When you think of going to an orthodontist, you may envision just a few oral health issues they can address. And when you think of their solutions, your mind probably goes to old-fashioned, traditional braces. That’s not surprising because braces have been the most popular oral health appliance created and maintained by orthodontists for years now.

But times have changed and braces aren’t what they used to be. In fact, clear aligners have now become incredibly popular – and effective. Today, they are a great solution for people who suffer from overbites, underbites, misaligned teeth, overcrowding, spacing problems, and so much more.

You have probably heard of clear aligners, but you might not know what they are. That is okay and understandable because this can be a confusing topic.

With that in mind, it’s time to tackle some big questions about clear aligners or, as some people call them, “clear braces.”

Whether you’re looking for adult braces in Philadelphia or a kids orthodontist in Philadelphia, there is a lot you should ask, and know, about clear aligners.

What Are They?

Perhaps the most common question that is asked by people thinking of going down this orthodontic route is, “What are clear aligners, and how do they work?”

Luckily, the answer to this one is rather easy. To put it simply, clear aligners are custom-fitted, see-through, specially made trays that are made to fit gently but firmly on your teeth and help you reach your oral health goals.

Created from the very best medical-grade plastic, these aligners are able to slowly move your teeth into their proper spots, soon giving you the sort of smile that you always wanted without the hassle, pain, or appearance of traditional braces.

The process of getting clear aligners starts with a visit to your orthodontist who will give you an examination and then probably produce a digital representation of your mouth.

This model helps with explaining the next steps while also creating your aligners, which are each designed to slowly, surely, and safely move your teeth closer to where they are supposed to be.

You use each set for just about one to two weeks, based on the treatment plan your orthodontist settles on. Following that, you’ll move onto your next set. Over time, the slight and steady modifications of your aligners will lead to some very significant and obvious healthy changes in your mouth and the way your smile looks.

Do They Work?

Of course, anyone who is coming to an orthodontist wants results. They want to know that the work and money they put into their oral health will pay off. The good news is that it will!

“Do clear aligners work as well as conventional braces?” is something asked all the time. Once again, the answer is direct, to the point, and exciting.

Generally speaking, clear aligners are going to get the job done, especially when you compare them to traditional, old-fashioned braces.

In fact, clear aligners work very well for mild to moderate misalignments, crowding, spacing, gap issues, bite problems, and a lot more.

Still, they may not always be the best choice for some more serious cases that involve serious and severe jaw misalignments or major tooth shifting. In these situations, more conventional braces might provide better control due to their secured wires and brackets. Nevertheless, improvements in clear aligner technology have broadened their application, making them capable of tackling a more diverse set of orthodontic problems than in the past. Price is another important aspect for numerous individuals, raising the inquiry, “What is the cost of clear aligners?” The cost differs greatly based on the brand, the intricacy of your situation, and your location. Typically, clear aligners range in price from $3,000 to $8,000. Though this may seem costly, it is similar to conventional braces.