If you're thinking about using clear aligners to straighten your teeth, you might be wondering if you'll get the results you want and if the price is reasonable. Today, our Orléans dentists explain what you should consider when choosing aligners.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners come in a variety of brands, but they all consist of a series of clear, custom-made aligners that you wear on your teeth and change every two weeks. Each set of clear aligners is removable and custom-made to move your teeth in tiny increments.
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 can correct a variety of issues, including bite issues, crowding, and misalignment of teeth, depending on the brand you choose and your orthodontic issues. Because of its discreet appearance, this treatment option is popular among both adults and teenagers. The fact that there are no dietary restrictions is also a plus for busy teenagers and adults.
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?
Investing in clear aligners to improve your smile is a commitment to sticking with your treatment plan so you can enjoy a straighter smile in the future. Only your dentist can assess your unique needs and, as a result, the length of your treatment. Factors that may affect the length of your treatment include:
- The number of aligners in your series
- The severity of your misalignment
- Your compliance with your custom treatment plan
Provided you follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed, clear aligners can help improve your smile and straighten your teeth. If you know how many aligners are in your series, you can find out how long your treatment will take by doing some simple math.
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.
Most patients begin to see results around the 4- to 6-week mark. You may want to take a photo of your smile each week so that you can get a good idea of how much your teeth are moving, and thus the value your clear aligners are bringing to your smile - and your oral health.