Chances are, when you think of braces, you automatically imagine a mouth full of metal. Fortunately, if you want a straighter smile, traditional metal braces are not your only option. Clear braces can straighten your teeth effectively without the use of metal. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of clear aligners.
Almost Invisible
The main advantage of clear aligners is that they are practically invisible. Of course, the same cannot be said for traditional metal braces with all the brackets and wires. The near invisibility of clear aligners is particularly beneficial for teens heading to college or adults in the workplace. Traditional metal braces are often seen as a rite of passage for adolescents and young teens. Therefore, some older teens and adults find wearing traditional metal braces somewhat embarrassing.
Less Maintenance
Another benefit of clear aligners is that they require less maintenance in comparison to traditional metal braces. If you get clear aligners, you will not need to go to as many dental appointments. All you need to do is change the trays once after a certain amount of time. Some dental practices will only require you to go to two appointments during the whole treatment process. Other dental practices may want you to come in every few weeks to monitor your progress and make changes to the treatment if needed.
The level of care required is also lower for clear aligners. To take care of your aligners, you need to rinse them each time you remove them. Before you put on your aligners in the morning, you should brush and floss your teeth. Clean your aligners with soap and soak them in denture cleaner or retainer cleaner. Remember not to use hot water to rinse or clean your clear aligners. Hot water can cause your clear aligners to warp.
Easier to Take Care of Teeth
One issue that many people run into when it comes to traditional metal braces is taking care of their teeth properly. The brackets and wires can make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth effectively. Some people end up with stained teeth or white spots due to poor care. On the other hand, it is much easier to brush and teeth with clear aligners because they are removable.
No Dietary Restrictions
Since clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to worry about not being able to eat certain foods. When it comes to traditional metal braces, there is a long list of food items that you cannot eat. These foods may damage your braces or cause discomfort. Some examples of food that you cannot eat with traditional metal braces include popcorn, candy, and gum.
Clear braces are a wonderful alternative to traditional metal braces. If you’ve been putting off getting braces for a straighter and more beautiful smile, clear aligners may be what you need.