We spoke to the experts at Alkass Dental and learned that clear aligners are a popular choice among our kid, teen, and adult patients. New technology and advancements in the field of dentistry have made it easier than ever to have a confident, straight smile. While traditional braces are always an option, some wonder what the differences are with clear aligners, and what advantages they bring. If you're a person who wants straighter teeth on the go without the maintenance and brushing of braces, or the look of the metal hardware on your teeth, then clear aligners might just be for you.

1. Comfortability

One reason why clear or "invisible" aligners are such a popular choice is that they're comfortable to wear and easy to forget about. Metal braces require tightening at checkups, or the placement of bands over brackets to keep the teeth moving in position. This can cause some minor discomfort and soreness on your teeth. While you'll still feel the sensation of your teeth aligning, it's typically less discomfort for patients than traditional braces, and once you adjust to a set of aligners it's easy to forget about them. Simply pop them in or pop them out to get one step closer to a brilliant smile.

2. Fast Tracking Technology

Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, you'll meet with your orthodontist to discuss your smile and treatment plan. A 3D model or cast of your teeth will help your orthodontist plan your treatment and how your teeth should move. Metal braces, because of the hardware involved and methods used, can have treatments ranging from 12 to 24 months. Clear aligners, on the other hand, have a shorter treatment time, typically anywhere from 12 to 18 months. While no case is typical and more severe issues such as crowding or overbites may extend treatment time, clear aligners are an option for people looking to save time and get to a perfect smile even faster. Your dental professional can examine your smile and determine which treatment is best for you.

3. Cosmetic Advantage

Some adult patients (or even teens) feel self-conscious about wearing braces and what it'll do to their current smile. Braces have their fun with colorful bands, but clear aligners are a great pick for those who don't prefer the look of metal braces. The "invisible" trays are hardly noticeable, and 3D technology means that they conform exactly to your mouth. Metal braces also carry the risk of developing "white spots," or areas of decalcification. This is due to not brushing well enough around the brackets that are cemented to your teeth. These white spots are weakened areas of enamel that have a slight discoloration to them. While this isn't an issue for most patients, it can be for those who have difficulty brushing or maintaining their teeth. A clear aligner is less restrictive and easy to clean and keep up your oral hygiene.

4. Easy Maintenance

Aligners are easy to maintain and clean, making them a great choice for teens or adults on the go. Aligners can be sanitized by rinsing with a solution or using a denture-cleaning tablet. The fizzing bubbles will clean away any bacteria or taste. It's recommended that you take your aligners out when you eat or drink, and brush up before you put them back in. This prevents any bacteria from growing or sugars and acids from hanging onto your teeth. Metal braces often get food stuck in them, making it necessary to have a water pik or toothpick handy to prevent food from sticking to your teeth. It's important to floss and maintain regular brushing as any food trapped in your teeth, whether from braces or aligners, can cause a cavity. Getting in all the nooks and crannies can be difficult with metal braces, whereas aligners simply require brushing like normal.

5. Personalized to Fit You

One "clear" advantage that aligners have over traditional metal braces is that they're modeled to conform to your smile and bite. The aligner trays hug your teeth and use tracking technology and slight adjustments to turn or move each tooth at a time. By having a model of your teeth, your dentist can make a treatment plan that is highly effective and personalized to fit you. This can make aligners faster and more effective than traditional braces. However, clear aligners might not be a fit for everyone. Severe issues with bite or crowding can require additional hardware and the use of metal braces. Meeting with your dentist can help determine if you are eligible for aligners and what treatment options work best for you. Once you are finished with treatment, you may receive a set of retainers that look identical to aligner trays, that help prevent your teeth from moving again. Wearing these retainers at night will help keep your smile in place for years to come. Clear retainers are an option for those who had metal braces as well, in addition to the classic metal retainer.

Deciding What's Best for You

There are many advantages to clear aligners that make them a popular choice. Looking at your dental health history and goals will help you decide which treatment plan is most effective for you. While clear aligners may seem like a better choice for their price or convenience, metal braces might help better than aligners would. Consulting your dental professional is the best way to answer any questions or concerns you might have. They'll be able to show you before and after pictures of successful treatments and explain to you further in-depth how teeth straightening works. Regardless of what you choose, it's easy to get a smile that you feel confident in and love. It's now faster and more convenient than ever to get straighter teeth, making it ideal for adults, seniors, and even people who have had braces in the past but need them again. Clear aligners or braces can fit into your lifestyle and improve your dental health. By weighing the advantages that aligners and braces have to offer, you can be on your way to a new smile.