What are the Disadvantages of Aligners?
A great smile is everyone’s dream, but it requires a lot of effort and help to get there. To cater to that, clear aligners are being used by orthodontists successfully.
Braces are brackets that are connected using wires and help in aligning or moving the teeth. Whereas aligners are custom-made tight-fitting mouthpieces that can be worn and taken off by the patients themselves. One of the largest producers of clear aligners is Invisalign. Other brands include Clear Correct, Smart Moves, and Inman Aligner.
However, Invisible aligners treatment is not everyone’s piece of cake. Your dentist or orthodontist at The Dental Clinic will be able to guide you and help you decide if it is suitable for you. Patients can also ask their dentists about their previous aligners’ patients and outcomes.
Who can get invisible aligners?
Invisible aligners are custom-made for a tight fit, they are a great option for teens and adults because straightening a child’s teeth are more difficult comparatively. Moreover, young people have growing mouths, which are still developing, hence the dentist should think about setting up a treatment plan.
Clear aligners are used for people who have mild to moderate crowding and minor spacing issues. Patients with severe spacing problems, overbites, and crossbites may require more complex treatment.
Aligners VS Traditional Braces
Patients are usually concerned with which option is better for them and although it is a personal decision, some relevant information can help you choose based on your options.
It is necessary to know that aligners treat most but not all orthodontic cases. Therefore, it is necessary that patients chat with their orthodontists at their initial consultation about which option is the best.
Braces are made using metal or porcelain and attached to the teeth. Then, metal wires and rubber bands are used for providing force and to help align the teeth to the correct position. Whereas aligners are made using plastic and custom-made to fit the teeth. Each bracket moves the teeth step by step to the final position. Moreover, bumps of composite resin are attached to multiple teeth to grip the tooth so it can be moved to the correct position.
Advantages of Aligners
- Aligners are not as noticeable as braces because they are clear and custom-made to fit your teeth. This is an important factor for many but not everyone.
- The patient’s diet is not affected by aligners because they are removed while eating. They can eat all the food they like without any difficulty or discomfort whereas brackets and wires are prone to breaking, requiring extra maintenance and repairs.
- Since aligners can be removed, they are more hygienic because patients can brush and floss their teeth regularly. Whereas patients with braces in place face challenges while brushing their teeth.
- Clear aligners can be of great advantage to people with busy lives because the movement is pre-planned and visiting the dentist is much simpler.
- Aligners are more comfortable compared to braces and although the teeth become tender, the lips and cheeks aren’t as irritated since the plastic aligners are smoother compared to metal or porcelain braces.
Disadvantages of Aligners
Clear aligners have some downsides, which require the patients to maintain a careful hygiene routine. Moreover, patients are required to wash their braces and brush their teeth before reinserting the aligners. They may also require careful cleaning if the users want them to look invisible.
However, another thing that should be taken into consideration is that clear aligners do not treat orthodontic issues. For example, when the teeth need to be positioned vertically or if they need to be rotated into a certain place.
Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of clear braces disadvantages, including the need for strict hygiene maintenance and their limited suitability for certain types of orthodontic corrections.
Ineffective Against Complex Issues
According to research, although limited, Invisalign is more effective for people who require minor or certain kinds of movement. For more complex issues, other treatments may be suggested by your orthodontist. Moreover, if a patient has bridgework on some of their teeth, Invisalign may not be the correct option.
Compliance is a Requirement
Aligners are required to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day for maximum benefits. However, if you think you will not be able to comply, they are not the right treatment option for you.
Remove During Eating and Drinking
When you are drinking and eating you need to remove your aligners. Failing to do so may lead to food impaction, which may lead to bacterial growth on your teeth or gumline, causing cavities. Furthermore, liquid can also seep down the aligners and cause staining of your aligners and teeth.
Food Limitations
When the aligners are removed, the teeth may feel sore, which can lead to limitations in food choices. Moreover, hard foods should be specifically avoided.
Cost
The cost of the treatment is equivalent to traditional braces, but it can fluctuate based on the length of the treatment and the complexity of the tooth alignment problems. Moreover, dentists and orthodontists offer payment plans for Invisalign, so you can ask them about it before starting the treatment.
FAQs
What are the alternatives to aligners?
- Retainers are the most used removable devices to treat misaligned teeth.
- Headgears are also used but they have a bad look since they are aesthetically unappealing.
- Six-month smiles and accelerated orthodontics are also viable alternatives.
Moreover, since cosmetic dentistry is at an all-time high, bonding and veneers can also fix misalignment. The dentist will reshape your teeth by using tooth-coloured resin, which fixes the aesthetic flaw.
How often do aligners need to be changed?
Each set of aligners needs to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day and each set needs to be changed every one to two weeks based on what the dentist has directed. Every set of aligners will gradually align your teeth according to the treatment plan till your smile is perfect again.
Can aligners fix severe dental issues?
Invisalign work like metal braces for correcting crooked teeth and is also capable of correcting problems traditional braces cater to. For example, bite problems (malocclusion).
What happens if I lose an aligner?
You have two options if you lose an aligner. You can either go back to the one you were wearing before the ones you lost or wear the one that comes next in line. It is however wiser to go back to the previous set of aligners to prevent the teeth from drifting out of the alignment.
Are there food restrictions with aligners?
Metal braces have tremendous restrictions but since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, there are no dietary restrictions. You can eat and drink whatever you want.
