Clear Aligners: Pros and Cons

Would you rather have braces on your teeth or clear aligners? If clear aligners are your answer, you have made the right choice. Clear aligners have gained popularity as an alternative way of straightening or realigning your teeth over the last few decades. 

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment approach for achieving perfect tooth alignment. However, it is important to remember that a clear aligner has its own pros and cons.  

Here are some of its major pros and cons. 

Pros 

They are invisible: 

Clear aligners are practically unnoticeable, unlike braces, which include visible brackets and archwires. Clear aligners are constructed of a translucent material that is invisible. This makes the person feel more at ease when they smile, speak, or open their mouth. 

They are easy to brush: 

Traditional braces make brushing your teeth more difficult due to the presence of brackets. This increases the likelihood of decay or plaque formation on the teeth. Because clear aligners can be removed, it makes teeth cleaning easier. The clear aligners can also be properly removed and cleaned. 

They are perfect for enjoying every food: 

In traditional braces treatment, there are several restrictions on eating, whereas, with clear aligners being removable, there are very few restrictions on food intake. Simply remove your aligner while eating and replace it when you are finished. 

They give confidence: 

Clear aligners blend seamlessly with your teeth, allowing you to smile confidently throughout your orthodontic journey. So, whether you’re giving a presentation at work or snapping selfies with friends, clear aligners won’t overshadow your natural beauty. 

They are comfortable: 

Clear aligners are designed with comfort in mind. Crafted from smooth, BPA-free plastic, they offer a gentle, irritation-free experience.  

They can be customized: 

Each set of clear aligners is custom-made to suit your specific dental structure and treatment plan. The aligners can gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions, following a carefully calculated progression. This personalized approach ensures efficient and effective results. 

They take less time to be treated: 

The time necessary to complete orthodontic treatment using clear aligners is less than that required for braces therapy. Braces therapy usually takes from 15 to 24 months. The clear aligners, on the other hand, may last between 12 and 18 months. 

Cons  

They must be worn for 22 hours a day: 

The success of clear aligner treatment relies on consistent wear, typically for 20 to 22 hours per day. Some individuals may find it challenging to adhere to this requirement, especially during mealtimes or social events. Lack of compliance may prolong the treatment duration and affect the desired outcome.  

They should be taken good care of: 

Although clear aligners can be removed and replaced, it is essential to do so cautiously. Improper removal or placement of the aligners might cause the teeth’s position to shift, affecting the treatment process.  

They might cause some speech adjustments:  

You may experience slight speech adjustments, such as a temporary lisp, when you start wearing clear aligners. This is a normal part of the adjustment period. However, most individuals quickly overcome this issue within a few days. 

Conclusion 

Clear aligners have revolutionized the field of orthodontics, offering a convenient, discreet, and effective alternative to traditional braces. And it is clear that the pros outweigh the cons. If you are planning to embark on your journey to straighter teeth, our experts at Bravo! Dental can help you.