Clear aligners have revolutionised orthodontic care, offering a subtle and practical alternative to traditional braces. They've become the solution for many patients who struggle with their smile – allowing for a more discreet way to straighten teeth.
But do clear aligners actually work? The answer is, absolutely, when used correctly and for the right dental conditions. In this guide, we'll explore what clear aligners are, how aligners work and the journey of treatment. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of clear aligners and how they can transform your smile.
What are clear aligners?
With brands like Invisalign, ClearCorrect and many more taking the nation by storm and clear aligner treatment becoming progressively more commonplace in dental practices - you'd be hard pressed to find a person who'd ask, "what are clear aligners?"
That's why at mydentist, we offer various clear aligner options tailored to meet distinct orthodontic needs. While some are perfect for mild to moderate misalignments, others address more intricate dental issues. As the UK's leading provider of dentistry, we ensure we offer clear aligner treatment to those patients craving faster treatment times and enhanced comfort.
If you're not yet familiar, clear aligners, often referred to as invisible aligners, or simply aligners, are a modern solution for straightening teeth. Made from transparent plastic, these clear trays fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them into their new positions. Many prefer them over traditional braces due to their near-invisibility and comfort. Clear aligners are removable, making it easier for patients to maintain their oral hygiene and reducing the need to avoid certain types of food and drinks.
How do aligners work?
So, how do aligners work? Clear aligners function by applying gentle, consistent pressure to reposition teeth gradually. Each aligner is precisely crafted to fit over your teeth, and they are switched every few weeks to continue the incremental movement of specific teeth.
The process begins with an in-depth consultation with your dentist, including digital scans or impressions, to create a personalised treatment plan. The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, only being removed for eating and cleaning. Regular check-ups at mydentist ensure the treatment stays on track.
Do clear aligners work?
Now you know what clear aligners are and how they affect your teeth - you need to know the next most important thing: Do clear aligners work? The simple answer is yes!
Clear aligners have proven to be a successful orthodontic solution, with numerous studies supporting their effectiveness. Research shows that they can deliver results comparable to traditional braces in mild to moderate misalignment cases. Remember that clear aligners need to be worn as directed by your clinician to ensure the success of your treatment.
Dental issues clear aligners can address
Clear aligners are effective for a variety of dental issues, particularly mild to moderate cases such as overcrowding, gaps and minor bite problems. However, clear aligners have limitations. More complex cases involving significant overbites or underbites might require alternative treatments, like braces on the back of teeth or even surgical interventions. A consultation with a mydentist professional is crucial to determine if invisible teeth braces are suitable for your needs.
Benefits of clear aligner treatment
For many, the fact you can take your clear aligners in and out and their near invisibility is often the most attractive benefit. As clear aligner are also removable, they can simplify oral hygiene routines and provide a more comfortable eating experience in contrast to fixed braces.
The only “drawbacks” of clear aligners are that they must be worn consistently to be effective and that not all orthodontic issues can be treated with clear aligners; some patients may need braces on the back of teeth for complex cases.
The 5 steps to a straighter smile
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Step 4 - Straighten at home: Once your first aligner has been fitted, you will change your aligners regularly, as directed by your treatment plan. We will monitor your progress regularly to ensure you get the best possible results for your treatment.
Ready to start clear aligner treatment?
Are you ready to start your journey to straighter teeth? At mydentist we offer treatment with brands like Invisalign, ClearCorrect and more – simply contact your practice for more information on which teeth straightening option is best for you. Find your local mydentist practice today.
If you still have questions about the clear aligner treatment process, browse our helpful clear aligner FAQs for more insight or learn more about the cost of treatment on our pricing page.