Clear aligners offer a convenient way to correct poor teeth and jaw alignment. You can take them out when necessary, allowing you to eat more easily and clean your aligners more effectively. Plus, they’re virtually invisible, so you can show off your smile without any large braces blocking your teeth. But before getting this dental device, it’s important to consider several factors so that you make the right choice. Here are four factors to keep in mind when getting clear aligners:
First and foremost, consider which provider you want to work with. Both dentists and orthodontists can provide you with clear aligner treatment. Orthodontists tend to charge more, but they may offer a higher quality aligner since this is an orthodontic procedure.
Once you’ve chosen between the two, you’ll have to find a provider that works for you. A good provider will be able to answer all your questions. Shop around for new providers and look at reviews online. Make sure to choose a provider with numerous good reviews on Google, Yelp, Trust pilot, and the Better Business Bureau.
Clear aligners can be convenient, simple options for mild to moderate cases of teeth or jaw misalignment. If your case isn’t too serious, they may be a good choice. But they aren’t necessarily optimal if you have severely misshapen teeth or misshapen jaws. Braces may be a better option in more severe cases.
An important question to answer is how fast you want your treatment to proceed. Aligners are often quicker than braces, making them ideal for adults who want to minimize treatment time. But if you don’t mind a longer treatment time and want to cut your costs, you can consider getting braces instead.
If you are highly active, such as playing contact sports, braces aren’t always a good idea. They could be damaged if you get hit in the face by a person or object. This could set back your treatment and cost extra to repair.
Clear aligners may work much better in this situation. You could wear them while engaging in physical activity without worrying something will break. That said, you could also remove them while engaging in physical activity, further reducing the chance of anything happening to your device.
As you’ve seen, clear aligners can be more convenient and less uncomfortable than braces and require a shorter treatment time. But keep in mind that they’re generally best for mild to moderate cases. Plus, aligners tend to cost more than braces. Make sure you weigh your budget and preferences against these factors to determine whether aligners are right for your dental needs.