Do Clear Aligners Damage Your Teeth?

You may have heard about clear aligners as a different way to treat a variety of orthodontic and cosmetic concerns. Your dentist can examine you to determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment. You may worry about whether this different method will have negative effects on your teeth. The good news is that aligners should only improve your smile and oral health.

Common issues that affect people’s teeth and smile

Most people desire a mouthful of straight teeth and an aesthetically pleasing smile. The truth is, many men and women have to contend with a variety of conditions that can affect their appearance. Having crooked teeth can be embarrassing and make a person want to avoid smiling altogether. Some people have bite dysfunctions, such as crossbites, underbites, and overbites. Others may have problems with a crowded mouth or large gaps in the mouth. Clear aligners can address each of these issues.

How clear aligners work

Aligners are made of plastic and look like a mouthguard that someone might wear to prevent teeth grinding. The aligners fit over the teeth snugly on the jaw. To fit a patient with aligners, the dentist will take 3D pictures and make a model. This enables the dentist to make the first mouthguard. From these images, the dentist can also formulate a treatment plan designed to treat the patient’s condition. The aligners put constant pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the right positions in the mouth.

The benefits

People choose clear aligners for several reasons. Perhaps most significantly, aligners are practically invisible. It is difficult for another person to detect the aligner in another individual’s mouth. This is appealing to people who are self-conscious about their smile. Aligners are also more comfortable and are much less likely to rub on the gums and lips, causing sores.

Treatment with aligners should not take as long. Most people will see results in as little as 6 to 12 months. Treatment ordinarily will not last longer than 18 months. Plus, the patient can remove the aligners and only has to wear them for 21 to 22 hours a day.

Care and maintenance

There are a few things patients can do to ensure the effectiveness of this treatment. People with clear aligners should take them out during meals. That prevents food from building up and getting stuck behind the mouthguard. It will also keep the aligners clean and looking nice.

Brushing and rinsing the aligners is also vital. Patients must visit the dentist regularly. At these appointments, the patient will get a new set. The dentist can check on the treatment progress.

Concerns

Some people worry that clear aligners might damage their teeth. The good news is that this treatment should not pose any problems to the health or appearance of any teeth in the mouth. Worn properly, aligners can effectively change smiles. Aligners can also help a person to enjoy oral wellness and overall well-being.