What do I need to know about getting a dental aligner?
The most beautiful accessory one can wear is a smile. No truer words were said, and we believe every word. A beautiful smile can be a source of absolute confidence. It is no wonder more than four million people in both the US and Canada are under orthodontist care. Our teeth are our prized possession; that is why people are willing to spend thousands annually on dental care. People with crooked and misaligned teeth have different straightening options, and among them is getting dental aligners.
Dental aligners are clear, thin trays that are fit on top of teeth to shift them to the desired position gently. In most cases, aligners are worn for the first two weeks, and then a new tray is bought, which continues to shift the teeth until they reach the desired position. Dental aligners can be provided by an orthodontist or purchased directly from companies. When buying them over the counter, you only have to send impressions of your teeth to the company, where a set of custom aligners will be made and shipped to you. Sounds simple right? That is not all; before getting dental aligners, there are things one needs to know.
6 things you need to know
Getting dental aligners? Here is what to know;
At-home treatment is cheaper
Dental care at the orthodontist is not cheap; that is why many people line up at the chance to skip the doctor’s visit by opting for direct-to-consumer straightening companies. Dealing directly with these low-cost aligners providers cuts out the doctors’ revenue, making home treatment plans much more affordable than office treatment.
3D printing triumphs do-it-yourself molding
Before direct-to-customer companies send your custom aligner, they have to send you an at-home impression kit that molds the right impression of your teeth for customization of the aligners. When done wrong, the sent aligners will not fit your teeth, requiring re-dos, which could sometimes cause problems like throwing up. The other option is getting your teeth scanned instead of molded. Scanning is much easier and provides you with digital ‘molds’ that are accurate. Digital scanning will also save you from the gagging, which is expected with at-home impressions. It is easy for one to pick 3D printing; however, it is pricey, and the service is limited to only a few orthodontic offices.
Direct-to-consumer is a litmus test
When looking for companies to buy dental aligners, many will tell you an orthodontist reviews all cases before approval for at-home treatment. The truth, however, is it is not always a guarantee that all patients are approved for at-home treatment; in many cases, the dentist barely takes more than two minutes on an issue which leads to the disappointment of many clients.
Find a reputable company
When looking for where to get your aligners, you will run into many companies offering to customize your aligners for straighter teeth, so which should you choose? When selecting a provider, go for one with a reputable image. While many direct-to-client companies promise to deliver in reality, not all do, so you need to be careful with who you choose. Check Alignerco reviews for testimonies of clients who have gotten their dental aligners and gauge the feedback received.
Clean your aligners
You have to wear dental aligners all day. Although you will have to take them out every time you eat, drink or clean your teeth, ensure you always wash your aligners. Like your teeth, cleaning your aligners is a must-do to prevent any accumulation of bacteria that could easily lead to the decaying of your teeth. Get a toothbrush for cleaning your aligner and clean them after brushing your teeth.
They are not for everyone
If you are anything but a mild case, at-home aligners may not be the best option for you. Complex cases like impacted teeth or a surgical case may require evaluation by an orthodontist before they recommend a corrective measure, which sometimes involves getting metal braces or other appliances. Consulting with an orthodontist for their professional opinion is highly advised before getting over-the-counter aligners.
Dental care encompasses the day-to-day oral care down to wanting straighter teeth. Different people want straighter teeth for several reasons. What they don’t know is there is a lot more to getting dental aligners than buying them. Familiarize yourself with all there is to know about getting aligners with this guide. That way, you can go into your decision fully aware of your options and make suitable choices for you.
