The Discreet Path to Your Perfect Smile
Clear teeth aligners are transparent, removable trays used to straighten teeth. They offer an alternative to traditional metal braces, using a series of custom-made aligners to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. It is specially a favourite in adults who want to get their teeth straightened without the hassle of fixed conventional braces.
Why a well aligned set of teeth is important beyond just pleasing esthetics and beautiful smiles
- Aesthetic Concerns: Misaligned teeth can affect confidence and self-esteem.
- Functional Issues: They may cause difficulties with chewing and speaking.
- Oral Health Risks: Malaligned teeth can lead to problems like uneven wear, gum disease, and cavities due to difficulty in cleaning.
- Jaw Pain: Poor alignment can contribute to discomfort or pain in the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Benefits of Clear Aligners Over Conventional Braces:
- Aesthetics: Clear aligners are less noticeable compared to metal braces.
- Comfort: They are made of smooth plastic, reducing irritation to gums and cheeks.
- Convenience: Removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, making it easier to maintain good oral health.
- Fewer Dietary Restrictions: No need to avoid sticky or hard foods as with traditional braces.
- Fewer Appointments Required: Once you get your customized trays delivered after your scans, you can opt for monthly video consultations at the clinic and visit as less as once every 4 months. So it is perfect if you keep moving or plan to study abroad or just avoid visiting the dentist often.
- Faster and More Predictable: Many find that aligners offer a more predictable and comfortable treatment process with fewer emergency visits.
What to expect at your Appointments for Aligners
- Initial Consultation: To assess the condition, suitability, requirement and discuss treatment options.
- Custom Tray Fitting: Scans are taken to draw a proper step by step treatment plan and create custom aligners which are then provided to you that need to be changed every 7-14 days.
- Regular Check-ups: Usually every 6-10 weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligners if required.
Dos and Don’ts:
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Dos:
- Wear aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours a day.
- Clean aligners regularly to avoid odors and stains.
- Follow the treatment plan as prescribed by your orthodontist.
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Don’ts:
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water while wearing aligners.
- Avoid exposing aligners to heat which can cause warping.
- Do not skip wearing aligners or switch to the next set prematurely.
Duration of Aligner Treatment:
- Treatment typically lasts between 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case and how consistently the aligners are worn.
Pre-Treatment Examinations Required:
- Comprehensive Dental Exam: To ensure overall oral health.
- X-rays and Impressions/Scans: To create a detailed map of your teeth and jaw.
- Treatment Planning: Customizing the aligner plan based on the collected data.
Clear aligners offer a modern, aesthetic alternative to traditional braces, making orthodontic treatment more appealing to many people. However, careful adherence to the treatment plan and regular consultations with your orthodontist are crucial for achieving the best results.
Misconceptions Around Aligners:
- Not Just for Minor Cases: Some believe aligners are only for minor corrections, but they can address a range of issues including severe misalignment.
- Minimum Maintenance Required: While they are less maintenance-intensive than braces, aligners still require diligent oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
- Results: Aligners do not work overnight; they require time and patience for gradual results.
which is exactly why your at-home or DIY aligners are never a good option.
At-home aligners, often marketed as DIY orthodontic solutions, come with several concerns that make them less advisable compared to professionally supervised treatments. Here are some key reasons:
- Customization Issues: At-home aligners are typically not customized as precisely as those managed by orthodontists. Professional treatment involves detailed planning and adjustments based on X-rays, scans, and physical examinations.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular check-ups with an orthodontist are crucial to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. At-home solutions lack this regular oversight, increasing the risk of complications.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Professional orthodontists can identify and address underlying issues such as jaw problems or dental health concerns that at-home aligners might not account for.
- Treatment Errors: Without a thorough examination, at-home aligners may not correctly address complex orthodontic issues, potentially leading to ineffective treatment or worsening of dental problems.
- Alignment Issues: Incorrectly aligned teeth or poorly designed aligners can lead to suboptimal results or exacerbate existing problems.
- Inconsistent Results: The effectiveness of at-home aligners can vary widely, and without professional adjustments, results may be inconsistent or unsatisfactory.
- Tooth and Gum Health: Improperly fitted aligners can cause discomfort, sores, or damage to the teeth and gums. Regular professional oversight helps prevent these issues.
- Movement Control: Professional orthodontists ensure that teeth move in a controlled and safe manner. DIY aligners might lead to excessive or uneven movement, risking damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues.
- Emergency Support: Professional orthodontic care includes access to support in case of emergencies or unexpected issues. At-home aligners typically do not provide this level of support.
- Retainers and Maintenance: Post-treatment retainers are essential to maintain the new alignment of teeth. Professional treatments include a plan for retainers and long-term maintenance, which might be overlooked in at-home solutions.
- Regulatory Standards: At-home aligner companies may not adhere to the same rigorous standards as established orthodontic practices. This lack of regulation can pose risks to safety and effectiveness.
Cost of Treatment
Clear aligners can typically cost anywhere between ₹50,000 – ₹4,50,000 in Ahmedabad, India depending on the complexity of the case, the brand of aligners and the expertise of the doctor providing the treatment. This can be comparable to or slightly higher than traditional braces.
Here’s a summary of popular clear aligner brands available in India, along with their approximate costs at Braces & Faces. Note that costs can vary based on the complexity of the case and the specific treatment plan.
| **Invisalign** | ₹1,20,000 – ₹4,50,000 | The global pioneers of teeth aligners and the most well-known brand globally, offering customized aligners with the most advanced technology.
| **ClearCorrect** | ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | A product of the Straumann brand from the USA and popular globally for effective treatment with quality and comfort for various orthodontic issues.
| **Illusion Aligners** | ₹70,000 – ₹2,00,000 | Our very own Indian brand providing clear aligners with a focus on expertise with cost-effectiveness.
| **Flash Aligners** | ₹80,000 – ₹2,30,000 | An Indian aligner brand known for high-quality aligners with advanced digital scanning and treatment planning.
| **The Aligner Company (TAC)** | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Provides clear aligners with a focus on quality with affordability.
**Note:** Prices can vary significantly based on the treatment complexity, duration, and additional services such as retainers or follow-up visits. It’s best to consult with our orthodontist for a precise quote and to understand what is included in the treatment package.
In summary, clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic care, offering a modern, convenient, and virtually invisible solution for achieving a straighter, more beautiful smile. At Braces & Faces, we specialize in providing customized clear aligner treatments that are tailored to your unique dental needs.
Our clear aligners are crafted with precision and care, ensuring a comfortable fit and effective tooth movement. These transparent trays gently and discreetly shift your teeth into their desired positions, all without the inconvenience of traditional braces.
With clear aligners, you can enjoy benefits such as:
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Invisibility: Clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them an ideal choice for adults and teens who prefer a subtle orthodontic option.
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Removability: You can easily remove your aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing, maintaining excellent oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
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Comfort: Made from smooth, comfortable materials, clear aligners eliminate the discomfort and irritation often associated with traditional braces.
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Personalization: Each set of aligners is customized to your specific dental needs, ensuring a treatment plan that’s designed just for you.
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Convenience: Clear aligners typically require fewer in-person visits compared to traditional braces, offering a more convenient orthodontic experience.
At Braces & Faces, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve the confident and healthy smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how clear aligners can transform your smile discreetly and comfortably.