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Dentistry has come a long way today with the latest advances in materials and treatment options. Orthodontics involves correcting teeth alignment using braces. Traditionally, braces have been metallic or ceramic brackets fixed on the front surface of teeth with a wire running through the slot. When the wire is tightened, it applies force on the teeth and moves them into proper alignment. However, due to the bulky metal and ceramic nature of these brackets, many people avoided orthodontic treatment.
In the late 1990s, clear aligners were introduced by Align Technology and have been seen as revolutionizing orthodontic treatments across the globe. There are many clear aligner brands available to choose from, including Made in India –32 Watts Aligners.
Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that need to be worn on upper and lower teeth to straighten them. Since these trays are invisible when worn, they are also called invisible braces. Since they are highly aesthetic, most people prefer them over conventional metallic and ceramic braces. However, one question that most people wonder about is – “How effective are clear aligners?”
What Conditions Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners are popular with dentists as well as patients. Some common dental issues that clear aligners can treat include:
The average duration for clear aligner treatment can be anything between 3 months to 18 months.
Are Aligners Effective?
Compared to traditional orthodontic treatment options, clear aligners are relatively new. Due to this, the amount of research about how effective they are is limited and currently underway. You may have heard about many successful clear aligner treatments but what does the research say?
Well, according to research available today, clear aligners are highly effective in treating mild to moderate teeth alignment and bite-related conditions. Some issues with clear aligners during treatment include:
Forces applied by aligners are in one direction only. When complex movements are required to align teeth, they are still not capable of performing them.
Incomplete finishing of rotations
Difficult to predict some types of movements
Not very effective in treating severely crooked teeth and complex problems
Usually not preferred to be used with surgical orthodontic cases
Cannot be used in children and adolescents as they still have erupting teeth
For these reasons, conventional metal and ceramic braces appear to be more effective.
However, clear aligners are effective for most mild to moderate teeth alignment issues. To bring about the required teeth movements with aligners, you must wear them for a minimum of 22 to 23 hours every day.
Each set of aligner trays is required to be worn for around two weeks after which you must switch to the next set. Regular orthodontic visits help your orthodontist to keep track of the progress of your treatment and whether the aligners are effectively moving your teeth or not.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Despite the effectiveness of clear aligners still being studied, there are millions of people who have been successfully treated with them. Some advantages of clear aligners over traditional braces. These include:
They have a shorter treatment duration
They can treat a wide range of teeth alignment issues with minimal discomfort
They are easy to clean and also allow easy brushing and flossing of teeth and gums
Since the aligner trays are made from soft plastic material, they do not irritate the gums and cheeks as conventional braces
Prevent teeth grinding
Since the aligner trays are removable, there are no food restrictions during clear aligner treatment as is seen with conventional braces. Learn more about invisible aligners cost in India
Takeaway!
Clear aligners are, by far, the most advanced orthodontic treatment options available. Though existing research is limited to few trials, aligners have given patients straightened teeth and electrifying, flawless smiles. Newer materials, advanced technology and research are sure to make aligners as effective as conventional braces in the near future.
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