4 Important, Non-Aesthetic Benefits of Clear Aligners

When it comes to straightening teeth, many people prefer clear aligners over traditional braces. A major reason for this, of course, is that clear aligners are much less noticeable, making them an image-friendly alternative to eye-catching brackets and wires. However, it’s important to recognize that clear aligners also offer a number of important advantages that don’t have anything to do with looks; below is a closer look at 4 of these benefits.

1. Easier Brushing and Flossing

One of the downsides of traditional braces is that they create many spaces where food particles and bacteria can become trapped. As such, you may have a difficult time keeping your smile clean during your orthodontic treatment. In contrast, clear aligners can be taken out of your mouth at any time, allowing you to brush and floss as you normally would. This can go a long way toward helping you maintain excellent oral hygiene while you’re in the process of straightening your smile.

2. Improved Comfort

Metal brackets and wires can often irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, which can lead to discomfort, sores, and even cuts. This isn’t an issue with clear aligners because they are made out of a smooth plastic that’s gentle on the gums and the inside of your cheeks. In other words, an orthodontic treatment with clear aligners can often be significantly more comfortable than one with traditional braces.

3. A More Varied Diet

When you get traditional braces, you’ll be told to stay away from certain kinds of foods until your orthodontic treatment is complete; this can include sticky treats such as caramel or taffy as well as harder foods such as pretzels or nuts. Meanwhile, clear aligners don’t come with any diet restrictions. As long as you remove them before a snack or meal, you’ll have the freedom to continue to enjoy all of your favorite foods.

4. Shorter Treatment Times

The exact amount of time it takes to straighten your smile can vary depending on the nature and severity of your orthodontic issues. That being said, compared to traditional braces, clear aligners can potentially offer faster results. The average treatment time for clear aligners is around 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, some people need to wear traditional braces for as long as two or three years.

In short, if you’re trying to decide which smile-straightening treatment is right for you, there are plenty of non-aesthetic reasons why clear aligners provided by your dentist in Westfield are worth considering.

About the Author

Dr. David M. Weinman is a graduate of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has also completed a general practice residency at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. At his dental practice in Westfield, he is proud to be able to help his patients correct crowded, crooked, or otherwise misaligned teeth with Spark clear aligners. If you’re looking for an alternative to braces, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Weinman by visiting his website or calling (908) 654-7200.