Orthodontics: 3 Ways to Tell if Clear Aligners Are Right for You

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the alignment of your teeth. Clear aligners are one of the options you get to choose from when it comes to orthodontics. These appliances provide a discreet way to improve the alignment of your teeth without compromising the appearance of your smile.

Figuring out if clear aligners are the right orthodontics treatment for you

Traditional metal braces were the go-to way to improve the alignment of a person’s teeth for over a century, but clear aligners have gained lots of popularity since they were invented about two decades ago.

The biggest selling point for these oral appliances is their discreet nature. Metal braces tend to cover a large portion of a patient’s teeth, giving them a not-so-discreet appearance. Clear aligners are made of transparent plastic, so they are virtually impossible to notice when worn.

Wondering whether clear aligners are the right solution for your orthodontic issues? Here are some factors you should consider:

1. The cause of your alignment issues

Clear aligners can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues like spaces between teeth, crooked teeth, crossbites, overbites, and underbites. They are typically recommended to fix teeth alignment issues that do not require moving the jaw. Severe teeth alignment caused by the patient’s jaw being poorly positioned often require other appliances, like metal braces.

2. Your age

Clear aligners are designed for adults and teenagers. Children typically do not make good candidates for clear aligners if their teeth are still growing. Children are also more likely not to have the discipline needed to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours each day.

Clear aligners make it easier for adults and teenagers to straighten their teeth since they do not have to deal with conspicuous metal brackets and wires in their mouths. Clear aligners are virtually impossible to detect when worn, so the patient gets to show off their smile as their teeth move toward a better alignment.

3. Your commitment level

Clear aligners are removable appliances. Patients are advised to remove them whenever they eat or drink anything besides water. This allows patients to enjoy their favorite meals without having to worry about their oral appliance getting in the way. It also allows them to clean their teeth without having to navigate around braces.

Patients need to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours each day for the treatment to be effective. Each set of aligner trays used by the patient will be switched out with another every two weeks. Each tray further down the line pushes the patient’s teeth closer to the desired alignment.

Get a straighter smile

Ready to improve the alignment of your teeth? Thanks to clear aligners, you no longer have to deal with ugly braces ruining the way your smile looks during treatment. Give us a call or drop by our Miami clinic to learn more about how clear aligners can straighten your smile.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

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