24.12.2022

Clear Aligners for Adults: Pros and Cons When You’re 30+

If you are reading this, you’re probably wondering, ‘are aligners suitable for all ages?’ and the answer is absolutely!

Even though we tend to associate clear aligners with childhood and our teenage years, they are also very popular among adults. Their effectiveness and shorter orthodontic treatment duration are among the main reasons why adult patients choose clear aligners. They make for a straighter smile without compromising facial aesthetics and overall look.

Do adult teeth move differently?

Although they are different from baby teeth, adult teeth move too. However, their shifting is usually slower and slighter. As most adults look for minor dentistry improvements (such as misaligned teeth, overbite, or crooked teeth fixing), removable aligners are often the best orthodontic option for them.

Results of clear aligners are usually achieved in around two to six months, which is a considerably shorter timeframe than metal braces. 

What can clear aligner treatment fix?

Clear aligners can fix moderate levels of:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Crowded Teeth
  • Crooked Teeth
  • Gap teeth
  • Open bite

They can be a very effective alternative to metal braces, as they are suitable for more than one orthodontic problem. However, they may not be the right choice for some specific orthodontic cases. If you are unsure whether clear aligners are the best option for you, we recommend consulting an orthodontist or dentist. This way, you’ll receive a bespoke orthodontic plan tailored exactly to your needs.

But before you proceed with clear aligner treatment, you should note the pros and cons.

Pros

  • Aligner treatment can be more comfortable

Although not every dentist might agree on this, some orthodontic patients find that clear aligners are much more comfortable than brackets or wires.

  • Aligners usually require fewer follow-up dentist visits

Thanks to advanced computer software technology, clear aligner treatment is often more streamlined than traditional braces. Our 3-step teeth therapy, for example, is specially designed to avoid orthodontic treatment delays and inefficiencies. Following your 3D teeth scan, your expert dentist will create a personalized plan showing you future results.

  • Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be removed at any time

This means you can eat and brush your teeth while maintaining high standards of oral hygiene as recommended by your dentist or orthodontist.

Cons

  • They may not be suitable for you if you are forgetful

Unlike conventional braces which are permanently attached to the teeth, it is the responsibility of the patient to wear the aligners for the instructed timeframe per day. Neglecting this important rule can result in teeth complications, discomfort and prolonged treatment.

  • Not all orthodontic patients are comfortable with aligner therapy

Some patients might feel pressure as they wear a set of aligners for the first time. This can lead to patient demotivation and poor orthodontic care, which can eventually bring to tooth decay.

  • They may not be suitable for all budgets

As all teeth are different, so are orthodontic treatments. If you want to know more about the cost of braces, or the orthodontic treatments available to adults, read this article.

Please note that it is always best to consult an orthodontist or dentist before making any assumptions. Here at SmileStories, we can offer you a network of expert clinicians for your orthodontic needs. They will be able to advise the best solution for you.

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