We all grow up wanting a picture perfect, straight smile, but most of us need some help getting our teeth as straight as we want them.

There are essentially two options for getting straighter teeth: traditional metal braces or clear aligners. For some people, clear aligners are the better option depending on their lifestyle. With clear aligners you can continue living life without the visible declaration, “I am straightening my teeth!”

Here are five frequently asked questions we get about clear aligners.

1 – Who are they for?

Clear aligners work best for teenagers and adults because their teeth are done growing and shifting. They are also well suited for people who:

• Have mild or moderately crowded teeth
• Have minor spacing issues

Majorly crowded teeth or major spacing issues require more complex treatments and often aren’t fixed with clear aligners. 

2 – How do they work?

First, we take a look at your mouth to see what needs to be fixed then we create a plan of action to fix them. After we have a plan in place, we will fit you for the clear aligners. You will get several pairs, each pair slightly shifting the teeth.

The aligners are made from clear plastic to fit tightly on your teeth. You remove them before eating, brushing, and flossing. 

3 – How long does it take?

This depends on the person! Since each person has a different mouth and different end goal, treatment can take as long as a few months (for very minor issues) or a few years (for more significant issues). 

If you are an adult who had braces as a child or teenager, you may be able to get away with using clear aligners for 10 weeks. 

4 – How much do they cost?

The cost will vary by practitioner, but on average clear aligners will cost between $5,000 and $6,000.

Insurance may help with the cost, but that again depends on the individual, the treatment plan, and the insurance plan. If you are thinking about clear aligners, check with your dentist now to see what they cover. 

5 – Are they better than braces?

This is the question that everyone has. Are clear aligners really better than traditional braces? 

It all depends on your age, treatment needed and lifestyle.

Here are three instances where they are better:

• If you have an older teenager who needs help with oral hygiene (flossing and brushing), consider clear aligners. 
• If you had braces as a child and just need to fix those three teeth on the bottom that are out of alignment, clear aligners are a great choice. 
• If you work in a job where you feel more comfortable not having traditional braces on your teeth, clear aligners are a great option for straightening your teeth without telling anyone. 

Here are three instances where clear aligners are not better:

• If you have never had braces and need a major overhaul to your teeth, clear aligners may not be the best choice.
• If you have a child or teenager, skip the clear aligners and go with traditional braces. 
• If you are looking for the most precise change to your teeth and bite, clear aligners may not provide what you are looking for. (Traditional braces tend to be more precise.)

Clear aligners are becoming an increasingly popular choice for adults to refine their teeth. Contact Sterling Dental Center today to ask about our clear aligner options.