Have you always wanted to straighten your smile but have decided against it because you don’t like the look of braces? If you aspire to have straight teeth but cannot get around the idea of fixed braces, we have the perfect solution: clear aligners.
At Smiles Unlimited, we offer clear aligners (or “invisible aligners”) so you can choose to gradually straighten teeth without the metal brackets or wires showing.
How do they Work?
Clear aligners are a practically invisible alternative to braces. They are ideal for fixing minor dental issues or for people who do not want to wear regular braces.
Invisible aligners are made of clear, strong, medical-grade, non-toxic plastic aligners that are specifically moulded to your individual requirements and fit over your upper and lower teeth. These “invisible” aligners gradually move your teeth into the desired position. This turns misaligned into aligned without the bulk of metal braces. They are removable, so you can rest assured that no disruption to your lifestyle will occur.
How long will I need clear aligners for?
Treatment can vary between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of your case.
Benefits
1. Most obviously, they are invisible!
The most obvious advantage of clear aligners is that no one can see them. You don’t have to wear a mouthful of clunky metal wires and brackets.
For most teenagers, a majority of their lives are spent trying to fit in with their peers. About 9 in 10 teens say that having metal braces would prevent them from fitting in. Research indicates that teens with clear aligners are twice as likely to have a boost in self-esteem than teens with metal braces.
For adults, facial appearance can be just as important as for teens, if not more. If you’re in a highly visible occupation, such as sales or marketing, you want to make a favorable impression on each new contact, and your appearance is a big part of that. There is also a big misconception that braces are for children. Hence, adults may feel too self-conscious to try them out.
2. Removability
Unlike traditional braces, patients love having the ability to remove their clear aligners when they eat and brush their teeth. This allows them to continue their usual hygiene routine of brushing and flossing without added hassle.
Not only do clear aligners make cleaning easy, but they offer patients the freedom to eat what they want and brush their teeth normally. Patients no longer have to keep a list of restricted food items that may cause traditional brackets to come loose and require additional orthodontic visits. They can also chew gum if they want by removing the aligners and placing them in their case.
3. Oral Health Benefits
Many patients who have traditional braces find it difficult to properly take care of their teeth because they either had poor oral hygiene to start with and do not make adjustments to their cleaning routines while wearing braces, or they fall into poor oral hygiene habits once their brackets are placed.
Oftentimes, patients will develop calcium deposits on the front of their teeth following orthodontic treatment. These deposits are visible when the braces are removed and require the patient either to have cosmetic work done or live with white spots on their teeth.
Poor hygiene habits with traditional braces also may result in swollen gums that can become problematic if the patient neglects to perform good oral hygiene. Swollen gums can then lead to gingivitis, which if left untreated can lead to lifelong health problems.
| Some more benefits: You can brush your teeth like normal You can eat your favorite foods You can smile with confidence You can take them out for important occasions |
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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