Clear aligners are fast becoming one of the most popular methods to straighten both teenage and adult teeth, due to the numerous advantages that they have for many different misalignment situations.
Perfect for mild to moderate cases, these models of brace are streamlined to offer patients the correction they need, without the additional bells and whistles that they don’t. They easily blend in with a person’s lifestyle, meaning that self-conscious teens or professional working adults do not feel like they have to conform to the boundaries that more traditional braces may have.
By speaking with a team member at a dentist in Mackay, patients need to ensure that they are eligible for this procedure. In talking to a dental professional they can gain essential insights into how the treatment would work for them so that they can make an informed decision.
As with any treatment plan, there are advantages and disadvantages that need to be weighed up in order for it to be properly considered. For patients who have more complex cases, a traditional brace would generally be more suitable, as their dentist in Mackay would have more control over the manipulation of the teeth and jaws.
This means that the treatment would potentially be faster as well as providing the patient with the results that they were looking for.
Are there risks?
Risks generally occur when a patient does not follow the treatment plan as instructed. These removable aligners are brilliant for people who do not want their teeth straightening journey to have a large impact on their day to day lives. However, if they do not wear their aligners for more than 20 hours every day, they are putting their investment in serious jeopardy.
A retainer also needs to be worn after the treatment has been completed, and this can be anywhere from a year to several years or for the rest of the patient’s life. A retainer does not need to be worn as religiously as the aligners, but teeth will most likely shift back into their original position if they are not held in place for some time.
This is because the ligaments responsible for moving the teeth act like a rubber band. Immediately after the treatment is completed these ligaments are tight and are resistant to their new position. Without a retainer, they would snap back into their previous position. It takes some time for the ligaments to relax into their new position.
How long does the treatment last?
This is completely dependant on an individual’s personal situation, however most clear aligner treatment plans last between 1 to 2 years. Some can be completed in as little as a few months whilst other people may need to add onto their original treatment time scale due to not wearing their aligners for long enough or because their ligaments and bones are particularly resistant to change.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.