Most people agree that having to wear braces is a drag. Food gets stuck in them, it’s more difficult to brush and floss properly, and they can cause aesthetic issues. Thankfully, the invention of clear aligners has essentially solved this problem, especially for people who just have mild orthodontic issues.

While clear aligners have been around for a while now, they’re definitely newer than traditional braces. For this reason, some people are still skeptical. This is understandable, and it’s the reason why we’re writing this article!

Read on to learn more about clear aligners, how they work, and the options that are available to you in South Philadelphia.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are thin, plastic trays that are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. Unlike traditional braces (which have brackets and wires), clear aligners are nearly invisible. This is why they’ve become such a popular choice for both teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.

One of the most well-known clear aligner brands is Invisalign. Invisalign has been proven to be extremely effective, but many people opt against it because of the price. Thankfully, there are more affordable options, like Cohen Clear Smiles. We’ll talk about this in more detail later.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners use steady, gentle pressure to guide your teeth into better alignment. Let’s take a closer look at how the process works below:

Initial Assessment

Your orthodontist in Philadelphia will take X-rays, photos, and digital scans of your teeth. This will help them come up with a personalized treatment plan for you.

Custom Aligners

Based on the scans, they will create a series of clear aligners that fit your teeth perfectly. You’ll need to switch to a different set of aligners every couple of weeks (your orthodontist will tell you exactly when to switch).

Wearing the Aligners

Once again, you’ll need to wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks, depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation. For the best results, you’ll need to wear them for 20–22 hours per day.

Follow-Up Appointments

Throughout your treatment, you’ll have follow-up appointments where your orthodontist will make sure that everything is progressing as planned. This entire process is designed to be smooth and predictable. It should be quite effective as long as you’re consistently wearing your aligners.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

There are plenty of benefits that come with wearing clear aligners, especially in comparison to traditional braces. Let’s take a closer look at these benefits below:

Virtually Invisible

Clear aligners are made from transparent, medical-grade plastic, so most people won’t even notice that you’re wearing them. This means clear aligners are a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to wear metal braces for aesthetic reasons.

Comfortable

Unlike braces, clear aligners have no sharp edges or wires that poke into your cheeks and gums. They’re custom-made for your teeth, so they’ll fit comfortably. Of course, they’ll take some getting used to, but that’s to be expected for any type of orthodontic treatment.

Removable

One of the main benefits of clear aligners is that they’re removable. You can take them out to eat, and brush and floss your teeth. This means no food restrictions — yes, you can still enjoy popcorn and sticky candy if you want!

Easier Oral Hygiene

Since you can remove the aligners, it’s much easier to keep your teeth clean. Traditional braces often make brushing and flossing difficult. Thankfully, clear aligners will allow you to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine.

Limitations of Clear Aligners

As great as clear aligners are, they won’t necessarily work well for everyone. Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Not Ideal for Severe Cases

Clear aligners work well for mild orthodontic issues (like slightly crooked teeth or small gaps). However, for more complicated cases (like a severe overbite, for example), traditional braces may be a more effective option.

Requires Discipline

Because aligners are removable, the treatment’s success relies heavily on your commitment to wearing them consistently. Forgetting to wear your aligners can slow down your progress (which means you’ll need to spend a longer amount of time in aligners).

Can Trap Food and Liquid

If you don’t brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in, food particles and sugary drinks like soda can get trapped. Needless to say, this could increase the risk of cavities.

An Affordable Clear Aligner Option in Philadelphia

If you’re thinking about getting clear aligners, Cohen Clear Smiles aligners by Philly Braces is a great, affordable option. The great thing about Cohen Clear Smiles is that you’ll get the same benefits of Invisalign without having to break the bank.

During your first consultation, Dr. Cohen will evaluate your teeth, ask you what your specific goals are, and work with you to come up with the perfect treatment plan. Clear aligners are a convenient and effective solution for many patients — there’s no reason that they shouldn’t be affordable, too!

Are Clear Aligners Right for You?

Chances are, clear aligners are right for you, especially if your orthodontic situation isn’t particularly severe. Here are some scenarios where clear aligners might be an especially good choice:

• You’re looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth.
• You can commit to wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours each day.
• Your orthodontic issues are mild to moderate (e.g. slightly crooked teeth or small gaps).
• You want the flexibility to remove your orthodontic appliance when needed.

The best way to figure out if clear aligners are right for you is to consult with a reputable orthodontist. We’d highly recommend Philly Braces, especially if you’re interested in a more affordable option like Cohen Clear Smiles.

Conclusion

If you want to straighten your smile but don’t like the idea of getting traditional braces, clear aligners might be the exact solution you’ve been looking for. Schedule a free consultation with Philly Braces to determine whether clear aligners might work well for you!