Debunking 7 Myths About Clear Aligners

1. Treatment Time With Clear Aligners Lasts Longer Than Traditional Braces

The total time needed to complete orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the complexity and severity of the individual case, in addition to the patient's individual response to treatment. Clear aligners can work to correct orthodontic issues just as quickly as traditional braces. In some cases, they might even be faster. 

2. Clear Aligners Only Work on Minor Orthodontic Issues

Clear aligner trays can be used to treat a wide array of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate (and some more severe/complex) cases of:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Malocclusion
  
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite

There are still some cases in which treatment with traditional braces might be recommended, but these cases are much less common than they used to be, thanks to advances in clear aligner treatment technology. 

3. Clear Aligners Cost More Than Traditional Braces

The cost of treatment with clear aligner trays is actually pretty comparable to treatment with traditional braces. The primary factors in determining total orthodontic treatment cost include the complexity of the case and the scope of the treatment. 

4. Clear Aligners Are Uncomfortable to Wear

Both clear aligner trays and traditional braces exert pressure on the teeth. This pressure is necessary for gradually shifting the teeth into the proper alignment, but it can cause some minor discomfort until a patient becomes used to the treatment. 

Saying that clear aligners cause more discomfort than traditional braces, however, is a myth. Since clear aligner trays are made of smooth plastic, they are actually more comfortable than traditional braces because they do not rub against the soft tissues. On the other hand, metal braces come with wires and brackets that can rub on the cheeks, lips, and tongue, causing sores and discomfort. 

5. Clear Aligners Require a Lot of Maintenance

Oral hygiene and treatment maintenance with clear aligners are actually a lot simpler than with traditional braces, which require the use of special dental hygiene tools. 

With clear aligner trays, which are removable, patients can continue brushing and flossing their teeth like they normally do. The trays themselves are easy to clean, too. We recommend that, when patients brush their teeth, they also rinse their trays with lukewarm water and brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

6. Clear Aligners Can Cause Speech Impediments

Any new dental appliance can require a short period of adjustment. During this time, patients might have a slight lisp. This period, however, usually only lasts for a few days. Once your oral anatomy has adapted to having your aligner trays in, your speech will return to normal, and you won't experience any permanent or lasting speech issues. 

Additionally, clear aligner trays are all custom-designed to each patient's individual specifications. This ensures a perfect fit and minimal impact on speech. 

7. Clear Aligners Can Be Purchased Online

Companies have popped up online, leading patients to the false belief that they can purchase aligners and straighten their teeth without professional guidance. Orthodontic treatment, however, requires a precise combination of art and science. Dentists who straighten teeth with clear aligner trays undergo special training and use advanced imaging equipment and design software to create unique treatment plans that will be safe and effective for each individual patient.

We strongly urge patients not to waste their money on online treatments that claim to be able to straighten their teeth; these treatments are ineffective and might not always be entirely safe. 

Straighten Your Smile With Our Orthodontist in Vista, CA

If you have orthodontic issues such as crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite (malocclusion), then our dentists at Pristine Dentistry strongly encourage you to consider correcting these problems with orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners like SureSmile. Straightening your teeth and correcting orthodontic issues not only improves the aesthetic appearance of your smile but also improves your overall oral health by reducing your risk of tooth decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular joint disorder. 

To find out if orthodontic treatment with clear aligners in Vista is the right option for you, we welcome you to contact our dental office today.