Do Aligners Fix Teeth Permanently?
With the advancements in dentistry, there are tremendous orthodontic treatments and options to fix misaligned teeth. However, the process can be tedious, time-consuming, and overwhelming for most patients. Moreover, metal braces were very popular in the past, but many find it an aesthetic concern today. Therefore, most patients are opting for aligners so they can look their best during and after the procedure. Clear aligners are discreet compared to conventional metal brackets and wires and in most cases, you cannot even tell you’re wearing them.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners fix malaligned teeth and improve your smile. A virtually invisible plastic tray is used instead of wires and brackets, which gradually fix the position of your teeth. The following dental issues are fixed using clear aligners
- Crossbites
- Overbites
- Open bite
- Overjets
- Crowding
What are the benefits of aligners?
Clear aligners have multiple benefits, which are
- The treatment is virtually invisible and fixes crooked teeth with a greater aesthetic appeal. Something that is not possible with metal braces.
- They are more comfortable because there are no wires and brackets irritating soft tissues.
- Clear aligners can be removed for a brief period. For example, during meals and special occasions.
- The treatment time is shorter, which is four months to eighteen months, dependent on the brand of aligners being used.
- The treatment planning is digital, which can also be incorporated as teledentistry for remote monitoring.
- In-person appointments are fewer.
Do clear aligners fix teeth permanently?
One of the main concerns patients have is whether clear aligners are a permanent solution. The answer to that is yes. Clear aligners make your teeth straight for life, but it is not very simple. If a patient is opting for orthodontic treatment of any sort, they have an aesthetic concern most probably and most probably their teeth are crooked. Therefore, while aligners help straighten the teeth, if they are not properly taken care of and not worn accordingly, they do not work. Clear aligners have certain rules and instructions for long-term success. Patients are advised to follow their scheduled check-ups during the whole procedure. The Dental Clinic is the right place to visit if you’re in Karachi. Moreover, by skipping appointments constantly and disappearing till the time they need to be removed, your chances of permanently straightening your teeth with clear aligners will decrease with time. It is recommended that patients make sure they are keeping up with their appointments till it is complete.
Effectiveness of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are effective in fixing teeth. Trays are used around the entire tooth, from root to tip, and gentle yet consistent pressure is applied to the teeth. The teeth shift and position slightly in response. Moreover, with every tray, you keep getting closer to your dream smile. However, aligners are best for mild cases. If your teeth are severely malaligned, you will need to get fixed orthodontic treatment. Hence, if you don’t have the approval for clear aligners, consult your orthodontists for the best path.
Do aligners work like braces?
Both clear aligners and braces straighten teeth with gentle and continuous pressure. The patients are strictly advised to wear retainers after the procedure. However, the two procedures do differ in some ways, which are
Convenience
Metal braces are fixed, whereas aligners are removable, which gives patients the ease of taking them off while brushing and eating. Hence, it is convenient and easier to clean compared to metal braces.
Appointments and Supervision
People require multiple appointments for braces, which is challenging for many. However, many aligner formats can be conducted through telemedicine from the ease of your home.
Time Frame
The time frame for aligners is less compared to braces.
Comfort
Braces may scrape your dental tissues, whereas aligners are smooth to wear and easy to maintain as well.
