Braces for adults in Albuquerque: Get straight teeth with clear aligners 

Most of us have seen teenagers and kids with braces, and it is easy to believe that orthodontic care is only for the young. That’s a myth. It is never too late to correct your smile and get straighter teeth, and if you feel concerned about the aesthetic impact of metal braces, consider clear aligners as an alternative. An experienced NW Albuquerque dentist can give you a better idea of whether you would benefit from the option, but for your understanding, here is an overview of clear aligners. 

What are clear aligners?

True to the name, clear aligners are meant to align your teeth using customized aligning trays. These trays are changed every two to four weeks as required to get your teeth in the desired position. Clear aligners are not only invisible (almost!) but can be temporarily removed. If you are eating, brushing, or flossing, you can remove the trays, and that gives you complete control over the duration of the treatment. As long as you are committed to wearing your aligners as suggested by your dentist, the outcomes can be stunning. 

“Are clear aligners right for me?”

That’s often a question that patients ask. The answer is yes! In general, clear aligners resolve the same concerns as metal braces. You can consider the option if you have gapped, overcrowded teeth or a crossbite or underbite. However, for extreme cases of misaligned teeth, dentists may recommend metal braces. With clear aligners, you can expect to correct mild to moderate misalignment issues. 

Benefits of clear aligners

Let’s start by comparing clear aligners with metal braces. Metal braces can poke, and many adults have commitments and feel concerned about their smiles, which prevents them from opting for traditional metalwork for an aligned smile. With clear aligners, it is possible to address these issues. The trays do not cause pain or poke the cheeks, and because they can be removed completely while brushing and eating, there is no impact on the patient’s lifestyle. As far as comparing clear aligners with veneers is concerned, it is important to understand that dental veneers can just address cosmetic concerns and don’t address the alignment issues. If you go for Invisalign, you are correcting the smile permanently. Veneers also need replacement after a decade or two. 

Treatment with clear aligners

After the first consultation, your dentist will take X-rays and 3D images of your entire jaw. These images give them the vision to order custom clear aligners from a lab. When you return for the trays, they will check the fit and ensure everything is in sync with the planned treatment. Most patients usually need 20 to 29 sets of aligners for each arch. As we discussed earlier, getting a perfect smile with clear aligners requires commitment, and you have to wear the trays for at least 22 hours each day. 

Other critical things to note

Even though clear aligners are almost invisible, it can take many weeks to get used to the trays. As such, patients often remove the aligners more often than they should, which can impact the progress of the treatment. It is also important to remember that the process of straightening your smile with Invisalign requires multiple appointments. You have to return to the clinic every two weeks for a new set of trays. Unlike metal braces, getting straight teeth with Invisalign can take longer, but a lot also depends on how effectively you listen to the instructions of your dentist. 

Check online to find a top Albuquerque dentist who specializes in Invisalign treatment, and schedule an appointment to learn the next steps and the cost.