Getting Straighter Teeth at Home: What You Should Know
For decades and decades, metal braces were the primary orthodontic treatment for those with gapped or crooked teeth. Metal braces were used to slowly shift teeth into position, leaving patients with their dream smile. While they’re still around and somewhat popular, technology has advanced significantly over the years, with many more options available for getting your teeth straightened.
What’s more, gone are the days where you would have to visit an orthodontist in person to straighten your teeth. As long as you haven’t got severely misaligned teeth, you can opt for clear aligners. This treatment takes place at home, meaning you won’t have to worry about frequent in-office appointments. If you want to get straighter teeth at home and choose clear aligners, here is what you should know first.
You May Need Dental Work Done First
While you may be drawn to at-home teeth straightening treatment, you may need to get dental work done first. For example, if you have overcrowding, you may need to get some teeth removed before braces can go on. Should you not see your dentist and opt for clear aligners, you may not get the results you’re after. Many people have a fear of the dentist, which is the reason why they skip this step. However, there are strategies you can take to alleviate anxiety at your appointment, such as breathing exercises.
The Total Cost Can Differ
Any kind of brace you choose will have a price tag attached, with clear aligners being no exception. Although, the total cost will differ for a multitude of reasons. These include the complexity of your case, when you begin treatment, and the type of appliance you use. If you live in a rural area, you may need to pay more for shipping too. You can check out pricing from ALIGNERCO for braces. They have a detailed guide on braces cost in the US and are known as one of the best providers in the country for clear aligners.
Treatment Length Will Vary
In an ideal world, we’d have braces on for a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, this never seems to be the case. Your teeth can’t shift into formation overnight, even if you opt for clear aligners. There are a number of factors that will determine how long you’ll need braces for. This includes the current positioning of your teeth, your age, and lifestyle habits. Some people may only need 6 months of treatment, whereas others need longer. Only a professional will be able to give you a rough estimate on this.
You Need to Be Committed
When you order clear aligners and they land on your doorstep, it’s time to put them on and keep them on! (aside from eating and brushing of course). Because clear aligners can be taken out as and when you want, this can make it easy to become complacent and forget to pop them back in. However, for treatment to be a success, you need to be committed to achieving straighter teeth. With no one breathing down your neck, it’s up to you to learn the importance of self-discipline. Try your best to keep your clear aligners on for as long as possible. You may benefit from setting reminders if you’re always taking them out.
There May Be Some Pain
We’re not going to lie to you, there may be some pain and discomfort along the way when wearing clear aligners. Try and repeat the mantra ‘no pain, no gain’. If you want to achieve healthy, well-aligned teeth, they’ll go through a lot to get into the right position. Don’t be put off if you experience any discomfort. As you change aligners throughout treatment, there may be some pressure to deal with for the first couple of days. If you have any pain that doesn’t subside, it’s best to speak to your dentist.
Remember to Brush and Floss
Just because you’re wearing removable aligners doesn’t mean you can take it easy when it comes to oral hygiene. Unlike with fixed braces where you need to be extra careful in regard to brushing, flossing, and what you eat, many people with clear aligners don’t realize the seriousness of maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Upping your oral hygiene regime is what will speed up results and ensure you don’t spend any extra cash on teeth straightening.
If you’re embarking on the journey to straightening your teeth and have decided to forego treatment in person, you must know what you’re getting yourself into before going any further. It is possible to straighten your teeth at home with clear aligners. However, you will need to know the ins and outs of treatment to achieve the best success rates.
From knowing the costs of at-home teeth straightening treatment to preparing for some levels of pain and discomfort, doing your research into clear aligners will help you get prepared for transforming your smile.
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