Clear Aligners
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners?
The two greatest pros of clear aligners are that they are practically invisible and that the patient may remove the appliance to eat, brush their teeth, or for other short periods. Just make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Remember, the device won’t work if you don’t wear it.
One disadvantage of clear aligners is the way they attach to the teeth. Patients are advised to drink mostly water, as liquids tend to get trapped between the device and the teeth. For example, if you drink soda (even diet) or juice, sugars and acids become trapped in the aligner. This may damage your teeth or stain the appliance. If you drink anything other than water, be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible afterward, preferably using a fluoride toothpaste.
It is also easy to lose clear aligners. If you remove the appliance for any reason, always place it in its case, not a pocket or napkin. Also, most dental appliances are very attractive to pets. Always keep your aligner where pets can’t reach it.