There is a seemingly never-ending list of teeth straightening alternatives to traditional braces available to patients today. Clear aligners have emerged as the clear frontrunner. Chosen by a growing number of teens and young adults for their ability to realign teeth gradually as well as discretely, they can be prescribed for the correction of a number of dental difficulties. Continue reading to find out how clear aligners can resurrect your smile.
1. Crooked teeth
Millions of patients all over the world have opted for clear aligners is to fix their crooked teeth. Clear aligners are designed to fit the contours of your mouth and made from transparent plastic. A small amount of tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to each tooth to allow the trays to bond to your smile. When worn consistently, this causes a series of incremental movements that will gradually readjust your teeth and fix your smile. Whilst braces require tightening on a regular basis, clear aligners are removable and can be replaced every 7-14 days. As they are worn up to 22 hours a day, this prevents the build-up of bacteria and ensures they produce gentle but effective results. Clear aligners tend to trigger smaller realignments to your teeth and are often less painful and uncomfortable on the wearer than traditional braces. If you have been considering several teeth straightening options, clear aligners may be the right choice for you. Shop around for an individualised treatment plan to suit you and to find out more about night-only options, check these invisible braces.
2. Gaps
Adult tooth gap, or diastema, is another common dental condition that requires orthodontic treatment. It can be caused by a number of different factors such as missing teeth, thumb sucking and even an improper swallowing reflex. Whilst gaps can be left untreated, pockets in the gumline can harbour harmful food debris and bacteria that can lead to gum disease if not cleaned on a regular basis. Whilst traditional braces are also recommended for the closure of tooth gaps, clear aligners and invisible braces can drive teeth together to eliminate generalised spacing, wisdom tooth gaps, front tooth gaps, and any gaps that have materialised as a result of missing baby teeth.
3. Overbite
On overbite occurs when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth as you bite down. Aside from cosmetic purposes, this can lead to a range of dental problems down the line. With your teeth more susceptible to gradual wear and tear, they can erode over time and start to appear shorter or thinner. A clear aligner can drive your upper teeth upwards and force your lower teeth downwards. They realign the teeth alongside the gum, so both are driven into the desired position at the same time. This can create a more natural appearance and reduces the likelihood of your teeth breaking down. An overbite can also affect you way you smile, talk, and eat and severe cases often require invasive jaw surgery. By committing to clear aligners for 6-18 months, you can transform your teeth and straighten your smile.
4. Underbite
As well as an overbite, clear aligners may also be successful in treating an underbite. In the simplest of terms, an underbite is the exact opposite of an overbite. It occurs when the lower teeth protrude further than the upper teeth. With an underbite, your mouth is unlikely to close properly, and you may struggle to eat as your incisors do not meet when you chew. Severe underbites may require a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery. They can also lead to recurrent pain, chronic headaches and even a clicking jaw. Clear aligners can move the upper teeth forward to meet the lower teeth. They can also tilt or adjust the angle of the upper teeth to close the gap. As underbites are caused by structural issues relating to the jaw, clear aligners may be ineffective in fully repositioning the teeth. They may improve their aesthetic appeal, but the underlying problem will persist. You must discuss your case with your dentist to find out whether you may benefit from a set of clear aligners or whether the severity of your condition requires surgery.
Clear aligners have revolutionised the orthodontic industry in recent decades. They have been chosen by a growing number of teens and young adults as a result of their discrete appearance and requirement for less maintenance. Whether you suffer from an overbite or just want to improve your smile, clear aligners may be the answer to your dental woes. Shop around to find a clear aligner provider that can provide a treatment plan to suit your individual needs and requirements. Wave goodbye to braces and say hello to a brand-new teeth straightening alternative that can fix your teeth and reinvent your smile.
