Are you tired of misaligned and crooked teeth? If yes, we have good news for you. There are several types of alignment options available to you. The most commonly opted solution is wired braces. You have probably seen people wearing metallic or ceramic wires on their teeth. These are traditional braces. Clear braces, also known as Invisalign or clear aligners, are the next best alternative for teeth alignment. These braces are becoming immensely popular for those who wish to align their teeth without anyone noticing. If you consider these clear aligners for your misalignment, you must first be deemed a suitable candidate by a qualified dentist. The following factors will help you decide if clear braces or Invisalign are right for you.
Age
Clear braces are not meant for children as their jaw structure is still in the development stage. Children are also not responsible enough to maintain the protocol as outlined below. The treatment is ideal for people above the age of 16 years and there is no upper age limit for clear braces.
Extent of Misalignment
Invisalign treatment is ideal for you if you have minor gaps between your teeth or mild teeth overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite. If your teeth are extremely crooked or misaligned, you may not be a good candidate for these braces. Severe orthodontic problems may require surgical intervention. Treatment duration varies depending on the malocclusion but is generally between 6 and 18 months. Aligners are sequentially replaced every 2 weeks. A dental visit is recommended monthly to monitor progress and compliance.
Level of Commitment
Clear braces should be removed when eating, brushing your teeth or when you want to clean the aligners. However, you must reinsert them so that you adhere to the strict protocol of wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. This level of commitment is sometimes difficult for teens. Forgetting aligners at home means spending a day at school without them. Your teen must be highly motivated in order to be successful. Compare this option, however, to wearing traditional braces with no relief.
Cost
The cost of these braces depends on the duration of the treatment and severity of your orthodontic problems. It can cost you anywhere between CAD 2,500 to C
AD 7000. No matter what the final quote for the Invisalign treatment is, it will still be cheaper when compared to the metallic and ceramic braces.
Invisalign is ideal for people who have undergone any cosmetic dentistry procedure such as crowns and veneers who wish to align their teeth after the treatment. Basically, clear braces are an excellent choice for those who want to straighten their teeth without having a lot of wire in their mouths. Consider the above-mentioned factors and decide if clear braces are the best fit for you. You can also talk to your local dentist and make the right choice for aligning your teeth.
