Do Clear Aligners Really Work? Ask a Dentist

Clear aligners are a popular type of teeth straightening treatment that many people are considering, as opposed to traditional braces. They offer many benefits that other types of teeth straightening do not have. However, one question that many people wonder when considering clear aligners is whether the treatment process actually works, which is a valid question considering the treatment is relatively new to dentistry. 

Clear aligners

Outlined below is everything important to know regarding clear aligners. 

The process

The clear aligners process is relatively simple. The dentist will outline a treatment plan, which states the timeline and how many aligners will be necessary. A dental lab will custom-create an entire series of clear aligners for the patient to use throughout the course of treatment. Each aligner will match the progression of the teeth as they shift. The patient will visit their dentist every few weeks for adjustments, in which a new aligner will be provided to the patient. 

How well do clear aligners work?

When considering clear aligners, patients want to know how well the process actually works. Most dentists state that clear aligners typically work quite well, so long as the patient abides by a few guidelines. Patients are required to wear their clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day. It can be tempting to remove the aligners, but that should only be done when the patient is eating or cleaning their teeth. Additionally, it is important for the patient to never skip their dentist appointments. Because the clear aligners process is so simple, many people find it easy to skip appointments, which can result in longer treatment times or malfunctions throughout the process. 

Advice from a dentist

Dentists report that clear aligners tend to work well for most patients. However, they do have a few guidelines for clear aligners to be effective. 

• Patients should be adult or teenagers, as their teeth are fully developed
• Misalignments should be minor, as clear aligners are not the most effective for major crookedness or gaps
• Clear aligners do not work as well for major jaw problems
• Major over and underbites are not typically addressable through clear aligners

In most cases, patients have to check all the boxes above, but some dentists have the ability to make adjustments to clear aligners treatment in order to cater to the patient in need. Additionally, patients may be able to start with clear aligners treatment and then follow up with a different teeth straightening method to correct other issues such as overbites or underbites. 

Get started today!

Want more information on clear aligners? Working with a dentist is a great place to start. They can provide an evaluation to determine if clear aligners will be beneficial, as each patient has different needs. Reach out today to learn more or to get started!

Are you considering clear aligners in the Dubuque area? Get more information at https://www.bracesbyabbadent.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Dubuque, IA.