Have you ever had the desire to improve your smile? It could be wanting your teeth to be a shade or two whiter. You might have contemplated investing in braces to help close the gaps between your teeth and make them appear straighter. Getting teeth straightened has become a popular trend, with dental practices noting a surge in interest in recent years.
Braces are one of the most commonly used methods of teeth straightening. However, many associates wearing braces with being in their teenage years. This thought can deter some from wanting to get braces. Another option that many prefer is aligners. Aligners are designed to help a person achieve their ideal smile discreetly, thanks to them being clear.
If you are considering investing in aligners in the new year, here are a few factors worth considering beforehand.
See If You Are Eligible
Before you can begin to consider investing in aligners, you need to check with your dentist that you are eligible. Book a check-up and discuss your desire for straighter teeth and your interest in having aligners. During the check-up, they can see if you would be eligible for aligners based on your teeth.
Depending on the gaps you are trying to close will influence whether aligners will work for you. Aligners are best at closing smaller gaps, whilst braces are better for larger gaps in teeth. Additionally, tooth shapes and positioning can also affect your chances of being eligible for dental work. If you have had prior dental work before, it might also impact your eligibility. It is worth booking a visit with your dentist to discuss if it is possible before getting your hopes up about wearing aligners and the results.
Be Patient With The Process
Getting your teeth straightened by aligners is a process that takes time and effort. It could take months, sometimes even years. It all depends on your teeth and how long it takes for them to shift into the desired position you are hoping to achieve. As it takes time, you have to ensure you will be patient with the process.
It is likely that you will have to replace your aligners after a certain period to have a set fitted. This is part of the process, as the new aligners will help you to get your desired smile. When considering aligners, keep in mind that it will take a while. If you were hoping to have straight teeth by a specific time and date, remember that this might not happen.
Decide When You Want To Wear Them
One of the desirable advantages of wearing aligners is how discreet they are. Individuals can wear them without people noticing that they are currently undergoing treatment to have their teeth straightened and reduce the gaps. The only telling signs are if the person removes their aligner, if someone gets close enough, or in some cases if the person speaks with a slight lisp.
Wearing aligners can affect a person’s speech – a factor worth considering. This is because there is the option of wearing night time aligners instead of daytime ones. Take a look at this article from ALIGNERCO. It explains the difference between daytime and night time aligners. Each has its set of advantages and disadvantages to consider. If you are unsure which to choose, you can use the helpful guide in your decision-making.
Choose A Dental Practice
After deciding that you do in fact want to move forward and get aligners, ensure that you have considered which dental practice you will use. The one you usually attend might not offer this service, so you will have to consider your other options. Use online reviews from former patients. Compare their results and see what they had to say about the practice.
Additionally, look at the costs. The cost of aligners might be similar, but it is worth factoring the other points, like level of service, into the final cost. Wearing aligners can be an uncomfortable experience at times. Having a dental professional who is kind and patient with you can make a noticeable difference in your experience.
In Summary
When deciding whether or not to invest in aligners, ensure that you have researched them plenty to make an informed decision. Read about their effectiveness and how long you will likely have to wear them. Ask people who have recently had aligners about their experiences and where they went. Using this information, you can decide if aligners are the proper dental treatment.
If they are, you can begin finding the right dental practice. Before you know it, you will likely start your aligner journey in the new year. Throughout 2023, your teeth will gradually move into your desired position. With each new set of aligners, you will be one step closer to straighter teeth. By the end of the year, there could be a noticeable difference in your smile.
