Popular culture often presents braces and other orthodontic treatments as if intended only for children. In movies and on TV, braces are almost always associated with teenagers, and it has become an easy way to communicate a character’s youth, even when the actors playing them might be in their 20s.
Unfortunately, people have extended that association between youth and orthodontics into the real world. Many adults avoid getting braces because they are worried it might negatively impact work, relationships, and other elements of daily life. Clear tray aligners like Invisalign offer a popular, alternative orthodontic solution, merging the tooth-shifting power of conventional braces with the subtlety of transparent, flexible thermoplastic.
If you’re at Families First Pediatrics for your children’s braces, talk with our care team about clear tray aligners like Invisalign for yourself! Whether you’ve wanted braces since you were a teenager, want to realign teeth that have gone awry since braces, or just get around to some smile-centric self-care, you can get the smile you want without sacrificing your sense of self-confidence today.
Benefits of Clear Aligner Treatments (Pros)
“You can take them out to eat and brush is the greatest pro…”
Clear plastic aligners like Invisalign have grown in popularity since their introduction in the late ‘90s. They are custom-formed to fit over your teeth, gently push them into the desired position, and remain practically invisible the whole time.
Compared to conventional braces, clear tray aligners are significantly subtler and offer more flexibility to accommodate adult lifestyles. For most people, clear trays are more visually appealing and can be just as effective as conventional braces. It’s often faster than traditional orthodontics and will leave you with a smile you can be confident in.
Nearly Invisible: Clear aligners like Invisalign are dramatically less noticeable than conventional braces with metal wires and brackets. Made of thin, clear, medical-grade plastic, the trays are barely noticeable when worn while talking or smiling.
Faster Treatment Time: Clear tray aligners, like Invisalign, use one-piece aligners which can move each tooth individually with minimal effect on adjacent teeth, compared to traditional braces, which affect multiple adjacent teeth at a time. The clear trays are changed every 7 days, and the average treatment is completed within a similar time or less compared to traditional braces (depending on the complexity of needs to achieve the desired results).
Fewer Injuries and Mishaps: Metal braces are tried and true but come with their own problems. Brackets can become detached from the teeth, and wires can break. Breakage can make braces less effective and force an unplanned visit to the office for a repair. Clear tray aligners may avoid all of that.
Easier Maintenance and Hygiene: Brushing and flossing are more challenging with traditional braces. Patients must brush around brackets glued to the teeth and floss around a metal wire bridging the teeth. Clear tray patients remove the aligners when it’s time to brush and floss.
Lower Risk of Staining: With conventional braces, and poor oral hygiene, you run the risk of uneven scarring because part of each tooth is covered. At the end of treatment, some patients have visible scars where the brackets once were. Clear alignment trays can significantly reduce the risk of that problem by ditching the brackets entirely.
Challenges of Clear Aligner Treatments (Cons)
“You can take them out to eat and brush is the greatest con…”
Orthodontic treatment as an adult, teen, or child can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it takes time and good participation. You’ll go through a series of aligners throughout your treatment, each tray moving your teeth closer to their final position.
Daily Time Commitment: To be most effective, you’ll need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. They must be taken out when eating, drinking anything but water, and cleaning your teeth. Good participation is essential to get the best possible result in the shortest amount of time needed.
Lost Aligners: Being able to remove your aligners is convenient, but it also opens up the possibility of loss. Lost aligners could extend the duration of your treatment.
More Expensive: Clear tray aligners usually cost similar to “clear” porcelain conventional braces. The orthodontic team at Families First Pediatric can answer any questions about the cost and help you compare options.
Snacking Challenges: Because you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, and can’t eat or drink anything (except water) while wearing them, snacking becomes a challenge. Depending on your usual eating habits, clear tray aligners might require some lifestyle changes.
Once you decide to take the plunge, call or text us at 801-254-9700 to schedule an appointment. If your child/children are also receiving orthodontic care, you can schedule your visits simultaneously and knock them both out at once. The team at Families First Pediatrics will work to make the experience as smooth and painless (literally and figuratively) as possible.
