Many individuals in Dallas have to deal with oral problems due to misaligned teeth. Not only does it ruin their appearance it also makes it difficult for them to smile, bite, and speak normally. Moreover, in some cases, misaligned teeth can even lead to other health issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and gum diseases. 

While there are several solutions available to those looking for ways to improve their smile, Invisalign Dallas is arguably the most comfortable and aesthetic of them all. But is a clear aligner the right solution for your dental problem? Let’s find out!

Benefits of clear aligners

Clear aligners are aesthetically appealing and provide excellent solutions to usually those facing dental problems.

• Someone is facing slight teeth misalignment, tooth gaps, and non-severe bite problems.

• Someone who doesn’t have any other underlying oral issues like gum diseases or tooth decay.

• Someone who is willing to strictly follow the dentist’s instructions to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day.

If you find yourself a suitable candidate on the basis of the above, then you may expect the following benefits after getting clear aligners.

• Clear aligners are almost unnoticeable, meaning that you feel more confident while smiling and speaking.

• Since they are highly comfortable, they are very much suitable for kids and teenagers.

• Unlike traditional braces, they allow you to thoroughly clean your teeth.

• Clear aligners are easy to set up and cause no pain or discomfort while using.

• There are minimal to no dietary restrictions when compared to traditional braces.

• The chances of any complication with the clear aligners are minimal.

• Clear aligners take much less time to heal misaligned teeth as compared to other orthodontic treatments.

Understanding a clear aligner treatment procedure

Clear aligners are quickly gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional braces. However, clear aligners are made following a rigorous procedure.

• First the team of dentists and dental technicians create a customized treatment plan per the dental condition and requirements of the patient.

• The treatment plan works as the basis for digital files for stereolithography (STL), a 3D printing technology that can print solid 3D models using STL files.

• The 3D model acts as a cast for thermoforming the clear aligner using materials like polymethyl methacrylate or polyethersulfone. The material defines the durability and effectiveness of the aligner.

• The thermoformed aligners are unfinished and require trimming and polishing, which is done using automated technology to ensure a comfortable and smooth surface.

• The finished aligners are then sent for quality check. A thorough inspection ensures that the aligners are free of any defects.

• Once the aligners are inspected, they are packed and shipped to the individual customer, along with accessories like aligner trays, removal tools, and chewies.

Who is not an ideal candidate for clear aligners?

Although clear dental aligners are a very effective and attractive option to treat misaligned teeth, they may not be suitable for everyone. Generally, clear aligners are not recommended for the following patients.

• If one has extensive bite issues like underbite or overbite

• If one has multiple severely crooked teeth

• If one has severely crowded teeth in one or both jaws

• If one is facing severe tooth decay, cavity, or gum diseases

• If one’s wearing traditional braces

• If one can’t commit to a thorough oral care routine, wear clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day.

• If one has a very strong gag reflex

• If one has a history of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

• A pregnant or breastfeeding woman

Apart from the above, the clear aligners are usually suitable for teenagers and adult patients. Since a child’s mouth is still growing, clear aligners may not provide effective results in children.

Final thoughts

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, can correct various dental issues without ruining your smile or appearance. Moreover, they are easy to remove and almost invisible. However, you must consult a professional dental care provider to ensure desired results.

Some people are born with dental deformities, while others develop dental deformities due to accidents or oral health conditions. In Illinois, many adults and children face these issues and require orthodontic dental solutions to fix their condition. 

From aligning your bite to straightening your teeth, orthodontic procedures can help you reshape your teeth and smile. So, if you or someone you know is also facing these dental challenges, a highly qualified and experienced dentist in Streamwood, Illinois, can provide you with excellent solutions. 

Who can benefit from orthodontics?

Orthodontics can help people of all ages with its multifaceted solutions and applications. However, it is highly effective for people with the following dental conditions.

• Malocclusion: People affected by malocclusion, also known as bad bites, face difficulties with chewing, speech, and facial symmetry due to misalignment of teeth in upper or lower dental arches.

• Overcrowding: Overcrowding is a condition when your mouth doesn’t have enough space for all your teeth to fit in naturally, so your teeth congregate and rotate along with the movement.

• Overbite and underbite: Overbite is when your upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw, and underbite is when your lower jaw overlaps your upper jaw. In other words, it’s a condition with misaligned jaws.

• Crooked teeth: If you have teeth that are not properly aligned in the mouth, then you have crooked teeth. The condition is the result of teeth that are twisted, growing in the wrong place, or overlapping.

• Gap in teeth: Diastema is a condition when you have gaps between your teeth. Although the condition usually doesn’t affect your oral health, it can ruin your smile and facial appearance.

Most common orthodontic procedures

Orthodontics includes various procedures to correct your teeth’ position and bite. However, the following are some most common orthodontic procedures.

• Braces: Braces can gradually move your teeth slowly into the correct position with the help of brackets and wires attached to your teeth. Dentists can use a metal brace or ceramic brace to improve your dental functions and enhance your smile. 

• Aligners: Dental aligners gently apply constant pressure on your teeth and move them into the correct position. They are a popular alternative to dental braces as aligners are nearly invisible, removable, and custom-made.

• Retainers: Retainers are used to prevent your teeth from drifting into the earlier positions after removing the braces. Dentists also use them to eliminate the gaps between teeth.

• Palate expanders: Dentists use a palate expander to widen the upper jaw and create more space for your teeth to align correctly. Palate expander gives the best results in children as their bones are still growing. 

• Surgical procedures: In some severe cases, like the removal of a buried tooth, dentists recommend surgery over any other orthodontic procedure. Surgeries are also very effective when the patient has an existing jaw problem.

Practical aftercare tips for orthodontic treatment

The efficacy of an orthodontic hugely depends upon the aftercare. Following aftercare tips can help you get the best and long-lasting results after an orthodontic treatment.

• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes after every meal to ensure that your mouth is free of plaque and other debris.

• You must choose the right type of toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash so that it doesn’t harm your brace. Also, use a floss that can fit between the teeth and brackets.

• Avoid acidic and sugary foods as the food particles may get stuck under the wires and lead to tooth decay.

• You also have to quit habits like smoking, drinking, chewing on hard objects, grinding, and biting your nails to ensure that your braces work fine and your teeth remain healthy.

• Whether fixed braces or removable aligners, ensure that you wear your dental devices as recommended by your orthodontist to get the best results and avoid damage.

• Schedule regular checkups with your orthodontist to ensure that your dental device is working fine.

Final takeaway

Although several people get orthodontic treatments, not all of them are aware that they also have to take the proper measures to ensure the safety of dental devices for effective results. Therefore, you must consult with a professional orthodontist who can walk you through the dos and don’ts of post-treatment care and provide timely follow-ups to ensure optimal results.