Clear aligners are a modern way to straighten your crooked teeth. They are a great substitute for traditional braces. If you wish to get clear aligners for yourself or a loved one, this guide will help you understand what they are. You can get a clear idea about their benefits and costs and how you can get them.
What Are Clear aligners?
Clear aligners are clear, removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position. They are made from medical-grade plastic that is safe to use. They are custom-made for each patient based on your 3D digital scans of their teeth. These aligners work by applying gentle pressure on your teeth. This helps your teeth to move to the desired position. You will receive a series of aligners that you need to wear for about two weeks before moving on to the next in the series.
How Are They Better Than Older Ways?
Aesthetic Appeal
One of the main advantages of aligners over traditional metal braces is their aesthetic appeal. Clear aligners are nearly invisible when you wear them. You can treat your crooked teeth without anybody noticing them. This makes them a popular choice among adults and teenagers who are conscious about their appearance.
Comfort and Convenience
Aligners are more comfortable than metal braces because they are smooth and do not have sharp edges or wires that can irritate the inside of the mouth. They are also removable and allow you to eat, drink, brush, and floss with ease.
Fewer Dietary Restrictions
With traditional braces, you need to follow diet restrictions. You need to avoid sticky and hard food that can damage or dislocate your metal wires. On the other hand, you can remove clear aligners during meals. They do not impose any dietary restrictions.
Less Number of Visits to the Orthodontist
Traditional braces need regular adjustments and tightening. Hence, you need to visit your orthodontist every four to six weeks. You might need extra visits for teeth cleaning or fixing the metal wires. With clear aligners, you typically receive several sets at once and need fewer check-up visits.
What Are the Advantages of Clear aligners?
Improved Oral Hygiene
Clear aligners are removable, so they allow you to keep your oral health clean. You can brush and floss your teeth without any obstructions. There are fewer chances of tooth decay and gum disease during treatment with aligners. With metal braces, food gets stuck in the metal wires, making cleaning difficult. It can give rise to tooth decay and cavities.
Custom Made
Aligners are custom-made for your teeth using advanced 3D imaging technology. This ensures a precise fit and allows predictable movement of teeth. You get a complete planned treatment with clear aligners.
Reduced Treatment Time
You can experience faster treatment with clear aligners. Clear aligners can achieve desired results faster than traditional braces. Treatment times vary depending on the level of complexity.
Minimal Discomfort
You can feel slight discomfort with new aligners, but it is usually less than metal braces. With metal wires, you feel more pain and discomfort due to the wires. Also, the wires can poke your mouth and cause some cuts. Clear aligners exert gentle pressure on your teeth that is easy to tolerate.
How Can You Get Clear aligners?
Consultation with an Orthodontist
The first step in getting clear aligners is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist or a dentist. Your orthodontist will assess your teeth and determine if aligners are the proper treatment for you.
Dental Scans and Impressions
Once your dentist feels your case is suitable for aligner treatment, they will take digital scans or impressions of your teeth. After that, they will send your scans to a dental lab to make your aligner sets.
Treatment Plan
Your dentist or orthodontist will make your treatment plan based on the 3D scans. They will make it use advanced computer software. This plan will include all the details of your treatment time and the number of aligners needed for your case. You will receive a series of aligners you need to wear as per the plan. As planned, you need to switch to a new aligner set. You can see visible changes in your smile within a few days.
Fitting and Instructions
Once your aligners are ready, your orthodontist will provide you with the same. You need to wear them as instructed and care for them. You need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. You can remove them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
Regular Check-Ups
You will have to visit your dentist for check-ups to monitor your progress and receive new sets of aligners. Dental visits for aligner treatment are fewer than for treatment with metal braces.
What Are the Factors That Determine the Cost of Clear aligners in India?
Complexity of the Case
The level of complexity can affect the cost of your aligner treatment. More severe misalignments or bite issues may require more aligners and a longer treatment time, which increases the overall cost.
Duration of Treatment
The length of your treatment plan also influences the cost. Longer treatments generally require more sets of aligners and more follow-up visits. This can increase the price of your treatment.
Orthodontist’s Expertise
The experience and reputation of the orthodontist can impact the cost. A highly experienced orthodontist may charge more for their services. It is advisable to get treatment by an expert as it ensures a smoother and more effective treatment process.
Location of Clinic
The cost of clear aligners can vary depending on your location within India. Urban areas and larger cities tend to have higher costs due to the higher overhead charges in the city and also due to the use of advanced technology.
Type of Aligner Brand
There are several brands of clear aligners available in the market today. Each aligner brand is priced differently. Well-known brands can charge you higher for their quality and proven track records of their cases.
Additional Treatments
Some patients may require extra dental work before or during aligner treatment. This could include tooth extractions, fillings, or teeth whitening. These additional procedures can add to the overall cost.
Payment Plans and Insurance
Many orthodontic clinics offer payment plans to make the cost of aligners more manageable. Some dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost of aligner treatment, so it’s worth checking with your provider.
Conclusion
Clear aligners offer a modern, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing solution for straightening teeth. They provide many advantages over traditional braces. They offer improved comfort, better oral hygiene, and fewer dietary restrictions. If you’re considering clear aligners, consult an orthodontist to determine the best treatment plan for your needs and budget. With the right approach, you can achieve a beautiful, confident smile that will last a lifetime.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
