Clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable plastic aligners that straighten teeth similar to braces. Made from a durable FDA-approved plastic, clear aligners gently and gradually move teeth into alignment over time using gentle, consistent force. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are comfortable, removable, and discrete.
How do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners work by placing sustained, gentle pressure on teeth to guide them into the right positions. An orthodontist or dentist will first take detailed impressions or scans of the patient's teeth. These impressions are then used to create a series of custom-made clear aligners in a lab. Each aligner gradually shifts teeth slightly further with every new set. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks and then advance to the next aligner in the series until the prescribed treatment is complete. Patients must wear their aligners nearly 22 hours a day for the treatment to work effectively.
Are Clear Aligners Effective?
Extensive clinical trials have proven clear aligners can be just as effective for treating minor to moderate malocclusion as traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are often able to realign teeth by incrementally moving them up to 1-2mm per aligner set. This customized series allows teeth to be gradually shepherded into their target positions over the course of treatment. When worn as directed, clear aligners have been shown to straighten teeth to achieve the prescribed finish result in the estimated treatment time. Their effectiveness depends on patient compliance in wearing the aligners as instructed.
Who are Good Candidates for Clear Aligners?
Nearly any patient whose malocclusion involves crowding, spacing, overbite, or minor jaw discrepancies may be a good candidate for clear aligners. They are suitable for correcting minor to moderate teeth alignment issues in patients age 5 and up. Some ideal cases include:
- Crowded or crooked upper and lower front teeth
- Minor spacing between teeth
- Slippages or rotations of a single tooth or two
- A mild to moderate overbite or overjet requiring 1-2mm of movement per tooth
- Minor jaw adjustments through growth moderation or adult orthodontics
Patients typically need at least 12-18 sets of clear aligners spaced over 5-9 months of treatment. Factors like severity of misalignment, jaw structure, and patient cooperation impact customized treatment plans. Overall, clear aligners often provide an effective solution for cases involving subtle yet still noticeable smile enhancements.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Removability - Clear aligners can be taken in and out, allowing for proper oral care, eating, and other activities without discomfort.
Comfort - Unlike metal braces, clear aligners do not use wires to apply rotational forces which can cause irritation and soreness.
Aesthetics - Because they are nearly invisible when worn, clear aligners help avoid the conspicuous metal lashings of traditional braces. This makes them preferable for adult patients.
Convenience - After each aligner set is worn the prescribed amount of time, patients switch to the next and continue treatment with minimal orthodontist visits required.
Limited Risk of Decay - With braces or retainers, patient oral hygiene is crucial to avoid cavities. Clear aligners make brushing and flossing easier due to their removability.
Does Insurance Cover Clear Aligners?
In many cases, dental insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost of clear aligner treatment. Coverage depends on factors like the specifics of an individual's plan and their orthodontic lifetime maximum benefit. It's best to contact one's dental insurance carrier to find out about coverage details before starting treatment. There may be limitations on reimbursement for cosmetic realignment procedures. However, dental plans often treat clear aligners similarly to traditional braces when correcting genuine malocclusion issues. Out-of-pocket costs can run anywhere from $3,000-$8,000 depending on severity and length of treatment required. Payment plans are usually available.
Clear aligners provide an effective yet discreet alternative to traditional braces for minor to moderate orthodontic corrections. Their user-friendly, transparent nature makes them especially well-suited for adult orthodontic treatments. Patients report high satisfaction with increased comfort, hygiene, and self-confidence gained from straighter smiles achieved through clear aligner therapy. When the proper candidates utilize their aligners as directed under the guidance of an orthodontist, most can expect visible improvement within just a few months. Clear aligners deliver the smile-perfecting benefits of orthodontics with much greater patient appeal and convenience.
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