Though braces have greatly gained popularity in the recent past, in days gone by, they were a thing to be avoided. No one wanted a mouth full of metal. Even now, braces aren't the first choice for many; nearly everyone wishes they were born with a mouth full of perfect, straight and white teeth.
There are a few alternatives to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect are great for patients that have mild issues and teeth that are slightly crooked. These aligners are removable and most of the time, no one knows you have them. However, there are several problems with Invisalign and other clear aligners; use the following information to help you determine which solution is right for your needs.
Clear Aligners Are Not Suitable for Major Dental Issues
One of the major problems with Invisalign, ClearCorrect and similar products are that they can only help mild issues.
Many patients see the commercials and get excited about an easy, simple, and invisible alignment of the teeth using these products. Once they arrive at the orthodontist, they may find out that their mouth needs a little more help than a clear aligner can provide. Clear aligners are not designed to correct teeth that are very crooked or a jaw that is out of alignment.
The frustration from learning that a clear aligner is not a solution for their needs could lead to a patient giving up on having a beautiful smile altogether. Although patients should know clear aligners can only do so much to fix misaligned teeth, there are many options for straight teeth, several of which are less noticeable than metal braces. Only an exam from an orthodontist can reveal the treatment options that are appropriate for any individual.
Patient Problems with Invisalign and Other Clear Aligners
With fixed treatment options, a patient has to wear the braces for a specified amount of time. They can't remove them for dates, proms, vacations and other events. The braces stay on until the work is done. With clear aligners, patients can remove these devices at will.
Many patients will forget to wear their aligner or purposely leave it out. This leads to a slow down in treatment, and the patient will have to wear the aligner for much longer than initially predicted. These problems with Invisalign and other clear aligners can make treatment problematic. The teeth don't straighten on schedule and many times the patient is frustrated by the slow progress.
Clear aligners are great when they will meet the needs of the patient. But, as with all treatment options, patients should carefully weigh all the factors and consult with an orthodontist before settling on the right solution.
If you have questions about whether braces or clear aligners will meet your needs, or you would like to learn more about the problems with Invisalign and other clear aligners, give us a call today. At your appointment, we can discuss your needs and goals and learn what options are best for you. You can then get started on the path to a beautiful smile.
