Currently, clear aligners are gaining increasing popularity as a method of orthodontic treatment due to their unobtrusiveness in the mouth and convenience of use. But how do clear dental aligners work? In this article, we address this question and compare clear aligners with traditional metal braces.
How Do Clear Dental Aligners Work?
Clear dental aligners work similarly to most other orthodontic appliances: they constantly apply pressure to the points strategically chosen by your dentist. As a result, your teeth gradually move through the jawbone and gums to occupy the desired position. The pressure points are changed as the treatment progresses (you will switch to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks) to achieve optimal alignment of your teeth.
In most cases, results of an orthodontic treatment with clear aligners can be achieved within 12 to 18 months. However, in cases of minor misalignment, treatment can take as little as 6 months, while in severe and complex cases, it can take up to 24 months. Additionally, in cases of severe tooth crowding due to the lack of space in the mouth, some of your teeth might be removed prior to orthodontic treatment to create room for the teeth to move.
Consistency in aligner use is the key factor that determines the results and timeline of your treatment. You should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours daily, taking them off only when eating and cleaning your teeth. If pressure is not applied to the teeth all the time, they will constantly move back to their original spaces. This can significantly prolong the treatment or make it ineffective altogether.
Clear Dental Aligners vs Traditional Metal Braces
As we mentioned before, the principle of how clear dental aligners work is similar to that of traditional braces. However, clear aligners have several advantages compared to braces:
- Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are not permanently bonded to your teeth. You can remove them when eating and cleaning your teeth. As a result, there are fewer diet restrictions, and oral hygiene can be more effective. The wires of traditional braces can make brushing and flossing challenging, which can lead to plaque buildup and cavities.
- Clear aligners tend to be more comfortable than traditional braces, since they do not have metal parts that can rub the soft tissue in your mouth, causing sores. However, you are still likely to experience some toothache when wearing aligners; it is inevitable as teeth are being moved through the jawbone and gums. Additionally, aligners can cause some rubbing along the gum line until you become accustomed to them.
- In some cases, traditional braces can leave discoloration marks on your teeth where they were bonded, which is not the case with aligners.
- Clear aligners are much less noticeable in the mouth than traditional metal braces.
This being said, clear dental aligners are not suitable for all cases. When teeth and bite misalignment are severe and complex, your doctor might recommend opting for metal braces instead of clear aligners. The reason for this is that metal is much stronger than the plastic aligners are made of. Thus, braces can withstand more pressure, making treatment of severe cases more effective.
Get an Orthodontic Treatment at Dentistry Huntington Beach
An orthodontic treatment can be beneficial not only to the appearance of your smile, but also to your oral and general health. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced orthodontic dentist at Dentistry Huntington Beach today to start your treatment. We will carefully examine your case to offer you the most optimal course of action.