5 Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth with Aligners

Dental aligners were invented in 1997 as a better alternative to braces, and have come a long way since then. Today, they offer numerous advantages over braces, such as convenience, comfort, and speed of treatment. It’s true that aligners tend to cost more than braces, but for many patients, the benefits of clear aligners are worth paying for. In this article, we’ll show you five reasons you should consider using aligners to straighten your teeth.

1. They’re removable for cleaning

Since aligners are removable, you can clean them more easily than braces. You can turn the aligners around to clean every single part. You’re also more able to see the entire device, helping you avoid missing any spots.

Removing aligners also allows you to eat more easily without dirtying the aligners, making the actual cleaning process simpler. The same goes for cleaning your own teeth. Braces can get in the way, whereas removing your aligners allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas of your mouth better.

2. They’re nearly invisible

Aligners are designed to be thin, transparent, and fit snugly with your teeth. When you wear yours, no one will be able to tell you’re wearing anything. As a result, you can continue smiling and enjoying your life while straightening your teeth, without any dental device visible.

3. They work faster than braces

Treatment speed always varies between patients. But aligner treatments can often work much faster than braces if the patient is diligent about wearing their aligners. In fact, many patients see sufficient results within one year with aligners. Braces often take around two years, if not longer.

4. They’re more comfortable than braces

Any procedure that shifts tooth or jaw position will cause some initial aches and tenderness, but these days, aligners tend to cause less of this discomfort than braces. Plus, there are no wires and brackets bulging out that rub against your lips and cheeks. The slimmer profile of aligners helps minimize irritation that you may experience with braces.

5. Appointments can be simple and easy

Aligners offer more convenience than braces in terms of visiting your dentist or orthodontist.  For one, you don’t need to go as often. Braces typically require monthly appointments, whereas aligner appointments may only be needed every six weeks. Depending on the practice, you may only need to visit a few times during your treatment.

Plus, the appointments themselves are simpler. With aligners, your dentist or orthodontist will just need to check your teeth and make sure your treatment progress is on track. Braces appointments are more involved, as your braces will often require adjustments.

Aligners are convenient and easy to maintain

The benefits of aligners are clear. They’re removable, which makes eating easier, along with cleaning your teeth and your aligners. They’re also invisible, so there’s no need to worry about a prominent dental device showing whenever you smile.

Aligners can work much faster than braces with less pain, and you’ll need fewer visits to the dentist or orthodontist. Ultimately, aligners may cost more than braces, but the benefits are well worth it to many. Consider these advantages when deciding if aligners are right for you.