Nearly four out of five people, when asked, admitted that they think that a straight and even smile played a huge role in how they felt about themselves. With the demand for beautiful and straight teeth so high, the need for a reliable and discreet way to improve one’s smile is higher than ever. However, most professional adults who are struggling with the appearance of their smile agree that conventional dental braces are not ideal for their presentation. For these patients, we here at T-Town Smiles strongly recommend clear aligners for their mild to moderate dental alignment concerns.
What are the Advantages of Clear Aligners?
There are several distinct advantages of choosing clear aligners over conventional dental braces. For instance, for those of us who may need to present a professional face at work (and feel that traditional braces would be too distracting), clear aligners are more discreet and subtle.
Clear aligners are a form of cosmetic dentistry and are often considered more comfortable than traditional braces. They do not require painful adjustments or have visible wires or brackets. Instead, the patient will return every two weeks to change their trays. However, less frequent dental appointments are needed for clear aligners, saving the patient from needing several time-consuming appointments for adjustments.
Clear aligners do not cause cuts or abrasions on the cheeks or lips, either. They can be removed for up to hours per day, allowing the patient to remove them for photographs or for eating. They can also be removed for oral hygiene, which means there is less fuss when brushing and flossing. Despite these many advantages, clear aligners can also be a cost-effective treatment option for many patients.
Who Can Benefit from Clear Aligners?
Many people are good candidates for clear aligners. For patients who feel like traditional braces may hinder them in their lives, clear aligners can help them improve their mild to moderate malocclusion (concerns with bite and alignment) without negatively impacting their appearance.
More advanced malocclusion may require treatment from traditional dental braces, but clear aligners are ideal for patients who may have gaps between their teeth, uneven alignment or crooked teeth, and overcrowded teeth. Clear aligners may also help address mild problems with an overbite or an underbite, as well as help treating issues with a crossbite.
What is the Duration of Treatment?
Getting clear aligners generally requires a much shorter duration of treatment when compared to conventional dental braces. Unlike traditional braces, which may need to stay on a patient’s teeth for up to five years or longer, clear aligners typically have a shorter treatment time. Results start to become visible in just a few months, and many patients see complete improvement in as little as a year to a year and a half.
If you are struggling with sharing your smile, and you feel as though the appearance of your teeth are holding you back, you may be a good candidate for clear aligners. To learn more about clear aligners, or to set up an appointment with us to determine if they can help you, please give us here at T-Town Smiles a call at (918) 488-9770 today!