Introduction to Invisible Aligners
Choosing a treatment to straighten your teeth is a big decision. There are several factors to consider, including treatment time, effectiveness, convenience, and cost. Traditionally, metal braces are the go-to treatment to straighten teeth. However, braces can cost thousands of dollars, and most adults prefer a less noticeable treatment option.
Luckily, braces are no longer the only effective treatment for crooked teeth. Clear aligners can straighten your teeth just as successfully in about half the time- and at a much lower cost. Braces are pricey, averaging about $3,000 - $5,000. In contrast, the average UpSmiles aligner cost range is about $999 - $1599.
Aligners are comfortable, clear trays that straighten your teeth by slowly moving them into the desired position. The trays are custom-made to fit your smile and are nearly invisible on the teeth. Today, there are several brands of aligners to choose from. However, if cost of treatment is important to you, our custom-fit smile aligners are an excellent choice.
Our smile aligners are the same quality and have the same effectiveness as leading aligner brands but at a much lower cost. If you’re searching for a discrete, affordable option to straighten your teeth, aligners are the most popular alternative to more traditional options, like braces.
Also Read: 7 Steps to Maintain Invisible Aligners
Benefits of Aligners
Clear aligners have become one of the most popular treatment options for teeth crowding and spacing, especially among adults. Most people simply prefer a less conspicuous treatment and one that won’t take years to achieve their desired results.
The option of removing your aligners anytime you want is also an attractive feature. Braces can be difficult to clean and tend to get in the way when brushing or flossing. Clear aligners can be removed at any time, so maintenance and good oral hygiene are both easier to manage.
Top Benefits of Smile Aligners include:
- Lower cost
- Shorter treatment time
- Easier cleaning/maintenance
- Removable
- Nearly invisible, inconspicuous
How Do Aligners Work?
The first step for treatment with clear aligners is to take photos and a mold of your teeth/smile. From these a customized treatment plan is developed for custom-fit aligners. Every treatment includes several sets of both top and bottom teeth aligners. Each set is worn for about two weeks at a time and slowly moves your teeth to the desired position.
You’ll wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. They may feel tight or sore at first, but any discomfort typically subsides within a few days.
Once your treatment is complete, your dentist will create one last set of aligners, aftercare aligners, which help preserve your new smile. Your aftercare aligners should be worn 22 hours per day for the first few months. Then, you can wear them only at night to keep your teeth in place.
How Long You Have to Wear Aligners
Treatment time for clear aligners largely depends on the severity of the case. More complex cases simply take longer to treat. Still, the average treatment time for aligners is about 6-9 months.
Common issues that may require a longer than normal treatment time include more severe cases of teeth crowding or spacing and bite issues, such as overbite or overjet. Because of this, the best candidates for retainer treatment are people with mild-to-moderate misalignments.
Once your treatment is over, you’ll need to wear aftercare aligners for as long as you want your results to last. The first few months after treatment, your teeth are particularly unstable and more susceptible to shifting. As we previously mentioned, most dentists recommend wearing aftercare aligners 22 hours per day immediately following treatment. Then, after about a year, you can switch to wearing your aligners 3-4 times per week, and only at night.
How to Clean and Care for Aligners
One of the biggest advantages of aligners is how easy they are to clean. Because they are removable and stain-resistant, our smile aligners don’t require any complicated maintenance.
It’s best to clean your aligners daily by gently brushing and rinsing them with water. For a deeper clean, soak your aligners in a cleansing solution or distilled water about once per week to remove any bacteria.
Caring for your smile aligners is also fairly simple. Most importantly, you should remove your aligners to brush your teeth, eat, or drink anything besides water. Eating and drinking without removing your aligners could cause staining or scratches, making them more noticeable and less effective.
Brushing your teeth or, at the very least, rinsing your mouth with water after meals is also a good practice to keep your aligners clean. Finally, be sure to place your aligners in their case when you’re not wearing them. Setting them down on the counter or sink is often unsanitary, and you’ll risk accidentally losing them. Play it safe, and use your retainer case every time you remove your aligners.
How to Make Your Aligners Long-Lasting
Even with the best maintenance and care, you will need to replace your aligners eventually. However, by using the tips above,
Regular and consistent maintenance is key to keeping your aligners clean and working properly. The best way to maintain your aligners is by cleaning them daily and deep cleaning once per week. Avoid using mouthwash, toothpaste, or other non-approved cleaning solutions for your retainer. Water is more than sufficient and won’t cause any damage.
You should also avoid squeezing or playing with your aligners (ex. repeatedly clicking your teeth), as these can both cause damage that will make your aligners less effective.
You’ll know it’s time to purchase a new retainer when it becomes especially loose or if there is any visible damage or staining. So, if your retainer no longer feels snug on your teeth, it may be time to purchase a replacement.
Conclusion
Smile aligners are the new and improved way to straighten your teeth- without the hassle of high costs and lengthy treatment time. Our aligners are highly effective, safe, and comfortable to wear. And, our prices are significantly lower than the market average.
If you have a lower budget but don’t want to sacrifice on quality, UpSmiles may be the perfect option. Check out our smile aligners today and begin your journey to achieving a beautiful smile.