Misaligned teeth don’t just affect the appearance of your smile. Malocclusion can often lead to worsening dental conditions and difficulty maintaining your oral hygiene. Clear aligners in Columbus, GA, are often a popular treatment option for patients who want to discreetly adjust their bite. However, clear aligner treatment isn’t always the best option. When seeking orthodontic treatment, it’s important to understand what you need and how each option works. Your dentist may recommend a more traditional approach for your specific case.
Pros and Cons of Using Clear Aligners in Columbus, GA
Clear aligners have become a popular option among many adult patients due to their discreet treatment. Using clear aligners has many other benefits as well. But there are also some drawbacks to using aligners over traditional metal and wire braces. After examining your bite, your dentist can help you make an informed decision about which orthodontic treatment you could benefit from the most.
Pros of Clear Aligners
Outside of their discreteness, clear aligners do have many benefits for most patients. Because aligners are removable, many patients have an easier time keeping up with their oral hygiene. With aligners, you can more easily brush and floss your teeth throughout the day to help prevent plaque buildup.
Aligners also often mean fewer visits to the dentist. When you sign up for clear aligners through SureSmile, you get a handful of trays that you’ll swap out every few weeks. The process of switching out trays is a lot like getting your braces tightened. Only, with aligners, you don’t need to go into the office to get the same effect. Patients will still need to see their dentist regularly for routine cleanings and check-ups, but the amount of time spent in the office during treatment is often greatly reduced.
Cons of Clear Aligners
While there are many benefits, clear aligners aren’t always the best option for treatment. Because patients get pre-made aligner trays, there’s less wiggle room for on-the-go adjustments to your treatment. For this reason, many dentists will recommend traditional braces for patients who have complex orthodontic cases.
Aligners also require patients to wear them for the majority of the day or night. Failure to wear your aligners can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment and often extend the amount of time you’re in treatment. Because of this, clear aligners can be less beneficial to patients who aren’t responsible enough to wear their aligners, such as children and teens.
Are Clear Aligners Right for You?
The main factors that go into your orthodontic treatment are the complexity of your case and your commitment to improving your bite. At Caves Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe everyone has the right to a straight and healthy smile. Call us today at (706) 407-4851 to schedule a consultation. After examining your bite, Dr. Caves will help create a treatment plan designed to fit your unique situation. If clear aligners are not a viable option, we can help recommend a local orthodontist for further treatment.