Are You a Candidate for Clear Aligners? Key Factors to Consider

If you want a straighter smile, then clear aligners must be on your list of options. These transparent, easy-to-remove appliances are comfortable and discrete compared to metallic braces, offering an effective way to straighten teeth. However, a major concern is raised: Are they suitable for everyone? Before diving into treatment, it is crucial to discover whether you are well-suited for clear aligners or not.

In this blog, we’ll learn about the factors that define the feasibility of clear aligner treatment, including the various dental concerns that aligners can resolve, your age, and the significance of oral health.

Understanding Clear Aligners

A clear aligner is a dental appliance made of clear plastic material. It is precisely constructed to be worn directly over the teeth to move them to the desired position. The aligners are worn for 10 days, then changed to the next tray that is slightly different, and gradually shifts teeth to the right position.

Factors to Consider

However, despite all the benefits, clear aligners have their applications restricted to specific dental issues. Here, we will look at features that will help to determine whether you are suited for it or not.

• Type and Severity of Dental Issues

  Clear aligners are designed to address numerous orthodontic issues, but they are most suitable for mild to moderate problems. They work best for:

  Crowded teeth: When there is overcrowding, causing teeth to combine or twist in the mouth.

  Gapped teeth: When people have overly large gaps between their teeth, causing the gaps to be visible.

  Overbite: This condition exists when the upper teeth are ahead of the lower teeth.

  Underbite: When your lower front teeth stick out beyond your higher front teeth, it is known as an underbite.

  Crossbite: Occasionally it means that some of the upper teeth are located inside the lower teeth rather than outside.

  Open bite: When the front teeth do not come into contact regardless of the mouth being shut.

  Cases where aligners may not be suitable:

  Severe misalignment: Severe orthodontic problems may require traditional braces.

  Tooth rotation: Braces may work better if more teeth need to be rotated.

  Vertical movement: It can be less effective in moving teeth vertically, which can be crucial when dealing with deep bites.

• Age and Growth Factors

  They are suitable for both teenagers and adults; however, the treatment may vary based on age.

  Teens: Teenagers may also benefit from clear aligners, as long as all baby teeth have erupted and their second permanent molars are developed. However, the treatment depends on consistency, as the users need to wear the aligners for 20–22 hours a day. Some clear aligner brands even have features such as compliance indicators to make sure that teens are using them appropriately.

  Adults: Clear aligners are popular among adults who are dreaming of having a beautiful smile without going for traditional braces. For adults, the appeals are based on the aesthetic appearance of clear aligners and the convenience of removable trays. One thing that is worth noting is that adult teeth don’t move as easily as teenage teeth; therefore, treatment may take longer.

  

• Oral Health Status

  To promote oral health, the steps to undergo clear aligner treatment are very important. Like with other orthodontic treatments, your dentist will evaluate your general oral health before allowing you to start wearing clear aligners. Here’s what they’ll look at:

  • Healthy gums: If you have periodontal disease or some other type of gum disease, it must be treated before starting with aligners.

  

  • Cavity-free teeth: Any tooth decay that might be present should be treated and resolved before undergoing alignment treatment. If you have cavities that haven’t been treated, it may affect wearing the aligner and even worsen the issue.
  • No major dental work is required: If you are experiencing severe problems such as root canals, tooth extractions, or crown placements, this is the best time to resolve them before using aligners. Performing major dental work during aligner treatment can deter progress.

• Commitment and Discipline

  Clear aligner treatment is effective, but it requires discipline. The aligner must be worn for 20–22 hours a day to get the desired results. If you forget to wear them or do not stick to the schedule you have been given, your treatment may be way off schedule and therefore, may not be effective.

  Are you ready for the commitment?

  • These aligners should only be taken off for eating or to clean your teeth so they don’t accumulate plaque.
  • You should clean the aligners regularly to prevent discoloration or the growth of bacteria.
  • Remember to follow your dentist’s directions to ensure you change your aligners on time.

  However, if you are more concerned about the other orthodontic appliances that need less of your attention, braces may be an appropriate option for you. But if you are ready to abide strictly by the regulations, then clear aligners are ideal.

• Budget and Financial Constraints

  The cost of a clear aligner depends on several factors, such as the severity of the case, the brand, and the location. In most cases, clear aligners are more affordable than braces, but still, they will involve a considerable cost. Few insurance plans take care of dental procedures, but before going for clear aligners, it is better to verify whether or not the insurance policy is willing to cover the cost.

  Factors to consider:

  • Aligner Brand: At present, recognized brands such as Invisalign might cost even more than the aforementioned at-home aligners like ALIGNERCO, SmileDirectClub, or Candid.
  • Severity of Treatment: Cost will increase proportionally with the complexity of a patient's teeth because more aligners will be needed and the treatment will take longer to complete.
  • Payment options: Several providers offer payment plans, which help patients finance treatment over time.

• Regular Dental Visits

  Clear aligners require fewer checkups with the orthodontist as compared to traditional braces. However, checkup visits are required to monitor the progress and make sure the treatment is going on the right track.

  Some of the at-home aligner brands, such as ALIGNERCO, where one can get treated at home without having to visit various check-ups virtually.

Introducing ALIGNERCO’s Clear Aligner

ALIGNERCO brings the comfort of getting your teeth straightened from your home. With our clear aligners, you can get your teeth straightened without even getting noticed. The average treatment duration ranges between 4 to 6 months to get the smile of your dreams with ALIGNERCO clear aligners. However, patients are required to wear aligners for at least 20 to 24 hours.

Here is a step-by-step guide to ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners.

How do ALIGNERCO Invisible Aligners work?

Get your custom-fit aligners delivered to your doorstep. Follow the simple steps and begin your teeth straightening journey today.

Clear aligners are invisible, comfortable, and effective in fixing dental issues; however, they are not perfect for all people. The suitability of a candidate is determined by the type of problems you have with your teeth, age, commitment, and oral health status. It is therefore important to always consult with your dentist or orthodontist to know if clear aligners are suitable for your dental situation.