Your smile is very important. It is the first impression you make, and can significantly impact how people see you. When you have crooked teeth, the quality of your smile is greatly affected. Crooked teeth also affect your oral health, leaving you more vulnerable to several serious issues. You may even be faced with issues such as bruxism and TMJ disorder, which can affect your overall quality of life. Traditionally, metal braces have been used to correct tooth alignment. As an adult, however, you might not be too fond of the idea of having a shiny metal smile while the alignment of your teeth is corrected. At First Impressions Orthodontics for Children & Adults, we can provide you with an alternative to metal braces with clear aligners.
The Disadvantages of Metal Braces
Metal braces are highly effective. However, they do have a few drawbacks. One of the biggest drawbacks, particularly for adults, is their visibility. Metal braces use silver brackets and wires to correct tooth alignment, which stands out from the natural whiteness of your teeth. Their visibility can overtake your smile. If you work in a professional environment, braces can detract from your professionalism. Potential clients may be distracted by a shiny metal smile, which can affect your work life. Shiny metal braces can also affect your personal life as well.
In addition to being very visible, metal braces can also cause some discomfort. The metal brackets can rub your intraoral tissues, which can cause the formation of painful sores. Additionally, if the wires break, they can poke your soft tissues, causing pain.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a more modern alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of brackets and wires, this treatment uses clear, rigid plastic aligners to correct your tooth alignment. The plastic functions to move and stabilize your teeth. These aligners are made from impressions of your mouth. This ensures that they fit properly and provide you with the best possible results. The aligners fit over your teeth much like a whitening tray or mouthguard. They are completely clear, rendering them practically invisible when placed in your mouth.
In addition to being clear, clear aligners are also removable. This means that you can take them out as needed. Ideally, however, they should be worn 20 to 22 hours every day. Your aligners should only come out to eat, and to brush and floss your teeth.
Treatment with Clear Aligners
Before receiving your aligners, we start your treatment by taking digital impressions of your mouth. These impressions are used to design and create your custom aligners. Specialized software allows us to see your treatment every step of the way. You can even see what your new smile will look like before we begin!
Treatment with clear aligners involves the use of a series of aligners. Each set of aligners is made to be worn for two weeks at a time before you switch to the next set. Each set is slightly different, allowing your teeth to be gradually and gently moved into proper alignment.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer many benefits, including
- A completely invisible alternative to metal braces. The aligners disappear from view when placed on your teeth. The only thing others will notice is your smile.
- Removability. You can enjoy all of your favorite foods as well as brush and floss your teeth normally.
- Fewer office visits.
- Shorter treatment times.
With clear aligners, you can achieve your ideal smile in a much more discreet manner. For more information, and to find out if clear aligners are right for you, call First Impressions Orthodontics for Children & Adults at (203) 292-9595 to schedule your consultation today.