Clear aligners are an excellent option for patients who want to straighten their teeth without the discomfort of traditional metal braces and wires. These transparent plastic trays fit over the patient’s teeth and move them into the correct position.
Although invisible aligners have become a popular treatment for straightening teeth, the many clear aligners myth on the internet can be confusing and overwhelming for some people. If you’re considering this treatment, it will be helpful to learn about some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding them that need to be addressed.
In this blog post, we will debunk the myth of clear aligners and provide the facts about them and their role in improving oral health.
Common Myths and Facts About Clear Aligners
Let’s uncover the truth by addressing some of the common misconceptions about clear aligners. Understanding what’s true and what isn’t will give you a clearer idea of what to expect from them and how they could help you.
Misconception 1: Clear Aligners Are Less Effective Than Braces
Some people think that aligners can’t move teeth because they’re made of plastic, but that’s just a myth; they are just as effective as traditional braces when it comes to the teeth straightening process. Using modern plastics, aligners apply the necessary force (around 15-25 grams) to move a tooth.
Moreover, clear aligners offer more benefits than braces, such as better oral hygiene. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, and it’s easy to maintain good dental care while using them.
Misconception 2: Discomfort with Clear Aligners
Another common myth is that wearing clear aligners can cause pain and discomfort. Unlike metal braces, which are notoriously uncomfortable to wear, each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth like a glove. You may experience some discomfort at first, but this is normal with any type of orthodontic treatment, and it’s a sign that your teeth are starting to straighten.
Misconception 3: Tongue Slipping
This myth is simply wrong because aligners are used to fix and straighten your teeth. When your crowded, uneven, or spaced-out teeth are improved, it’s expected that your speech will also get better after the treatment.
Initially, you might experience some slipping as your tongue adjusts to the aligners, but within 3-4 days, you’ll get used to them. By the end of the treatment, your teeth will be straightened, your speech will improve, and you’ll have a lovely smile.
Misconception 4: Aligners Exclusive to Adults
This myth is simply wrong! Initially, invisible aligners were designed to provide a convenient and discreet way of straightening teeth for adults. However, aligners are used nowadays to treat teenagers because of the high demand for aesthetics. Aligner treatment can be customized or scheduled to consider the eruption of teeth, which is another aesthetic benefit. They can also hide existing gaps, which is another cosmetic advantage that is less embarrassing for individuals of all ages.
Misconception 5: Aging Appearance of Trays
People sometimes worry that clear aligner trays can start to look old or worn out with time. However, this is often because they aren’t properly caring for them. Following simple cleaning habits like rinsing the trays with lukewarm water, not drinking colored liquids while wearing them, and taking them out before eating can keep trays in great condition throughout treatment.
Misconception 6: Clear Aligner Treatment Duration
Contrary to popular belief, Clear Aligners can sometimes straighten teeth more quickly than traditional braces. Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case, and an estimate can be made at the initial consultation.
For the aligners to be effective, it’s important to wear them for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. If they are not worn consistently, the teeth may not move as intended, and subsequent aligners may not fit or work properly. Successful treatment with aligners depends on the wearer’s diligence.
Misconception 7: Food Restrictions
Many people mistakenly believe that aligners restrict what they can eat. However, this is not true because they can be easily removed while eating. Before putting the aligners back in your mouth, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing to ensure they work effectively.
Misconception 8: Aligners are Only for Slightly Crooked Teeth
Transparent aligners can be used to treat more than just slightly crooked teeth. Orthodontists often recommend them for different dental problems like crowded teeth (when there isn’t enough space for teeth to fit properly), gapped teeth (when there are spaces between teeth), underbite (when the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth), overbite (when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much), crossbite (when the upper and lower teeth don’t align properly), and open bites (when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed).
Oral Hygiene Practices with Clear Aligners
While clear aligners offer many benefits for oral health, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices throughout your treatment. Here are some practical tips and best practices to ensure optimal oral health while using clear aligners:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean your clear aligners daily. Brush them gently to remove any debris or plaque that may have accumulated.
- Avoid consuming any food or beverages other than water while wearing your aligners. This helps prevent staining and decay-causing bacteria from getting trapped between the aligners and your teeth.
- Floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line.
- Rinse your mouth with water after each meal or snack, especially if you are unable to brush your teeth immediately. This helps remove food particles and reduce the risk of plaque buildup.
- Attend regular orthodontic check-ups and cleanings to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout your aligner treatment.
Get Oral Hygiene Kit: The Complete Package for a Healthy Smile!
Our Aligner Hygiene Kit is designed to provide everything you need to care for your aligners and maintain a healthy smile. We have carefully selected a collection of essential tools to improve your oral hygiene routine while safeguarding the proper care of your aligners. This kit will help you stay on track with your treatment and enjoy the confidence of a beautifully transformed smile.
Conclusion
Clear aligners are a modern and subtle alternative to traditional braces with many oral health and appearance advantages. By debunking some common myths surrounding clear aligners, we hope to encourage more people to consider this effective orthodontic option to help them achieve the smile of their dreams.
If you’re unsure if clear aligners are right for you, contact Aligner Experts. Our experienced orthodontist can provide a no-cost consultation to discuss the benefits of clear aligners for your specific dental needs. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today and learn how clear aligners can help you.
