Your smile is one of your most memorable features, but if it’s crooked or overcrowded, you might worry about how others could perceive you. You might try to remain tight-lipped or avoid engaging socially if you’re overly anxious about your appearance. However, a straightened grin can boost your confidence and make social interactions more enjoyable. On top of that, it’s easier to keep even teeth clean because all the surfaces are easily accessible, reducing your risk of dental problems like cavities or gum disease.
Thankfully, your dentist can reposition your teeth with clear aligners. Instead of using bulky metal brackets like braces do, this treatment relies on clear plastic trays that fit over your pearly whites to shift them. That’s not the only reason to consider this method, though! Keep reading to learn about 3 additional freedoms you can enjoy with clear aligners.
Freedom #1: Eat What You Want
Traditional orthodontics come with a long list of dietary restrictions that must be followed so the brittle metal wires and brackets aren’t harmed. Your dentist probably has asked you to avoid anything overly hard, crunchy, sugary, or sticky because they put braces at risk.
When you opt for clear aligners, however, you can eat what you like without concern about it interfering with your dental treatment. You’ll have to wear the trays for 22 hours every day, but they’re intended to be removed for meals. That means you can safely fill your plate with all your favorites!
Freedom #2: Alleviate Anxiety
Although braces have a long history of successfully straightening smiles, they aren’t known for boosting your confidence in your appearance. Many patients who are already concerned about crooked teeth only become more self-conscious when metal brackets are bonded to them.
Clear aligners are transparent, so they can reposition your pearly whites much more discreetly. They’re not overly noticeable, meaning that you can genuinely grin without having to wonder how others see you. This can boost your confidence so that you don’t feel as anxious about spending time with people.
Freedom #3: Avoid Discomfort
Anything that applies enough pressure to your teeth has the potential to make them sore sometimes. That said, patients with traditional orthodontics tend to experience more aches and pains than those with clear aligners. The sharp wires and brackets are notorious for poking the tender tissues inside your mouth, which can make basic tasks like speaking, eating, and smiling incredibly distressful.
Typically, those with clear aligners don’t have as much discomfort because the plastic trays have a smooth texture that won’t abrade the inside of your mouth.
When you choose clear aligners, you enjoy these benefits while simultaneously enhancing your oral well-being!
About the Author
Dr. Deidra Harrison-McClain has years of experience helping people of all ages improve their dental health. She initially graduated summa cum laude from Tennessee State and then completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery through the Meharry Medical College in Nashville. Now, she combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to increase treatment accuracy and patient comfort. If you’re frustrated by crooked teeth and would like a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (615) 859-0188.