Has your dentist in Columbia, SC recommended clear aligners to straighten your teeth? If so, you probably want a little more information about them first. So let’s talk about the pros and cons of clear aligners. This information will help you make a more educated decision about whether clear aligners are the right option for you.

Here are the pros and cons of getting clear aligners in Columbia, SC.

The Pros of Clear Aligners:

• Invisible

Clear aligners are invisible, so they look cosmetically more appealing than traditional metal braces.

• Easier to Brush and Floss

Clear aligners are removable, so you can remove them when you are ready to brush and floss your teeth.

• No Food Restrictions

Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners don’t come with any food or drink restrictions because you remove them before eating and drinking. With traditional metal braces, you must avoid hard, sticky foods; otherwise, they will get caught in and could damage your braces.

• Shorter Overall Treatment Time

Clear aligners will straighten your teeth in about 7-18 months, whereas traditional metal braces take between 20-24 months.

• More Comfortable Than Traditional Metal Braces

Clear aligners are made of soft plastic, so they are much more comfortable than metal braces because you won’t have metal wires and brackets protruding into your cheeks, gums, and lips.

The Cons of Clear Aligners:

• Must Be Worn at Least 22 Hours a Day

When opting for clear aligners, you must be self-disciplined enough to wear them at least 22 hours a day, even when you’re sleeping.

• Not an Option for More Complex Dental Issues

People with more complex dental issues are not candidates for clear aligners.

• A Bit More Expensive Than Traditional Metal Braces

Clear aligners cost more than traditional metal braces. Your dentist will go over the cost of each option with you.

• Easier to Lose

Since clear aligners are removable, they are easier to lose. So be mindful of that when you take your aligners out to eat and drink.

Do You Need a Dentist in Columbia, SC?

If you need a dentist in Columbia, SC, please Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today. We have been perfecting smiles in the greater Columbia area since 1966. Our office is warm, comfortable, and inviting and we only use the most advanced dental equipment and techniques to deliver the highest quality dental care possible. We look forward to meeting you!