4 Things to Consider for Straightening Teeth With Tray Aligners
When considering options for straightening your teeth, you have likely seen a range of treatments from traditional braces applied by an orthodontist to clear tray aligners that can be purchased and customized by a dentist or even at home. Tray aligners are popular among patients who wish to avoid the experience of metal braces. While these aligners are a great option for many patients, others may need to visit an Aurora orthodontist for a more in-depth consultation to discuss alternative treatment options.
Appearance
Clear tray aligners are intended to be almost invisible on your teeth, which is a major selling point for people who might be self-conscious about the appearance of traditional metal braces. If the clear tray aligners are not an option for you, many orthodontists offer clear ceramic braces that allow for the treatment of more complex alignment issues with a much less noticeable appearance than metal braces.
Comfort
The tray aligners are smooth, laying flat against the teeth with no protruding metal parts. They are typically more comfortable than traditional braces because they do not use any metal or have jagged edges. One exception to this is that some tray aligners are used in combination with rubber bands for bite correction may have small plastic hooks to connect the rubber bands from the top tray to the bottom tray, which can cause some irritation inside the mouth.
Treatment Level
Traditional braces can address more alignment issues than tray aligners. While tray aligners can often correct moderate alignment and cosmetic issues, more complex bite issues may not be well-suited to tray aligner treatment. It is always best to check with an orthodontist before beginning any kind of alignment or bite treatment.
Convenience
The aligner trays are easily removable, which is particularly convenient when eating. However, it’s easy to forget to snap the trays back in, thus lengthening treatment time. The trays are also easy to misplace or accidentally throw away, similar to retainers. Another factor related to convenience is that each time the trays are removed, patients are encouraged to brush their teeth and rinse the trays to avoid trapping any food particles or sugars between the trays and the teeth.
There are many pros and cons of invisible tray aligners for getting that perfect smile. Be sure to consult an orthodontist before starting any alignment treatment, particularly if you may have issues beyond basic straightening and aesthetics.
