The Pros and Cons of Teeth Aligners

Teeth aligners are a popular alternative to metal braces. They’re very beneficial and offer a lot of advantages for those who are tired of metal braces.

However, using teeth aligners also poses risks and disadvantages to the user.

In this article, we’re listing down the top pros and cons of teeth aligners. Check them out and see how you can brighten up your smile.

Pros of Using Teeth Aligners

They are Barely Noticeable

Teeth aligners are often clear, and because of that, they’re also barely noticeable, if at all.

Although they are not invisible, people won’t immediately notice the aligners in your mouth, and even if they do, it won’t be as conspicuous as traditional metal braces.

While there are ways to make braces look less noticeable, clear teeth aligners are still better at being invisible.

They are Removable

Unlike traditional track braces, these are removable. That means you can take off the aligners when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth.

However, make sure you wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, or you would not see any results.

Additionally, because you can remove  aligners and brush your teeth, you are avoiding the risk of tooth decay.

In the case of traditional braces, it can be difficult to brush your teeth around the metals, posing risks on your teeth’s health.

They are Easy to Clean and Maintain

And since you can easily remove the aligners when you want to, you can also easily clean them.

Teeth aligners also require minimal maintenance. This is helpful because they can get dingy and dirty after some time of wearing.

To clean aligners, simply brush them with a toothbrush dipped in water and a small amount of bleach. Scrub them for a minute and see stains disappear. Do this every two days.

They are Comfortable

The best teeth aligners are the most comfortable ones.

There are no awkward wires or brackets. This eases your mouth’s adjustment to the aligner.

There are also no sharp edges, minimizing the chances of painful cuts or nicks in your mouth.

But before you go out and ask your dentist for his/her recommendations, check out the following risks and downsides associated with teeth aligners.

Cons of Teeth Aligners

They’re Easy to Lose

Because you can easily remove aligners, you can also easily forget where you put them. Make sure you put it somewhere you can remember. Put it inside its protective case.

If you misplace your current  aligner, contact your provider immediately and find a way to quickly replace it.

They May Affect Your Speech

Just like traditional braces, teeth aligners can affect the way you speak and talk. Your mouth and tongue will need a few days to adjust to the sensation.

One way to fix this is to practice your speech. The more you practice, the more your mouth gets used to the aligner.

They have Attachments

Teeth aligners were previously only used for mild and not-so-serious tooth problems.

Nowadays, they are capable of fixing things like crowding, spacing, and bite problems — all thanks to attachments. The comparison between clear aligners and braces is now fairer.

But even though these attachments help when it comes to fixing those problems, they can also become conspicuous, not to mention uncomfortable, since some patients need several attachments.

They are Expensive

Another downside to aligners is their prices.

Since dental plans and insurance do not usually cover aligners, patients often need to pay between $3,500 to $8,000 to get them.

In other words, if your budget is tight or if the price is a dealbreaker, you may want to think about getting these aligners very carefully.

Getting the Best Teeth Aligners

One-third of American adults believe better teeth will improve their social life. Many of them even believe their teeth affect their chances of getting a job.

And if they’re right, who wouldn’t want to invest in a fantastic and glowing smile?

Still, it’s best to weigh your options meticulously. You’re looking to correct your oral problems, not add to them.

So, before you avail clear aligners, consider both the pros and cons of your purchase. And when you’re confident with your decision, do it with a big, beautiful smile.