Teeth aligners offer an alternative to traditional metal braces. They are a discreet, clear, and nearly invisible way to straighten your smile. While teeth aligners are designed to exert gentle pressure for tooth movement, they can be uncomfortable for some patients if they are worn too often or not for the prescribed length of time. This means there are fewer potential issues like broken wires and dislodged brackets.

Invisible

Clear aligners have gained in popularity over the past decade, mainly because they are less noticeable than metal braces. They’re a great option for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth without disrupting their lifestyles. However, patients must be committed to their treatment plans. If they don’t adhere to the instructions, their teeth could become misaligned again.

Depending on the brand, invisible aligners may be available through dentists or orthodontists. Many brands, including Invisalign and Candid, offer a doctor locator tool and accept dental insurance and third-party financing.

Other brands, such as Strayt, don’t require in-person office visits. This makes them a good choice for people who want to straighten their teeth at home but still need to talk to a medical professional regularly. In our 2022 focus group, Strayt customers appreciated that the company’s doctors review impressions and oversee at-home treatment plans. This also helps ensure that any dental problems won’t be overlooked and that patients receive proper care.

Removable

Achieving a straighter smile with aligners is more convenient and comfortable than traditional wire and bracket systems. These clear, BPA-free plastic trays gradually move the teeth into the desired position. During treatment, the patient wears each set of trays for approximately 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat or brush their teeth. The alignment trays are then replaced with the next pair in the series, with each successive tray typically straightening the teeth more than the last.

The removability of the aligner also allows patients to enjoy eating chips, popcorn, soda, apples and other foods that would be forbidden with conventional braces. However, they must be careful to properly place and remove the aligner before eating or drinking to avoid staining or breaking the trays.

Patients must also be vigilant in noticing signs of discomfort, like sensitivity, pain or discoloration, and contact their dentist or orthodontist immediately.

Comfortable

Clear aligners are a more comfortable orthodontic treatment than traditional braces. They are easy to remove for eating and oral care, and they don’t have any wires or metal brackets that can irritate cheeks and gums. They also offer discretion and don’t draw as much attention, so patients can wear them during social activities or even when they’re sleeping.

While aligners are more comfortable than braces, they can still be uncomfortable at times. If the trays are worn too tightly, they may cause pain in the mouth or jaw. This is usually temporary, but it can be alleviated by using over-the-counter painkillers or applying ice packs to the area.

In addition to being uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that aligners are not meant to protect your mouth or teeth from impact injuries. Avoid playing contact sports while wearing them, and be sure to clean your trays regularly (especially after eating). Also, don’t forget that you can stain or discolor the trays if you use colored drinks or food, so it’s best to stick with water when wearing them.

Affordable

AlignerCo is one of the most affordable brands to offer clear aligners. They include an impression kit and aligners in their treatment plans, which also have a range of monthly payment options and financing terms. They also accept FSA and HSA debit cards, which can reduce your overall costs.

You can also find an affordable option by visiting a dentist or orthodontist in-person for your impressions. They will scan your teeth and use the information to create a digital plan of your progress. This allows them to spot any issues and correct the aligners on the fly, which can lead to faster results.

This type of in-person service is normally pricier, but it may be worth the extra expense for your long-term dental health and peace of mind. In-person services also allow you to get a more thorough workup including X-rays, and many orthodontists offer a wide range of flexible financing and insurance options. In addition, some aligners are made from trimethyl orthosilicate (TMOS), which is BPA-free and phthalate-free.