Clear aligner popularity is booming, but are they worth the hype?
Invisible aligners vs traditional braces
Let's be honest, as an adult you’d feel fairly self conscious having traditional metal braces. So the big selling point of clear aligners is that they are very discrete.
Being made from clear, thin plastic means once they’re in, they’re unnoticeable to anyone but an orthodontist.
The other benefit is that they are removable. They fit over your teeth in the same way a mouthguard does, so you can easily take them in and out to eat.
You can still clean your teeth like normal, and don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in your brace. You’re saved an awful lot of hassle in the oral hygiene department and, more importantly, you can still eat whatever you want.
However, you do have to watch what you drink. Things like tea, coffee and orange juice can stain the aligner, making your teeth look discoloured.
This is easily avoided by taking the aligners out when drinking these particular beverages, but it is something to watch out for.So clear aligners are obviously more user friendly, but the real question is, how are the results?
Do invisible aligners actually work?
For the most part, it’s a resounding yes. Clear aligners are just as effective as traditional braces and can produce results in as little as 4 months.
The reason I say ‘most part’ is that for highly complex cases, for example if you need jaw realignment, clear aligners cannot be used. For 95%+ of cases, clear aligners are an effective treatment option.
If you’re unsure whether you’d be suitable for clear aligners, the good news is that you can have a no obligation consultation on your treatment options. Not all orthodontists offer this for free, and most will require an in person visit.
If you’d like a free, over the phone consultation, try Smile White. You can book here.
Are invisible aligners expensive?
The prices vary depending on how much treatment you need.
Clear aligners work by changing ‘trays’ every 7 -10 days. Each tray is a slightly altered version of your teeth position. The more your teeth need to move, the more trays you need, therefore the higher the cost.
During your initial consultation, you should be provided with a treatment plan and a cost. You should always be able to see the price upfront, before committing yourself.
The other main factor affecting the price is provider, so choose wisely!
Which provider should I choose?
With Smile Direct Club recently going under, there’s only 2 big companies worth discussing; Invisalign and Smile White.
When it comes to performance, both providers perform pretty similarly. They both achieve great results and are widely available across the country.
However, Smile White just has the edge. They use a stronger material in the aligner, which can put more force on the teeth. This can help speed up the results and makes it more suitable for complex cases.
The only major difference between the two providers is price. Smile White is cheaper across mild, moderate & complex price bands.
They’re also much more transparent and consistent with their pricing. Invisalign’s total cost will be affected by what the individual orthodontist wants to charge, whereas Smile White has standardised costs across dental practices.
If affordability is a big factor, you’re best choosing Smile White.
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