Teeth aligners can help correct several dental issues such as misalignment, teeth crowding, dental overbite, and they can also improve speech in some cases. Some people prefer the cosmetic beauty and comfort of teeth aligners instead of traditional braces. Before you decide to start the process of selecting an orthodontist and considering teeth aligners, here are a few things that you need to know:
Dental Evaluation
Start the process by scheduling an initial consultation with an orthodontist who will address any existing dental issues and diagnose the health of your gums. The orthodontist will discuss treatment expectations and may check for cavities. They can also assess the alignment of your jaw and examine your wisdom teeth.
The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss oral habits with an orthodontist so that they can determine whether any habits may have an impact on your aligners. If you have previously undergone any dental work, you will need to review it with your orthodontist. They will also review X-rays and check the stability of your teeth, allowing them to prepare for impressions and understand your dental goals.
Treatment Suitability
An orthodontist will help you determine if there is misalignment. They will determine if there are any overbite or underbite correction needs and if teeth aligners can address those issues. They may also check for crowding and evaluate gap closures.
The orthodontist may identify rotational corrections and discuss how to prevent relapse. They help you to understand the limitations of aligners so that you don’t have any unrealistic expectations. Once the orthodontist examines your facial symmetry and identifies bite functionality, they can formulate a treatment plan. This helps to understand the long-term benefits and the different types of teeth aligners and determine if they are suitable for your specific age bracket and lifestyle.
Lifestyle Adjustments
An orthodontist may recommend that you limit snacking habits and avoid sugary beverages. They may also ask you to regularly clean your aligners and teach you the proper ways of storing them. For maximum benefit, you may be asked to avoid smoking and overly hard and sticky foods, as they can damage the aligners. Ask the orthodontist about the types of staining foods that can discolor your aligners. Use a carry case to transport your aligners safely.
An orthodontist will inform you if are required to wear the aligners consistently and remove them for eating. They can also help you understand the hours that are required to wear the teeth aligners and if you are committed to long-term use. An orthodontist may also teach you how to minimize wear interruptions and stick to recommended times.
Types of Aligners
If you’re concerned about the look of your orthodontic corrections for cosmetic reasons, choose Invisalign or a clear plastic aligner solution. Orthodontists also provide aligners made with 3D computer-imaging, which are manufactured after a digital model is made of your teeth. If you have severe dental issues, you may consider additional advanced dental correction systems.
Teeth aligners are comfortable and have no metal that can lead to mouth abrasions during treatment versus other orthodontic solutions such as braces. Most commonly, traditional metal braces are the standard. They are typically made of high-grade stainless steel, and straighten your teeth via brackets and archwires. Others are self-ligating braces or made from ceramic. Aligners, however, don’t require metal brackets as well as any elastic rubber bands. They are also less likely to cause mouth abrasions compared with traditional braces.
Complex Situations
Complex bite correction issues and jaw alignment issues may also require alternative solutions in addition to teeth aligners. If you have advanced dental bone structure and significant tooth size variations, discuss options with an orthodontist. They may suggest a different solution depending on the conditions of your teeth. An orthodontist can provide a road map with solutions that work for each individual case.
Get Teeth Aligners
Aligners help correct minor dental issues, such as teeth overcrowding and misalignment, and they provide cosmetic benefits. There are clear plastic aligners as well as other alignment solutions. Follow the guidance from an orthodontist, and wear aligners as instructed and provide proper maintenance for them. Work with an orthodontist to get teeth aligners tailored to your individual needs.
