5 Limitations of Clear Aligners You Should Know About

Clear aligners are quickly becoming one of the most popular orthodontic treatments because of their discreetness, comfort, and convenience. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners in Streamwood, Illinois, straighten your smile with aligners created from high-quality thermoplastic material—there are no wires, brackets, or rubber bands (ligatures).

Irvington Dental recommends clear aligner therapy to address gapped, overcrowded, and misaligned teeth. This treatment can also correct bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, etc. If you want to see the difference clear aligners can make for your smile and oral health, schedule an appointment with Drs. Joon Han and Jae Yeon Choi today.

Cons of clear aligner therapy

Clear aligners have numerous benefits, which is why they have become popular with many patients. While clear aligners have many advantages, they are not flawless. Learning about the demerits of clear aligners is essential before you plunge into the treatment.

• Compliance dependency: The effectiveness of clear aligners relies heavily on patient compliance. Although aligners should be removed when eating and cleaning teeth, you must wear them for 20-22 hours daily to achieve the desired results. While you can remove your aligners during special occasions like a corporate dinner, it’s essential that you wear them for the recommended time. Patients who struggle to wear their aligners consistently may experience delays or suboptimal outcomes in their treatment.
• Limited for severe cases: Clear aligners are typically suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as tooth crowding or spacing, and minor bite problems. Severe malocclusion or complex orthodontic issues may not be addressed effectively with clear aligners alone. Traditional braces or surgery may be the most viable treatments in such cases.
• Speech impediments: You aren’t used to speaking with appliances in your mouth, so your speech may be affected when you start wearing aligners. Many patients experience lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain letters/sounds. Good news! Your speech will return to its normal state after an adjustment period once the mouth gets used to the aligners.
• Risk of damage or being misplaced: Because clear aligners are removable, you may lose or misplace them, which can increase your treatment cost and delays your results. When not in use, always store your aligners in a case to avoid losing or damaging them.
• Cost: Depending on the length of treatment and the type of aligner system, brace-less orthodontics tend to be more costly than traditional braces. The good news is that many insurance plans cover part of the treatment cost.

Despite the limitations of clear aligners, the advantages are numerous, making it worth going for the treatment. For instance, clear aligners provide optimal comfort for many patients due to their smooth and custom-fit design. Moreover, their discreet appearance makes them attractive to individuals who prefer a less noticeable orthodontic treatment. Lastly, the removable convenience of aligners allows for undisrupted oral hygiene and the ability to enjoy unrestricted eating habits.

Perfect your smile subtly with clear aligners!

Feel completely like you again by considering clear aligners from Irvington Dental in Streamwood, IL. Call (331) 245-2969 to schedule your appointment today.

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