It’s understandable to be self-conscious of your smile if it isn’t the smile of your dreams. Clear aligners are a great way to improve your natural features by straightening your teeth in a comfortable way to achieve a beautiful smile.
Since clear aligners are, as their name suggests, transparent – this makes them a prime choice among people who are reluctant to draw attention to their treatment. As you work on improving your smile, you can count on discretion with this aesthetic solution for teeth alignment.
Although clear aligners have become a popular treatment choice, there are still several misconceptions that abound. If you’re considering clear aligners, it will be helpful to learn about the existing clear aligner brands in the market, as well as about the common myths surrounding them. Read on to unveil the truth behind these erroneous beliefs.
Busting Common Misconceptions About Clear Aligners
Misconception 1: Clear Aligners Are Less Effective Than Conventional Braces
It is often believed that clear aligners are not as effective as traditional orthodontic braces. They are, in fact, quite useful to make complex corrections in tooth alignment. If concerns about effectiveness are holding you back from trying clear aligners, we suggest consulting your orthodontist for a proper diagnosis.
Even minor differences in age and the extent of the correction can determine the duration of treatment, so hold off on judgments of efficacy until you meet with your doctor and get a proper appraisal.
Misconception 2: Clear Aligners Lead To Discomfort
Many believe that the wearer faces discomfort with clear aligners. Clear aligners are designed to fit onto your teeth seamlessly, and are customized according to your measurements. Although some initial discomfort is to be expected with affixing a plastic fitting over your teeth, getting accustomed to clear aligners is usually quick and easy.
Misconception 3: Clear Aligners Are For At-Home Use Without Doctor Involvement
Contrary to popular belief, clear aligners are not for at-home use only. Proper treatment is directed by an orthodontist. In fact, they will customize the clear aligners for your mouth after an in-depth consultation and evaluation of your case. This is why you should avoid opting for pre-made, snap-on aligners. For a truly effective alignment, it is always best to consult a licensed doctor.
Misconception 4: Clear Aligners Cause Tongue Slipping
This myth is simply busted by the fact that aligners are used to realign and straighten your teeth. By improving the positions of crowded, misaligned, or gapped teeth, your speech is expected to improve after treatment. Of course, you may experience slight slipping at first as your tongue adjusts to the aligners.
Within 3-4 days of introducing aligners, you’ll get used to them. At the end of treatment, you’ll have well-aligned teeth, improved speech, and a beautiful smile.
Misconception 5: Clear Aligners Are For Adults
While it is true that children who have not had all their teeth come in yet are advised not to wear clear aligners – teenagers can very well wear clear aligners, as – and when – prescribed by a licensed orthodontist.
Misconception 6: Clear Aligners Come With Food Restrictions
A common belief about clear aligners is that they come with food restrictions. This is completely false as clear aligners can easily be removed. Unlike metal braces, you can eat anything you want during clear aligner treatment.
As long as you make sure to remove the aligners before eating or drinking, they will be fine. Remember to brush and floss properly after consuming food and drink, before putting your aligners back in.
Misconception 7: Clear Aligners Can Only Be Used To Treat Mildly Crooked Teeth
People assume that clear aligners are used only to treat mildly crooked teeth.
However, orthodontists commonly prescribe clear aligners to address issues like crowded teeth, gapped teeth, underbite, overbite, as well as cross and open bites.
Misconception 8: Clear Aligners Lead To Unsatisfactory Results
In every case, obtaining results is largely dependent on the treatment prescribed by your doctor. For maximum satisfaction, it is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and trust their guidance based on the particulars of your case.
Often, people halt treatment and decide to stop wearing aligners of their own accord. However, this can set them back from whatever progress had been made with the alignment of their teeth.
We strongly recommend being patient and following your doctor’s instructions.
Misconception 9: Clear Aligner Trays Start Looking Old After Use
This can be attributed to poor hygiene and inconsistent cleaning practices among some users. As long as you regularly brush and floss, and care for your aligners, they’ll remain pristine throughout your treatment.
Some tips for keeping your aligners clean are to rinse them with lukewarm water after brushing. Avoid drinking any colored fluids while wearing your aligners, and take them off before eating.
Misconception 10: Treatment With Clear Aligners Takes Longer Than Regular Braces
Depending on the degree of correction needed for your teeth, this may be true. However, straightening your teeth with clear aligners isn’t necessarily a lengthy procedure. In fact, clear aligners are usually equally as effective at straightening or moving teeth as traditional braces are.
There are several factors which will determine whether you need to begin using clear aligners or braces. However, remember that working with clear aligners requires a measure of diligence.
Simply believe in yourself and continue treatment – and you’ll soon have the smile of your dreams.
Smile The Myths Away
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
While misconceptions are common surrounding all kinds of medical treatments, it is important to inform yourself about the truth behind these beliefs. Often, many of these opinions are based on surface-level understanding.
Aligning your teeth need not be a scary or arduous procedure. As you now know, clear aligners are a discrete and accessible way to reclaim your confidence and dazzle everyone with your new smile.
REFERENCES
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6811999/
- https://www.colterorthodontics.com/braces/clear-aligners/
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/the-risks-of-at-home-braces#
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35522548/
- https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/teeth-straightening/is-your-teen-ready-for-clear-teeth-aligners
- https://www.gireorthodontics.com/blog/why-cant-i-eat-and-drink-with-my-aligners-in/
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210730005428/en/Insights-on-the-Clear-Aligners-Global-Market-to-2028—by-Type-Distribution-Channels-Age-and-Geography—ResearchAndMarkets.com
- https://www3.aaoinfo.org/blog/orthodontic-treatment-with-clear-aligners/
- https://www.mibabortho.com/spark-aligner-care.php
- https://www.lastingimpressionsdentalgroup.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-clear-aligners-to-work/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices.
He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Diana Polekhina on Unsplash.
