Are you wondering if clear aligners are right for you? In this blog, our Amherstburg dentists share some key details you should keep in mind when considering clear aligners treatment.
What Are Clear Aligners?
There are a few brands of clear aligners out there, and they all consist of a series of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and change about every 2 weeks. Each set of removable, custom-made clear aligners gradually adjusts your teeth in tiny increments.
Clear Aligners Benefits
One of the main benefits of clear aligners treatment is that you can take them out to drink, eat, brush your teeth, and floss.
Depending on your orthodontic condition and the brand of clear aligners you opt for, these aligners can be used to help correct various issues like crowing, teeth misalignments, and bite problems. This method of treatment is popular among teens and adults because they offer a discreet appearance. Another bonus, for busy teens and adults, is that there aren't any dietary restrictions.
Your clear aligners also won’t need adjustments or tightening as braces do, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. You’ll just need to check in with your dentist regularly on your progress.
The Cost of Your Clear Aligners
The cost of your clear aligners will be determined by these factors:
- Any coverage you can get through an insurance plan
- Your oral health requirements and how much work you will need
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
Depending on your specific situation and the brand of clear aligners you are using, you will probably end up paying approximately the same as you would for traditional braces- maybe a bit more.
The Duration of Your Treatment
Investing in improving your smile with clear aligners is a commitment to following your treatment process so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can determine your specific needs and therefore the duration of your treatment. Factors that could impact your treatment time include:
- Your compliance with your custom treatment plan
- The severity of your misalignment
- The number of aligners in your series
If you follow your treatment plan precisely as prescribed, your clear aligners will help strengthen your teeth and improve your smile. Also, once you know how many clear aligners will be in your series, you can calculate approximately how long your treatment should be by doing a bit of easy math.
Assuming you have 16 sets of aligners and switch them every 2 weeks, you’d use 2 sets of aligners per month. 16 divided by 2 is 8, meaning your treatment will take 8 months.
The majority of patients start seeing results about 4- to 6-weeks into their treatment. We suggest taking a photo of your smile every week, so you can see how much your teeth are moving, and the value the clear aligners are giving your oral health and smile.