4 Potential Issues You Should Know Before Getting Clear Aligners

24 August 2017
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


Many people who want to straighten their teeth prefer clear aligners to other forms of braces. This isn't surprising given that clear aligners are discrete, comfortable, and easy to take care of. Still, there are a few things you should know before going down this route; here are four examples of such issues:

Your Actions (Or Lack of Them) May Determine the Outcome

The dentist will do their best to give you the desired results, but nothing is guaranteed. This is because it is not just the dentist's actions that will determine the result; you also have a role to play in your treatment. For example, you need to keep all your dental appointments, wear the aligners for the prescribed duration, maintain good oral hygiene, and generally follow your dentist's instructions to the letter. Otherwise, your treatment may take longer than expected; you may even experience a relapse.

Expect A Few Side Effects to the Treatment

Clear aligners aren't dangerous, but just like other forms of treatments, they do have their risks. Here are some examples of risks that increase when you have clear aligners:

  • Mouth sores and irritations
  • Increase in salivation
  • Speech difficulties
  • Discomfort in the jaws

The good news is that these risks are low and often disappear on their own after a short time. Consult your dentists if they persist longer than expected.

The Aligners May Affect Other Dental Treatments

Dental restorations may affect the fit of your aligners, and the reverse is also true. Therefore, if you are planning to get crowns or bridges, hold on and consult your orthodontist first. These different treatments can interfere with each other, so your dentist needs to know about them so they can determine which one you should get first.

You May Need Engagers

Engagers are attachments that the orthodontist may place on your teeth to help them move. You may need engagers if your teeth are positioned or shaped in such a way that the aligners can't "grab" on them properly. Engagers take the form of composite resin bumps that the aligners can grab onto. These engagers can feel awkward when you aren't wearing your aligners. Your dentist will tell you whether or not you are a candidate for engagers.

The above discussion should help you to understand the major issues surrounding clear aligners. Talk to your dentist or click for more info on what you should expect and how you can benefit from clear aligners.


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