligner material.
Storage:
Remember to store your aligners in their case when not in use. This helps to protect them from damage or misplacement.
Do not expose your aligners to heat, like hot water, direct sunlight or hot surfaces, as it can warp and damage them.
Hygiene:
Keep in mind to always brush and floss your teeth after meals before putting your aligners back on. This helps to prevent food particles from getting stuck and plaque buildup.
Avoid chewing gum when you have your aligners on. Chewing gum is sticky in nature and can ruin the shape of your aligners.
Handling:
Always handle your aligners carefully. Don’t use force while snapping them back in place, as this can break or damage the aligner.
Meet Your Dentist Regularly:
Have regular appointments with your dentist to keep track of your progress and make any changes if needed.
Teeth aligners are a great modern solution for having a straighter smile. Patients can now make well-informed decisions by understanding the importance, procedure, benefits, and how to look after teeth aligners, ultimately embracing a confident and radiant smile.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-collared-shirt-774909/
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