Are Clear Aligners Right for You?
At-home teeth aligners are more popular than ever before, and it’s (ahem) clear why. Today’s aligner kits offer fast results, straightforward and affordable pricing, and the ultimate in convenience. Clear aligners can be removed as needed, and some companies offer a completely mail-order experience.
But while these at-home options are an appealing alternative to braces, many people are still unsure of how they work. Can these simple trays really make a significant change to problematic teeth? Without even visiting a dentist?
For most people looking to correct a mild-to-moderate smile issue, the answer is yes.
The process begins by getting an initial scan or impression of your teeth. Some providers, like Byte, offer an easy-to-use home impression kit. You’ll follow instructions to create molds of your teeth and send them back. With this data, aligner providers can tell you if aligners are right for you. (Here at Byte, we’ll refund the impression kit if it’s determined that you’re not a candidate for aligners).
If you are a fit for aligners, then it’s time to start treatment.
How Do Aligners Work?
Using your initial scan or impressions, the aligner provider determines where your teeth need to move to in order to be in proper alignment for the best smile possible. A series of clear aligners are then produced to take your teeth from their current position (the starting point) to their desired position (your ideal bite). Each aligner tray is worn for a week or two as it moves your teeth to follow the planned straightening “roadmap.”
The aligners apply pressure not to one or two “problematic” teeth but to all of your teeth at once. This continually applied pressure (most aligners are prescribed to be worn as much as possible, ideally 22 hours a day) repositions teeth over the course of the treatment.
Aligners are shaped to replicate your teeth so they fit comfortably, but their design includes microchanges that help shift teeth into their next staged location. These subtle changes may include micro-movements or pre-designed pressure points.
Are All Aligners the Same?
While the most popular at-home aligner providers on the market today use the same basic principles in their treatment and aligner design, differences in mail-order aligners may include:
Material
The top aligner providers on the market all use smooth plastic for their production, but this plastic may vary in thickness and type. Byte uses highly transparent polymer film that’s BPA-free and tear-resistant.
Fit
How your aligners fit on your mouth can make all the difference in your day-to-day comfort. All aligners are designed to apply pressure to promote proper tooth movement. Still, it’s also important that they’re comfortable to wear during your everyday activities – after all, for best results, you may be wearing them for at least 22 hours a day.
Today’s top aligners use cutting-edge technology to provide a smooth fit, but providers may vary in how they cut and produce their aligners. Smile Direct Club, for example, touts their laser-cut aligners with Comfort Sense technology, while Aligner Co. claims their aligners are hand-crafted and trimmed close to the gums for comfort.
Convenience
Some providers (like Candid) require an in-office scan to begin treatment, but others (including Byte) offer a completely at-home experience with home impression kits and virtual check-ins.
Pricing and Guarantees
Many of the top clear aligner options offer straightforward pricing, easy payment plans, and service guarantees.
Byte includes “Byte for Life” guarantees on all aligner kits, ensuring that if your teeth shift after prescribed treatment, you’ll be eligible for a new set of aligner treatment trays. Smile Direct Club also offers a guarantee for approved issues after treatment (if certain requirements are met).
Other at-home aligner companies may only offer a warranty on retainers, which must be purchased separately. For in-office and hybrid providers, pricing and guarantees may be handled by the approved dentist or orthodontic professional rather than the aligner company.
Are Some Aligners More Effective?
Each client enters aligner treatment with different smile issues and expectations. Different mouths may react differently to aligner treatment. These factors can make it hard to determine which aligners, if any, are more effective than others. Plus, most aligner providers use the same basic principles of pressure and treatment design.
For many, the differentials aren’t necessarily in the aligners themselves but in the service the aligner provider offers. If there’s an issue with the aligners, will someone from the company be there to help? Are there virtual check-ins, and if so, is the process easy and stress-free?
Some companies may also include accessories in their aligner kit to improve the comfort and performance of their aligner trays. Byte includes the HyperByte high-frequency vibrational device in their aligner kit. Research indicates that devices like these increase comfort and improve aligner effectiveness.
Aligners vs. Braces
When considering orthodontic treatment, many first think of traditional metal braces. For many years, braces were the only option for those looking to fix their bite or smile.
So, how do aligners compare to metal braces?
Advantages of Aligners
- Aligners are more affordable than braces. On average, braces start at around $5,300 and may cost much more, depending upon the complexity of treatment and the type of braces used (ceramic and lingual braces are more expensive options). With insurance coverage, the cost of braces may start at around $3,400. The top aligners on the market range from around $1900 – $3000.
- Aligners are much more convenient than braces. Braces require many in-office adjustments and check-ups, while aligners may only require an initial consultation. Some mail-order aligners offer a completely at-home experience with home impression kits and remote check-ups.
- Aligners can be removed. While braces require installed hardware in the mouth, aligner trays can easily be removed for eating and special events. This, again, makes them more convenient and makes maintenance and hygiene easier.
- Clear aligners are much less visible than traditional braces.
- Aligner treatment is generally faster than most braces treatments.
But while aligners are an easy choice for many, some may still prefer (or need) braces.
Advantages of Braces
- While most people with mild or moderate bite issues are candidates for aligner treatment, those with more complex orthodontic issues or certain oral health conditions may require braces.
- Aligners must be worn as prescribed for them to work. Patients who lack the discipline to wear aligners as prescribed may get better results from braces, as they won’t have the option of removing them.
- Patents who prefer an orthodontist’s ongoing, in-person support may prefer the braces treatment process.