Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are crafted from translucent, thermoformed pieces of plastic. Unlike traditional braces, aligner trays can be removed while eating, brushing, and flossing. They’re clear, too, which means that they are practically invisible to the casual observer.

When you undergo orthodontic treatments with clear aligners, the dentist prescribes a series of aligner trays. With each successive clear aligner tray, the teeth are further nudged into their correct positions. The last aligner tray you receive will essentially serve as a retainer to keep the teeth in the correct position.

Why Patients Love Clear Aligners

Patients love clear aligners. This is evidenced by the explosive growth of the industry and the number of clear aligner brands now available. If you are deciding between traditional braces and clear aligners, here are some factors that might help you see things a bit more clearly:

• They are clear! Let’s get the obvious out of the way; clear aligners are practically invisible. Most people don’t want to be seen as having a “metal mouth.” With your clear aligners, you likely appreciate the fact that most people won’t be able to tell that that you are wearing an orthodontic device.
• Clear aligners are removable.The main drawback of traditional braces (from an oral health perspective), is that they cannot be removed. This means that during treatments with conventional braces, patients are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease and tooth decay; some areas are more difficult to reach when brushing and flossing due to the additional brackets and wires. Having braces also means there are more surfaces for plaque and tartar to collect. Since conventional braces are unremovable, this means food bits can also become lodged in and around the wires and brackets. Clear aligners can be removed while you eat and perform oral hygiene, making them a better option for those at a higher risk of periodontal disease (and those who don’t want to go through the hassle).
• Enjoy your favorite foods!With clear aligners, there are no limitations on what foods and snacks you can enjoy. Want to snack on some popcorn or chew some gum? Simply remove your clear aligner. It’s that easy!
• They’re also more comfortable. When patients switch from traditional braces to clear aligners, one of the first things they notice is how comfortable clear aligners are to wear. With clear aligners, there are no brackets and wires — just a smooth surface that will not chafe your inner cheek.