How to Buy Clear Aligners: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Clear Aligners

Overview

Clear Aligners are a popular and effective method of orthodontic treatment that can help you achieve straighter and healthier teeth. This buying guide will help provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether Clear Aligners are the right choice for you. We will discuss the different types of aligners available, the benefits of each, the cost and what you should look out for when shopping for your Clear Aligners. We will also provide helpful tips on how to make sure you get the most out of your treatment.

Key features

  • Cost: Clear aligners can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as doctor and provider fees, the complexity of the treatment, and the length of treatment.
  • Materials: Clear aligners are usually made of two plastic materials: polyurethane resin for the body and polycarbonate for the teeth. Different providers may offer different materials.
  • Comfort: Clear aligners should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Talk to your doctor to make sure they are making the right fit for your mouth and teeth.
  • Durability: Clear aligners should be durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear, as well as the forces of teeth movement. They should also be able to resist staining and discoloration.
  • Appearance: Clear aligners are designed to be nearly invisible when worn, so shoppers should look for products that are thin enough to be inconspicuous in the mouth.
  • Cleaning: Clear aligners need to be cleaned regularly, so consider products that are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Provider: When considering a clear aligner provider, shoppers should look for a reputable provider with a good track record of successful treatments.
  • Treatment Time: The length of treatment can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the alignment issue, the provider and the product chosen. Make sure to ask the provider how long the treatment will take.
  • Support: Shoppers should look for products that come with a good support and after-care system, such as online resources and customer service.

See the most popular Clear Aligners on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Comfort: Clear aligners are made from comfortable, flexible plastic that is designed to fit snugly against your teeth. They are much less bulky than traditional metal braces and are free from harsh wires and brackets that can cause irritation.
  • Convenience: Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are removable. This allows you to easily brush and floss your teeth and enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about food getting caught in them. Additionally, clear aligners allow you to easily adjust your schedule to accommodate appointments and treatments.
  • Invisible: Clear aligners are virtually invisible due to their clear plastic construction. This makes them ideal for teens and adults who want to improve their smile without having to wear bulky, metal braces.
  • Safety: Clear aligners are safe to use, as they are made from FDA-approved materials and have been tested and certified to be free from BPA and other harmful chemicals.
  • Affordable: Clear aligners are more affordable than traditional metal braces, as they require fewer office visits and adjustments. Additionally, many orthodontists offer payment plans to make the cost of treatment more manageable.

Cons

  • Cost: Clear aligners are often more expensive than traditional metal braces and can range from $1,500 to $3,000.
  • Maintenance and Care: Clear aligners require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them free of bacteria and plaque.
  • Possible Discomfort: Clear aligners may cause some discomfort while they are worn, as they apply pressure to the teeth to move them into place.
  • Time: Clear aligners can take up to a year or more to move your teeth into the desired position.
  • Not Ideal for Some Cases: Clear aligners are not ideal for complex cases, such as those with significant overbite or underbite.
  • Permanent Changes: Clear aligners are not reversible, and they can cause permanent changes to your teeth and jaw.

Best alternatives

  1. Invisalign- Clear aligners that are made from a patented thermoplastic material and are customized to fit your teeth.
  2. Braces- Metal braces with brackets and wires that are attached to the teeth to help straighten them over time.
  3. ClearCorrect- An alternative to Invisalign that uses clear plastic aligners to help straighten teeth.
  4. Veneers- Porcelain or composite shells that are placed over the front of the teeth to cover up imperfections.
  5. Lingual Braces- Metal braces that are attached to the back side of the teeth rather than the front.
  6. Palatal Expanders- A device used to widen the upper jaw by gradually applying pressure.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Retainer Case - A case used to store and transport clear aligners
  • Chewing Gum - Chewing gum that helps clean aligners while wearing them
  • Aligner Brush - A specialized brush used to clean aligners
  • Polishing Cloths - Special cloths used to polish and shine aligners
  • Mouth Guard - A protective mouth guard used during sports activities
  • Alcohol Wipes - Pre-soaked alcohol wipes used to clean aligners
  • Floss Threaders - Used to thread dental floss into aligners
  • Whitening Gel - Whitening gel used to whiten teeth while wearing aligners

Common questions

  1. What is a clear aligner? Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment system that uses transparent plastic trays to gradually move teeth, and achieve a straight smile.
  2. How does a clear aligner work? Clear aligners use a series of removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is slightly different, and gradually moves your teeth to their desired position.
  3. Who can wear clear aligners? Clear aligners are suitable for adults and older teenagers with fully-erupted permanent teeth.
  4. What orthodontic problems can be treated with clear aligners? Clear aligners can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps, and bite issues.
  5. How long does treatment take? The length of treatment depends on the severity of the orthodontic problem. Generally, treatment takes between 6 and 18 months.
  6. Are clear aligners comfortable to wear? Yes. Clear aligners are made from smooth plastic, and are designed to fit comfortably.
  7. How do I clean my clear aligners? Cleaning your aligners is important to maintain oral hygiene. Simply brush the aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and rinse them with water.
  8. Are clear aligners expensive? Clear aligners typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per arch, depending on the complexity of the treatment plan.

Trivia

An interesting fact about Clear Aligners is that they are often used to fix minor dental irregularities such as crooked or misaligned teeth. However, they can also be used to fix more serious cases such as malocclusion, a condition in which the upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly. A surprising use of Clear Aligners is to correct sleep apnea, a sleep disorder which can cause serious health issues. By wearing a special aligner while sleeping, it can help to improve the condition. This is because the aligner helps to keep the airways open while sleeping which can reduce the severity of the condition. Source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.