Are Clear Aligners Worth It?

If you’ve been thinking of straightening your smile, then clear aligners are likely on your mind. That’s because this innovative, barely-there solution makes teeth straightening a breeze. But are they worth it?

Here at Chester Family Dentistry in Warren, Ohio, our team uses clear aligners for patients of all ages. These aligners can treat many of the alignment problems braces can, but they have a major advantage: They’re clear. That means you can finally improve your smile, but no one will see metal — they’ll just see your teeth. And if that isn’t enough, you can also take them off in seconds.

Problems of misaligned teeth

It’s easy to assume that crooked teeth are only a cosmetic problem, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, if you have crowded or overlapping teeth, it can make practicing good dental hygiene practically impossible. That puts you at risk of gum disease and tooth decay. 

Furthermore, if you have alignment issues affecting your bite, you can have problems chewing, swallowing, and even breathing. Misaligned teeth can also put extra stress on jaw muscles and the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), leading to facial pain and headaches.

Clear aligner orthodontic treatment

Fortunately, clear aligners offer quick and reliable solutions. The process starts with a comprehensive evaluation and a plan of action. And, if you have any dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, we can address them first.

When it’s time to begin your treatment, we take digital scans of your mouth. We use these scans to map out your teeth-straightening strategy and create your custom-made aligners. You get a series of aligners, and each clear set is slightly different. This is how they gently shift your teeth into their new position.

You can expect to wear each one for two weeks or so, then remove it and replace it with another. Each day, you should wear your aligners for at least 22 hours. By the time you finish with your last set, your teeth will be perfectly aligned. 

During this time, you make visits to our office every four to six weeks so we can monitor your progress. Total treatment times vary, but most people finish in about 12 months. 

Benefits of clear plastic aligners

Clear aligners offer numerous advantages over traditional metal braces. Not only are they more comfortable and less visible, but you can also remove them for special events, when you eat, and other occasions.

Traditional braces also create challenges when it comes to brushing and flossing around wires and brackets, which compromises your oral health. With clear aligners, dental hygiene is simple. All you do is remove the aligners to brush and floss! 

And, it’s easy to keep your clear aligners clean by brushing or soaking them in a special cleaning solution. Plus, our clear aligner systems are BPA free, so you don’t need to worry about exposure to toxic substances while improving your smile.  

Are you ready for straighter teeth and a healthier mouth without the discomfort and hassle of metal braces? Find out if clear orthodontic aligners can help. Contact Chester Family Dentistry to schedule a free consultation by calling 330-331-9026 or by requesting an appointment online today.