Clear aligners are plastic molds/trays that are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually push them to realign them and correct bite issues if any. While traditional braces have been the go-to solution for most people for a very long time, clear aligners have gained popularity in the past couple of decades due to various reasons. However, despite the efficiency and convenience of wearing clear aligners, there are still questions about their safety.

A doctor knows it best

You need to visit an orthodontist if you are planning to try clear aligners for teeth straightening. He will assess your current teeth alignment and plan a treatment that would best suit your condition. It involves dental exams and 3D teeth scans for a better understanding of the situation. The orthodontist is also equipped with the right kind of technology to prepare the customized aligners for you based on the requirement. So to ensure you are on a safe track, the ideal situation would be to consult an orthodontist in person before going ahead with the treatment. Other options where you send your teeth impressions to the provider and get the clear aligners via mail sound hassle-free and exciting. But the lack of face-to-face consultation could lead to errors in judgment in manufacturing the exact fit aligners and thereby lead to more harm than help.

The experience

The treatment includes wearing a series of aligners that gently push the teeth toward their desired position. However, the movement is so subtle that it barely makes one feel uncomfortable. The teeth movement generally takes place soon after a new set of aligners is worn. But you still have to keep wearing the same set for a week to ensure the teeth don’t shift back to the original position. This process ensures there is no sudden movement of the teeth and no internal harm is caused to the roots. Clear aligners take at least six months to a couple of years to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth. The process is gradual, thus making it much safer than a rushed job. With its well-planned customized manufacturing and gradual teeth-straightening procedure, clear aligners are one of the safest options. However, it is important to consult an orthodontist in person before commencing the treatment and trust a provider who offers you complete support throughout your smile journey.

References

• https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03141788