The increasing curiosity and interest in clear aligners stem from their numerous benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we discuss clear aligners, how they work, their advantages, and what you need to know to decide if they are the right choice for your smile transformation.
Orthodontic treatments have long been associated with the traditional braces – metal brackets, wires, and occasional discomfort. While braces are undoubtedly effective, an alternative has been gaining popularity in recent years – clear aligners.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a discreet and comfortable option if you want to improve the alignment of your teeth. Unlike metal braces with unsightly brackets and wires, clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them attractive to those who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to the process.
Clear aligners like Invisalign, Clear Correct, Angel Aligners and Sparks are custom-made, transparent dental trays that snugly fit over your teeth. Clear aligners work progressively, applying gentle pressure to move your teeth into the desired position over time.
How Clear Aligners Work
The process behind clear aligner treatment typically involves the following steps.
- Consultation and treatment plan: Before using clear aligners, you’ll have a consultation with a dentist. Prior to commencing clear aligner treatment, you will undergo a consultation with a dentist. During this session, they will evaluate your dental condition and devise a personalised treatment strategy utilising 3D imaging technology.
- Custom fabrication: Based on the treatment plan, a series of custom aligner trays are created. Each tray that is moulded to the shape of your teeth is designed to slightly shift them, gradually guiding your teeth into the desired alignment.
- Wearing the aligners: You’ll receive a set of aligners, each to be worn 20-22 hours for one week each. You wear them daily and at night, removing them only for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene.
- Switching aligners: You move on to the next set after the designated time. This process continues until your teeth have reached the desired alignment, as outlined in your treatment plan and advice of your dentist.
- Monitoring progress: You will have regular check-ups with your dentist to ensure your teeth are progressing as planned. If necessary, adjustments can be made to the treatment. For the busy professional, our dentists at Orchard Scott Dental can also do remote monitoring of your progress through the Dental Monitoring app. We track and communicate after every aligner to ensure the close care of your treatment.
Clear aligners like Invisalign, Clear Correct, Angel Aligners and Sparks are custom-made, transparent dental trays that snugly fit over your teeth. Clear aligners work progressively, applying gentle pressure to move your teeth into the desired position over time.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Aesthetic appeal
One of the most significant advantages of clear aligners is their discreet appearance. Traditional braces can be unsightly, whereas clear aligners are undetectable, allowing you to straighten your teeth without feeling self-conscious about your smile.
Removability and ease of cleaning
Clear aligners are easily removable, providing convenience during meals and allowing for thorough oral hygiene. Unlike traditional braces, there are no intricate wires and brackets to navigate around, making it simpler to maintain your regular dental care routine.
Comfort and reduced irritation
Clear aligners are made from smooth and durable plastic, reducing the risk of irritation to your cheeks and gums. Traditional braces, with their metal components, can sometimes cause discomfort and soreness, especially in the initial stages of treatment.
Less dietary restrictions
Unlike traditional braces that come with a list of prohibited foods that could damage the hardware, clear aligners can be removed during meals. Having the freedom to remove them when you need to means you can enjoy your foods without restrictions, allowing a more pleasant dental experience.
Emergencies
Clear aligners eliminate the urgency of braces emergencies. Even if an attachment detaches, you can continue until a dentist appointment is feasible, offering convenience for busy professionals or travellers.
Considerations Before Choosing Clear Aligners
Patient health profile
Clear aligners suit various dental issues. It’s advisable to consult a dentist to determine if clear aligners are the right choice based on your dental health profile.
Patient commitment
Successful clear aligner treatment requires patient commitment. Consistent wear is critical for the aligners to work effectively. You must be willing to wear the aligners daily for at least 20-22 hours and regularly replace the trays as advised.
Invisalign in Singapore
Clear aligners like Invisalign are effective for improving smiles. They offer a convenient alternative to traditional braces with their numerous benefits.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, consult a dentist to find out if clear aligners are the right choice. At Orchard Scotts Dental, we understand the importance of a confident and healthy smile. Our dentists in Singapore have provided Invisalign treatment for more than 3000 people and are ready to offer customised solutions to address your dental needs.
Book an appointment to learn more about Invisalign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear aligners are effective for:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gap teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Generally misaligned teeth
However, severe cases may require traditional braces or other orthodontic interventions. A thorough assessment by a dentist will determine whether clear aligners are suitable for your case.
While feeling pressure is normal as your teeth adjust to each new set of aligners, clear aligners generally cause less discomfort than metal braces. The smooth material minimises irritation to your cheeks and gums.
The duration of clear aligner treatment will depend on the case’s complexity and patient’s compliance. On average, treatments last six months to two years. Your dentist will give a more accurate estimate after assessing your situation.
Regular check-ups are scheduled every eight to ten weeks to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. These appointments are to ensure timely progress of the treatment.
Clear aligners must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. We advise you to practise good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before reinserting your aligners.
The choice between Invisalign and metal braces depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and the severity of your dental issues. Invisalign is discrete and comfortable, while braces may be necessary for complex cases. We recommend you speak to a dentistt to help you make an informed decision.
The cost of clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can vary based on the complexity of your orthodontic case and the length of the treatment.
On average, Invisalign treatment in Singapore may be priced between $6,000 to $9,000. However, these figures are approximate, and actual costs can be more or less, depending on your needs and the dentist’s expertise.
Adjusting to speaking with clear aligners may take a while as your tongue gets accustomed to the presence of the trays. However, speech impediments are usually temporary, lasting about 2-3 days, and improve as you adapt to wearing the aligners.