Are You a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Patients who feel self-conscious about their smiles might want to consider getting clear aligners. The orthodontist can help a patient decide if they are a candidate for the treatment plan. After having the aligners for a few months, patients can once more enjoy having straight teeth. Keep reading to learn more about who the right candidate is.

Avoiding metal braces

Some patients want to have straighter teeth without needing braces, and the good news is that it is possible. The aligners are almost invisible, and it is hard for anyone to tell that someone is wearing them. Many people will not realize the patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment. That can increase someone’s self-esteem.

The importance of self-discipline

Patients can get the treatment at any age, and clear aligners are often the treatment of choice. And adults might be even better candidates for the procedure. Often, adults likely know the feeling of being embarrassed by their smile. Also, some self-discipline is necessary, which makes adults better candidates.

The aligners must stay on the teeth for 22 hours or more daily. That gives the patient just enough time to eat and brush their teeth. The patient might have a longer treatment time without wearing the aligners. It results in spending more money too.

Patients will need to be able to follow the instructions given by the orthodontist. An adult getting the treatment will likely be the one paying for it, not a parent. That means the adult might be more motivated to follow the orthodontist’s instructions. The patient will likely also receive other instructions, allowing for proper care of the aligners. For instance, the patient must brush the teeth often to prevent staining.

Is oral health affected by crooked teeth?

Clear aligners are not just for making the smile look better. These can also reduce a patient’s risk of gum disease and cavities. Those who have crooked teeth might have trouble flossing and brushing. That might result in oral health problems. If a patient gets decay because of crowding, it might be time to consider clear aligners.

Having bite issues

Today’s clear aligners have come a long way from the first ones. That means today’s methods can treat severe issues. Still, every patient has different needs. Metal braces might be necessary for severe problems, such as jaw alignment problems.

These can work with headgear to change the location of the jaw. But a patient might get attachments with the aligners, such as buttons or hooks. That allows more pressure to get placed on specific teeth. In some cases, the hooks will enable a patient to wear rubber bands to move the teeth and even the jaw.