Braces For Adults: What to Know About Clear Aligners
Getting braces as an adult doesn’t sound appealing. They can get in the way, and you can’t enjoy many foods you might be used to eating. Plus, braces aren’t very discrete. Dealing with braces in school is one thing; wearing them to your board meeting is another. Luckily, traditional braces are not the only teeth straightening option.
Most adults who want to straighten their teeth should consider clear aligner therapy, which we offer here at Inner Banks Dental. Let’s look at what precisely clear aligner therapy is and why many people find it useful.
What is Clear Aligner Therapy?
Clear aligner therapy consists of a patient wearing a custom clear aligner on their teeth for most of the day and night to fix minor misalignment in the teeth. Clear aligners are great for adults because they are removable, invisible, and temporary. (One of the biggest name brands is Invisalign.)
Your aligner will be replaced every two to four weeks, depending on your personal needs. Each time you get a new aligner and wear it for the first time, it will feel tighter. That’s because each aligner is shaped slightly differently. The tightness is from the aligners straightening your teeth over time. Clear Aligner Therapy can take anywhere from 10 to 24 months.
The Cons of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an excellent option for adults and anyone over the age of 14, but there are some things you should know before buying. To work correctly, you should wear clear aligner braces the entire day and night, only taking them out to eat, brush, and floss. Don’t expect only to wear the aligners half of the day and have great results.
Clear aligners are also only meant to fix minor misalignment in the teeth. For example, if you stopped wearing your retainer too early or never had braces due
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels
to only small problems, you might benefit from this approach. Traditional braces are a better option if you have severe misalignment, an overbite or underbite, or significant gaps.
Some people find it awkward to remove the braces when eating, especially when eating in a group or at a restaurant. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will have to clean your aligners and brush and floss your teeth as usual. Your Washington, NC dentist will give you specific instructions about cleaning.
Finally, these clear braces are expensive, and dental insurance may not cover the full cost. However, if you choose to pursue this tooth straightening method, we will discuss options for payment plans.
Why Clear Aligners are Great for Adults
Although there are some downsides, this approach to braces is beneficial for most adults. Traditional braces are a cosmetic commitment, whereas clear aligners are made of invisible polyurethane plastic, making them far less noticeable. You can still enjoy your favorite foods like apples, popcorn, and crusty bread with clear aligners by removing the aligner. Although you need to clean them, these braces don’t require as much maintenance as traditional braces and don’t give you nicks and cuts you experience with a mouthful of metal.
Clear aligner therapy is a popular route for many adults that want to feel more confident in their smile — without the hassle of traditional braces. Contact our office today to discuss if clear aligners are a good fit for you.
