Think of the latest in orthodontics, and most people will tell you how convenient and beautiful clear aligners are. Clear aligners, also called invisible braces, are the most beautiful ways to get your teeth aligned. They consist of plastic trays that need to be worn over upper and lower teeth for a specified period. They work similarly to traditional metal or ceramic braces, i.e., they apply constant forces to the teeth to bring about their movement within the jaw and thereby align them! But, this process is more natural said than done, especially for the patient. Since this treatment is too proper to be accurate, most patients have an array of queries to ask their orthodontists – “When should I remove the aligners?”, “How can I clean the aligners?” “How long will the invisible braces take to straighten my teeth?”, etc. But, most orthodontists claim that one question that they are most commonly asked is – “Why do I need to remove my aligners while eating?” Well, because braces are always fixed on the patient’s teeth throughout their treatment, most patients find it difficult to believe that something that works similar to braces can be a removable option too.
Advantages of Aligners
One of the most significant benefits of getting precise aligner treatment is that it is the most beautiful way to get your teeth aligned. Since the aligner trays are transparent, they are practically invisible when worn over the upper and lower teeth. This is also why most patients wish to get their teeth aligned using aligners. However, the advantages of clear aligners do not end just yet. Some other benefits of getting orthodontic treatment using clear aligners include:
- Clear aligners are removable unlike braces that are fixed
- Since they are removable, they are easy to clean
- It is easy to maintain good oral hygiene with practices like brushing and flossing with precise aligner treatment
- Treatment with clear aligners requires less frequent orthodontist visits
- A great alternative to people who want well-aligned or straight teeth but are conscious about flashing an ugly metallic smile or a bulky ceramic one
- Shorter treatment times
- No restrictions of food, as seen with other fixed orthodontic treatments
- Best Clear Aligners in Chennai with affordable Invisible braces
Dos and Don’ts with Aligners
With so many advantages, clear aligners are often too good to be true to most people. However, once you opt for clear aligner treatment, your orthodontist will give you a few Dos and Don’ts that you must follow throughout your treatment duration to avoid any hiccups or problems.
The clear aligners or invisible braces cost in Chennai starting from ₹ 60,000 to ₹ 1,50,000
Dos:
- Clean your aligners regularly using a toothbrush(mildly brush your aligners)
- Follow the instructions given by your orthodontist to wear and remove the aligners properly
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Change your aligner set as provided in the instruction pamphlet
- Wear your aligners for the specified number of hours each day, for the required number of days
Don’ts
One of the most important things you MUST NOT DO while wearing your aligners is to eat or drink anything(except water).
Why Should You Remove Aligners While Eating?
- To avoid breaking, cracking or distorting the aligners
One of the most significant risks of eating with aligners is that they might break or crack. Yes, the aligners are made of a sturdy, durable thermoplastic resin. But, our biting forces are strong enough to crack them or break them. Wearing aligners while eating can create small cracks that run through the aligner and can even lead to snapping of the tray into pieces. What this essentially means is that you will need a new set of aligners, i.e., delayed treatment and repeating the initial processes. Are you in for the additional effort and added costs?
- To avoid staining
A lot of foods we eat in our country – tea, coffee, turmeric curries, coloured fruits, etc., can stain teeth and even your aligners. This causes them to become yellowish-brown, and your transparent and invisible aligners will no longer remain so. Since some amount of staining can also happen; otherwise, it is advised to keep your aligners clean and brush them lightly daily.
- Harm to teeth and gums
Clear aligners are made of plastic, and biting or chewing while wearing them can hurt your gums and nearby soft tissue. Hence, it is advisable not to eat while wearing your aligners.
- Inability to chew using the aligners
Your aligners are fabricated based on the measurements and scans sent. These measurements and scans have all the details of the structures present inside your mouth– teeth, gums, tongue space, etc. The aligners are fabricated to fit your teeth thoroughly, and so they contain the same surfaces as do your original teeth. However, since the aligners are not mean to be worn while eating, they do not have an efficient biting surface. So, it is difficult to bite or chew your food while wearing your aligners! Do not try to do it; you might break your aligners!
- Food can get stuck on the aligners and harbor bacteria
Chewing gum, drinking a beverage, or eating something soft while wearing aligners can cause food or sugar to be trapped on these aligners. These aligners will then harbor bacteria that can cause infections of the gums or cavities on the teeth while you wear them throughout the day!
Conclusion
Getting your teeth aligned with invisible braces is a pleasant and comfortable experience. By merely following the rules mentioned by your doctor, one can get a beautiful, attractive smile in a short period, without compromising on their quality of life. Always remember to wear your aligners for the required number of hours each day and avoid eating anything or drinking any hot or cold beverage while wearing your braces.