Emirates Dental
A perfect smile is something that many people dream about. If you have a straight set of pearly whites without any treatments or interventions, you are truly lucky. For many others, however, getting perfectly aligned teeth comes with some effort.
Today, there are many different orthodontic treatments available worldwide. But one treatment that has completely revolutionized orthodontics is the invisible aligner treatment. Invisible aligners are a fantastic alternative to traditional braces, where people can get perfectly aligned teeth, sans the metal in their mouth. Even so, there are numerous myths floating around about invisible aligners, which has led to people opting out of this perfectly safe and efficient treatment method. In this blog, we will debunk these myths and let you know the truth about invisible aligner treatment.
What is invisible aligner treatment?
The invisible aligner treatment uses a series of transparent and hypoallergenic plastic trays that are custom-fitted for a patient’s teeth to apply gentle pressure on them, thereby bringing them into proper alignment. Unlike traditional braces, there are no metallic parts involved in this procedure, which comes with many pros for the user. The treatment is widely used to correct mild to moderate malocclusions and is more comfortable, discreet, and convenient than metallic braces.
If you have heard otherwise, and doubt its effectiveness and ease of use, here is what you need to know-
The invisible aligners are designed in such a way that they fit snugly over your teeth at all times. It functions by applying gentle pressure on the teeth and has smooth edges that don't scratch the gums or the inside of your mouth at any point of the treatment. In short, invisible aligners are nothing like metallic braces and hence cause very little discomfort.
During the first few weeks of the treatment and whenever you change the aligner tray for the next set, you will feel mild discomfort as your mouth gets accustomed to the new treatment. Since it is recommended to remove the aligners before mealtime, there won’t be any pressure applied on them and consequently on your teeth during chewing.
One of the biggest highlights of invisible aligners is their transparency, which promises a discreet treatment experience. However, many people believe that it’s a false promise. Here are the facts.
The clear aligners are completely transparent and discreet under most circumstances, provided the patient follows the care instructions to a T. The aligner trays are made of a special plastic, which can get stained if the patient eats or drinks without removing them. Therefore, it is recommended that the aligners are removed and kept in their case safely during meal times, allowing you to eat anything you like without damaging the trays.
Additionally, like our teeth, the aligners are also prone to plaque build-up as it stays in the mouth throughout the day. This causes the aligners to lose their transparency. To avoid this, ensure that the aligner trays are cleaned using a denture solution or invisible aligner cleaner every time before popping them back in after a meal. Remember NOT to use hot water, toothpaste, or mouthwash to clean the aligners as it may cause them to change their shape or get stained, losing their transparency.
In short, following the instructions carefully will help ensure the transparency of the invisible aligners, which will keep them discreet and your smile bright.
Invisible aligners are priced higher than metallic braces to cover the cost of manufacturing made-to-measure aligner trays that fit comfortably onto the patient’s teeth. Even so, the price is comparable to braces. During invisible aligner treatment, the patient doesn’t have to make frequent visits to the dentist for fit checks or adjustments, making the cost of the treatment almost the same as that of traditional orthodontic treatments. If you are concerned about the cost of the aligners or the treatment, you can always talk to your dentist regarding the same and look into insurance policies that cover the treatment.
Most insurance companies that cover traditional orthodontic treatments also cover invisible aligners treatments. However, if you are doubtful, check with your insurance provider before starting the treatment.
If you are on a basic insurance plan and still wish to go for an invisible aligner treatment, check for payment plans at our dental clinic in Dubai as flexible payment plans in the form of monthly installments are available for patients in need. You can also avail of special discounts, which are often announced around holidays and the end of seasons.
Most people think that invisible aligners are only effective for patients with mild malocclusions like a slightly crooked bite or a gapped front tooth. However, invisible aligners can not fix complex issues such as overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which can occur when you close your mouth, spaced or crowded teeth, and moderately crooked teeth. Fix an appointment at our dental clinic and consult with our experts to determine the degree of malocclusion and opt for invisible aligner treatment to get a straight row of teeth and fix your smile effectively.
Once again it’s a no. Invisible aligners take almost the same time as normal braces in aligning your teeth. Depending upon the degree of malocclusion, it takes 6 to 12 months to achieve the desired results with clear aligners, which is the same as that of traditional treatment.
However, to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness and completion on time, you need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day and care for the aligner trays as recommended. Also, you must remember to change into your next set of aligner trays at the recommended time. Any delay in moving on to the subsequent aligner trays will cause a delay in completing the treatment.
This is probably the biggest myth of them all when it comes to invisible aligner treatments. Although this treatment is highly popular among adults who just love the fact that they are very discreet, invisible aligners are also a great option for adolescents and pre-teens who wish to have a more comfortable orthodontic treatment experience.
School and college-going students who are self-conscious about their smiles can now opt for invisible aligner treatment by talking to our dentist. Moreover, the aligners are safer and do not cause any kinds of injuries or discomfort in their mouth, keeping them safe and excited about the treatment. Today, children as young as six can start using this treatment for early intervention. However, in the case of younger patients, the parents have to be very mindful to ensure that their children are following the recommended care instructions to get the full result of the treatment.
Conclusion
So there you go- top 7 myths about invisible aligners debunked! If you are interested in this treatment, contact our dental clinic in Dubai today to book an appointment.
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}