Not everyone is keen on the idea of fixed braces. For some, it’s the look of metal brackets and wires. For others, it’s the thought of tightening appointments, and the general feel of something fixed to the teeth for months on end. This is where clear aligners tend to come into the conversation.
At our dental clinic, we see a mix of patients enquiring about teeth straightening. Some have had crooked teeth for years and finally want to do something about it. Others had braces when they were younger and have noticed things shifting again. In both cases, the question is usually the same, is there a less visible way to straighten teeth?
Clear aligners are thin, transparent trays that fit over your teeth. Each set is slightly different, designed to move your teeth gradually over time. Instead of having brackets and wires adjusted in the surgery, you switch to a new set of aligners every week or two. Each change moves things on a little further, step by step. They’re removable, which is one of the main differences compared to traditional braces. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and to clean your teeth.
The main reason people ask us about clear aligners is appearance. They’re far less noticeable than fixed braces, especially from a conversational distance. That tends to appeal to adults in particular; people who are working, meeting clients, or simply don’t want their orthodontic treatment to be obvious. Teenagers also choose them, but usually for slightly different reasons, often to avoid the look of traditional braces in photos or at school. Comfort is another factor. There are no wires or brackets to rub against the inside of the mouth, so irritation is generally less of an issue.
Clear aligners are suitable for a range of cases, although not every situation. They work well for mild to moderate crowding, small gaps between teeth, minor bite issues, teeth that have moved after previous orthodontic treatment. For more complex cases, fixed braces or other options may still be more appropriate.
Initially, you will need a consultation with the orthodontist at our Bromley dental clinic. Scans and impressions will then be taken so that the aligner trays can be produced. You will then wear these at home for most of the day, gradually changing to the next aligner as advised by your dentist.
That means that you keep them in except when eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. We will see you periodically to check progress, but these visits are generally less involved than with fixed braces.
One of the advantages of clear aligners is that they fit into daily life quite easily. You can take them out for meals, so there are no restrictions on what you can eat. Cleaning your teeth is the same as normal as you can remove the aligners. You will also need to clean those too and we will advise on the best way to do this.
This dental treatment time varies depending on the starting point and the complexity of the case. For minor adjustments, it might be a matter of a few months whereas more involved cases can take longer. What is important is consistency. Because the aligners are removable, the results depend on wearing them as advised. Skipping hours here and there can slow things down or affect the final outcome.
Clear aligners are convenient, but they do rely on your commitment. Because they can be removed from the mouth, it is down to you to wear them for the recommended number of hours each day. They are also not entirely invisible, despite being much more discreet. At close range, people may still notice them, although they’re generally far less obvious than traditional metal braces.
For a lot of people, clear aligners are a fantastic way to straighten their teeth. They enable them to be straightened without the appearance and sometimes discomfort of traditional metal braces. At our local practice, they have become a popular option for patients who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to the process. The changes tend to happen gradually, often without others noticing exactly what’s different. If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but have put it off because of how braces look, clear aligners are well worth considering.
To discuss having your teeth straightened, why not contact us today to arrange an initial consultation? You can contact the Smile Dental Practice Bromley by calling us on 020 8462 2473 and our team will be delighted to help.
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