If you’re unhappy with your smile, but don’t want to draw attention to your mouth by getting braces, clear aligners might be the right choice for you! Today, there are many clear aligners on the market. Clear aligners are nearly invisible. No one will know you have them, but they work as braces!
What Are Clear Aligners?
If you don’t want to draw attention to your mouth, but would still like a straighter smile, clear aligners might be right for you. Clear aligners are an orthodontic appliance that are clear, plastic trays that pop in and out of your mouth. They’re nearly invisible from a distance and can straighten even severely crooked teeth or close gaps between teeth. However, these are only recommended for mild-to-moderate problems because they take longer than traditional braces and will cost more over time.
The key with clear aligners is consistent wear: they move your teeth a little bit each day, so you have to wear them every single day. Since they don’t use wires, there’s no quick fix—but if you’re looking for something long-term that will move your teeth over time (and keep them healthy), clear aligners are a great option.
How Long Do Clear Aligners Take To Straighten Teeth?
There are a lot of factors that go into how long it takes to straighten teeth with clear aligners. The first is how crooked your teeth are and how much they need to be moved. The second is whether you have any gaps between your teeth or bite issues that need attention.
When you see an orthodontist, they will measure these factors and determine which treatment path would be best for you (e.g., clear aligners, traditional braces). In general, patients with mild to moderate crowding can expect clear aligners to take anywhere from 12-18 months. Over the course of time having clear aligners, you will progress through many different trays as your teeth being to shift into the correct place.
How Much do Clear Aligners Cost?
Prices vary based on your specific needs. The average cost of a set is $1,500, but you can pay less if you just need to correct a small amount of misalignment. If you have more extreme crowding or misalignment issues, plan on spending an average of $2,500 to $9,000 per set.
Traditional braces are typically a bit cheaper than clear aligners. It is important to remember if you do not want to draw attention to your mouth by having braces, the increased cost may be worth it.
What About Dental Insurance and Clear Aligners?
If you have dental insurance, the insurance will cover clear aligners just as they would cover braces. To determine if clear aligners are right for you, it’s best to consult a dentist. A dentist will be able to tell you how much your treatment will cost in addition to what your insurance covers.
How Effective are Clear Aligners?
A common misconception with clear aligners is that they do not work. This simply isn’t true; clear aligners are designed to make your teeth straight and aligned, just like traditional braces. It can take a little longer than traditional braces but rest assured—clear aligners are very effective.
They need to be worn 23 hours a day – after removing them, you can eat anything you want. There is no waiting period in between each tray either; it’s designed that way so that your teeth move quickly.
Conclusion
If you’re unhappy with your smile, clear aligners may be right for you. The good news is that they don’t use traditional metal wires or brackets to fix teeth, which means they’re almost completely invisible. The bad news is that clear aligners can be more expensive than other treatments. As with all things cosmetic-related, price and quality are directly proportional—so make sure to shop around.