What are clear aligners?
There are several different brands of clear aligners available, and they all include a set of transparent, individually-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and swap out every two weeks or so. Each set of removable, personalized clear aligners moves your teeth slightly at a time, gradually.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
One advantage of clear aligners is that you can remove them to brush your teeth, eat and drink.
Clear aligners may be able to correct issues with your bite, crowding, and tooth alignment, depending on the brand you choose and your orthodontic concerns. The discreet appearance of this treatment option makes it popular with both adults and teenagers. Additionally, the lack of dietary restrictions is a benefit for adults and teenagers who are busy.
Your clear aligners also won’t need adjustments or tightening as braces do, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. You’ll just need to check in with your dentist regularly on your progress.
How much do clear aligners cost?
A few factors will determine the cost of your clear aligners:
- Your location and average prices for clear aligners
- Your oral health requirements and how much work you will need
- Any coverage you can get through an insurance plan
Depending on your circumstances and the brand of clear aligners you choose, you will likely end up paying around the same amount as you would for braces - perhaps slightly more.
How long will my treatment last?
Choosing to use clear aligners to straighten your teeth is an investment in your future, and it shows that you are committed to seeing your treatment through to completion. The duration of your treatment can only be determined by your dentist based on your unique needs. Your treatment time may be affected by a number of variables, such as:
- The number of aligners in your series
- The severity of your misalignment
- Your compliance with your custom treatment plan
Clear aligners can help improve your smile and straighten your teeth, provided you adhere to the treatment plan exactly as instructed. Simple math can be used to determine how long your treatment will last if you know how many aligners are in your series.
Assuming you have 16 sets of aligners and switch them every 2 weeks, you’d use 2 sets of aligners per month. 16 divided by 2 is 8, meaning your treatment will take 8 months.
Results are usually visible to patients after four to six weeks. You might want to take a picture of your smile once per week so you can see how much your teeth are moving and how much benefit your clear aligners are giving to your smile and oral health.