When it comes to aligning the teeth and achieving a fully functional mouth, traditional braces are an incredible orthodontic tool. They have a long track record of successfully correcting a range of issues, and today’s braces are more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing than ever before! Some patients are still on the fence about them, however. Even with all their improvements, braces are still a fixed orthodontic appliance. As such, there are some limitations and restrictions involved. So we’re taking a look at the 5 reasons patients choose clear aligners over braces.
Here at Accent Smile Center, we have another option for teens and adults who want a straighter smile but aren’t sure traditional braces are the right choice for them. Clear aligners offer the same beautiful results as braces without the brackets, wires, and bands. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for your smile but prefer a more flexible treatment option, keep reading to learn more about why a clear aligner system could be the perfect solution for you!
But first…what are clear aligner systems?
Clear aligner systems are deceptively simple in design. Like braces, they gently and gradually shift the teeth until they reach the desired positions. Each aligner is custom designed to fit the unique dental needs of each patient, and is made from a strong but comfortable polyurethane material. The tray fits snugly over the teeth, and can be removed for short periods of time. However, they must be worn for 20-22 hours every day throughout the treatment process in order to be successful. Each aligner will also need to be replaced with the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movement of the teeth. This helps us achieve a smile that’s beautifully aligned and fully functional!
Clear aligners can give you teeth that are healthy, attractive, and able to work more effectively. Let’s explore some of the other reasons our patients love them!
Clear aligners can be just as effective as traditional braces
When it comes to treating many of the most common orthodontic issues, clear aligners can be just as effective as traditional braces. This is particularly true for mild to moderate cases of overbite, underbite, overcrowding, and gapped teeth. Patient
compliance plays an essential role in this, however. If the aligners aren’t worn the recommended 20-22 hours daily, it can lead to longer treatment times and subpar results.
Clear aligners offer extra freedom and flexibility
It takes a little time and patience to get used to any type of orthodontic treatment, but traditional braces do come with a bit more of a learning curve. Food restrictions are a perfect example. In order to protect the brackets and wires, patients must avoid anything that could damage them, including crunchy or sticky snacks like popcorn, chips, and several kinds of candy. It can be frustrating to give up some of your favorite foods, even if it’s only temporary!
Clear aligners are designed to be removed during mealtimes, so you’ll still be able to eat just about anything you normally would. A good oral hygiene routine is important, though. Fortunately, this is yet another area where clear aligners excel! Because they’re removable, you just brush and floss as you normally would, which reduces the chance of bacteria and plaque being trapped against your teeth. It’s a cinch to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean when you don’t have to navigate around braces.
Clear aligners can cost about the same as traditional braces
You may think that an alternative to braces will be more expensive, but clear aligners are actually comparable in cost. As with any treatment, there are a number of factors that will determine what the total amount will be. This includes the severity of the issue requiring correction, how long we expect treatment to take, and more. On average, however, from how long the treatment plan is to the extent of the issues needing correction. On average, however, Invisalign will cost just about the same as traditional braces!
Several insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage that will also cover clear aligners. Accent Smile Center are preferred providers with several insurance companies, but we gladly file with any insurance company. Once we verify your insurance company, we’ll do our best to help you get the most you can from your plan. We also accept checks, cash, all major credit cards, and have third-party financing available with approval through our partners like Care Credit and Proceed Finance.
Clear aligners offer a more subtle orthodontic experience
Crooked teeth or other dental issues can have a negative effect on your self-confidence, and many patients worry that braces will make them stand out even more. One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible! In fact, it’s possible to get through an entire course of treatment without anyone even noticing them. This makes them an excellent option for teens and adults who are concerned about how traditional braces may affect their appearance and lifestyle.
Clear aligners mean less time in the chair
We may have more time on our hands due to the coronavirus, but when school, sports, and other extracurriculars start back, families will be busier than ever! It can be overwhelming trying to fit everything into our schedules, and that’s before we begin to talk about regular check-ups at our office. Compared to traditional braces, patients wearing clear aligners tend to require less frequent visits overall, since there aren’t any adjustments to make, and no broken wires and brackets needing repairs. You’ll generally have a progress check once every 4-8 weeks, but we will always do our best to get you in and out of the chair as quickly as possible.
Create a confident smile with clear aligners from Accent Smile Center
Here at Accent Smile Center, we’re proud to offer patients in Dickson and the surrounding communities customized treatment plans designed with your unique smile in mind! Dr. Gatgens and our talented team work hard to provide a stress-free environment and superior results.
Would you like to learn more about achieving a beautiful smile without traditional braces? We’d love to meet you and walk you through your clear aligner options! Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gatgens and take the first step towards a healthy, confident smile that shines.