Are Clear Aligners As Effective As Traditional Braces?

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Clear aligners have become one of Australia’s most popular orthodontic treatments for those who want to correct their teeth without metal brackets and wires. There is no metal involved in these braces, which makes them more comfortable than metal braces. However, most people agree that they feel like you’re wearing nothing at all! 

It works by exerting pressure on your teeth which causes them to move into position over time gradually. So if you’re looking for a way to straighten your teeth, then clear aligners might be the solution for you.  

In this blog post, we will explore how it works and compare it with traditional braces. We’ll also provide some information about whether it’s worth getting them fitted at all.

What Are Clear Aligners?

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Clear aligners, also called invisible aligners, are an orthodontic treatment that corrects misaligned or crooked teeth. Aligner trays are custom-built for every patient, depending on the severity of teeth misalignment. They are typically used for patients who have mild or moderately crowded teeth or have minor spacing issues. However, patients who have severe crowding or spacing problems, or severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites may need more complex treatment.

Learn More About Clear Aligners Here: Everything You Need To Know About Clear Aligners in Australia

How Effective Is Clear Aligner Treatment?

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The use of clear aligners is a relatively new treatment for orthodontic issues. However, limitations in the research on their effectiveness have been noted by experts from eleven studies in 2015, with most stating that there are not enough cases to create significant conclusions.

Both clear aligners and braces were effective in treating malocclusion. Clear aligners had an advantage in the segmented movement of teeth and shortened treatment duration and chair time in mild-to-moderate cases. However, it remains unclear whether or not these benefitsoutweigh drawbacks such as durability and eventual relapse back into spaces where there were once teeth.

Does It Work as Well as Braces?

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Compared to braces, aligners are more comfortable. In addition, the shorter treatment time with aligners is a significant improvement to the more traditional braces. The cost for this advancement may be higher, but it’s easier and quicker than what was previously available. However, this is not for everyone. It works best for teens and adults with mild or moderately crowded teeth or minor spacing issues.

The patient must be disciplined about wearing their aligners at all times to avoid prolonging the treatment or compromising the results. If they do not, there is a chance that it will take longer for them to achieve optimal alignment and could also result in worsening of their condition over time because teeth are only meant to move so much when pushed back by an external force like braces or aligners.

Learn More: Are Clear Aligners As Effective As Traditional Braces?

Difference Between Clear Aligners & Invisalign?

how do clear aligner straighten teeth

Invisalign:

Invisalign is the innovator of clear aligners. Unlike traditional braces made out of metal and wire, Invisalign’s teeth-straightening devices sit undetectable beneath your lips, with just a thin piece of plastic covering your teeth. 

  • Invisalign has a specially patented thin material that retains its rigidity longer than traditional aligners. It’s called SmartTrack, which took four years to make and is also uniquely Invisalign’s own design. It helps with the accuracy of treatments because when you use this type of material, it will retain its shape to move your teeth in the right direction, making treatment more predictable.
  • Invisalign clear aligners are a new way for orthodontists and dentists to customise treatment. Using the iTero Element® scanner, your doctor can create an accurate 3-D image of your teeth, allowing them to see each projected shift in alignment with detail that was not possible before.
  • Invisalign has a well-known reputation for its ability to provide corrective treatments that are proven and durable. To make sure of this, the company invests heavily in research and development, which ensures that all patients receive professional guidance from start to finish. The treatment is supported with reassurance due to their cutting edge design, which guarantees you will get results.

Other Clear Aligners:

  • To create the perfect smile, you must first make a putty mould of your teeth. It is no easy task for anyone because it requires precision and patience to accurately represent each tooth’s shape and size. After this process, take selfies that showcase every angle possible to see what needs changes or adjustments!
  • The aligners will be shipped to you in the mail. They are typically made of hard plastic with generic gumlines, which means there’s no one around to tell if they fit correctly.
  • Generic clear aligners are less expensive because there’s no involvement of a dentist. A dental professional working for the company will look at the moulds sent and make recommendations on fixing them based on the selfies. The supervisor won’t be able to evaluate your overall dental health or tell if your teeth are moving properly once you have worn the aligners.

Learn More: Cost Of Clear Aligners Definitive Guide 2021

How Long Does Clear Aligner Treatment Take?

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The process of straightening teeth is quite complex. The amount of time it will take for your treatment depends on the severity of misalignment and how crooked they are. Aligners can be worn as often as 20-22 hours a day during this period, depending on what stage you’re at in the procedure; most cases require ten months to 24 months before completion though some may take longer than that if there’s a more severe displacement or malformation present.

How Does a Clear Aligner Treatment Work?

how do clear aligners straighten teeth

A clear aligner works by using gentle pressure to move misaligned teeth into the correct position. The force stimulates the gum tissue to decrease so it can reabsorb back into its membrane on the side where the force was applied while new tissue develops on the space left by the shifting tooth.

  1. A clear aligner is not for everyone. It cannot straighten your teeth if they are rotated more than 20° or move teeth vertically up and down in the gum membrane. So to find out whether you’re eligible, attend an initial consultation with a dentist who will examine your teeth and gums, then take x-rays and digital scans of your oral health before making that determination.
  2. Once the dentist has determined that you will have a precise alignment treatment, he/she will make yale 3D scans of your mouth and inputs the data into a specialised software system to create a custom made series of clear aligners. The information is sent off-site, where it will be fabricated from BPA free thermoplastic.
  3. Once your trays are ready, you meet with your dentist for final fitting before heading home to begin wearing them, which only takes minutes since they fit over like a mouthguard which you can remove when eating and drinking. However, it has to be worn at least 22 hours per day to achieve the best results. You typically need to switch out the set every 1-2 weeks, depending on what type of correction is required.
  1. To keep your teeth healthy, you should visit the dentist at least every six weeks to ensure that everything is progressing as it should. The dental visits will also allow them to clean plaque and tartar from the teeth, leading to tooth decay if not treated on time. Moreover, properly clean the trays since they may change in colour or become scratched if not maintained well.

Learn more about how clear aligners straight teeth here: How Do Clear Aligner Straighten Teeth?

Final Thoughts

Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth. If you’re considering clear aligners as an option, it may be worth taking some time to learn more about the pros and cons of this type of orthodontics before making your decision. We recommend that anyone interested in getting to stop by our office for a free consultation. Our team could address any concerns you have about the process. Contact us today at 08 9532 0247 for more information on how we can help make sure your smile looks its best! You may also visit our website https://byfordsmiles.com.au/.

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