Category: Oral Care

How To Get Dental Aligners? – The 4-Step Process

If you’re looking to straighten teeth, you’re probably also curious to know how the entire dental alignment transaction works. In this short section, we outline the process for getting your at-home invisible aligners:

1. Get a Customized Treatment Plan

The first step is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist or order online for an impression kit. In person, a dentist will examine your teeth and scan your mouth, or for the at-home teeth aligning treatment, you can send back the impression kit with the mold of your teeth (after biting into the “goopy putty”). 

An individualized treatment plan will then be developed—we won’t bore you with this part; just let the experts handle it.

2. Your Aligners Are Made and Delivered

Using 3D technology, your custom treatment plan will be digitally created once your teeth impressions from the goopy putty have been inputted. Following approval of the digital models, the aligners are made in a production facility.

As soon as you accept treatment, the process begins. It can take up to 3 weeks for some aligner brands to ship you the product. The preliminary impression kits usually take less time to reach your door. 

3. Wear and Replace Your Aligners Accordingly 

You’ll replace your aligner trays every one to three weeks (they’ll be sent to you periodically). For teeth straightening to be effective, you need to wear them for about 20 to 22 hours a day.

Single aligners can only move teeth slightly (1 mm or less), so multiple aligners are needed.

The teeth will slowly move into the correct position with each set of aligners. You’re looking at anywhere between 3 and 24 months to complete the treatment. 

4. Flex That Smile at Day, Keep It Conditioned at Night

Once treatment is complete, a custom retainer is created from a mold of your newly straightened teeth. These nighttime aligners are meant to be worn every night while sleeping to ensure your teeth don’t slowly move back to their original position. 

6 Reasons Why Should I Get Clear Aligners

1. Get a Straighter Smile Without Visible Braces Comfortably

At-home aligners are practically invisible. With a custom treatment plan, your teeth will move almost imperceptibly to you and others—save for the increase in your smile’s brilliance.

These appliances are almost undetectable when worn on the teeth since the aligners don’t require brackets and metal wires. 

If you have many interactions with others and your smile plays a big role, clear aligners can help maintain your confidence and approachability. 

Aesthetic dental anomalies have shown to be a strong motive for bullying children, especially affecting their upbringing and social development. That includes braces themselves. So people who suffer from social anxiety and insecurities can take the subtler route with invisible aligners and fix their teeth.

2.  An Affordable and Convenient Option

Straightening teeth was previously both expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, today’s invisible aligners provide a less expensive alternative.

You don’t have to go anywhere for any procedures. Instead of spending time at the orthodontist’s office, you can get the procedure done in your home—no hassle or time wasted.

3. They Are More Convenient to Use

Unlike traditional braces that restrict your menu options to foods like hard, chewy, and brittle, clear aligners can be taken out while you eat.

4.  Less Risk of Chronic Conditions and Injuries

Your oral and overall health can be negatively affected by misaligned teeth. Overcrowding can result in excessive wear and tear on your enamel since they’re grinding on each other so much. Teeth that protrude can also cause discomfort in your mouth and even lead to speech problems and headaches. 

Not to mention, misaligned teeth and jaws have been shown to affect mental health, especially in children and teenagers who get bullied for crooked teeth and thus have low levels of confidence and self-esteem. 

On a more positive note, clear aligners treatment has been shown to improve periodontal health significantly. 

5.  Easier to Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene

Clear aligners have been shown to facilitate oral hygiene and reduce the number of appointments and emergency visits. 

Besides taking out the aligners when you want to eat, removable clear aligners allow you to clean your gums, teeth, and other dental parts thoroughly. 

And, the removable aligners themselves can be cleaned separately, so you won’t have to try and maneuver your toothbrush around delicate wires and brackets.

6.  Reduced treatment times-  Results in as little as 12 Months!

Source

Compared to metal braces, clear aligners may reduce treatment time by half. Clear aligners usually treat your alignment problem in as little as twelve months, while traditional metal braces can take over two years to work.

But only your dentist can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment time estimate based on your alignment issues.

We recommend products we genuinely believe may be beneficial to your oral and dental health. If you purchase the products using the links below, we may earn some affiliate commissions. Please read our policy here for more information.

Best Clear Aligner Brands: Your Best Options

You’ve learned all you need to know about clear aligners. Now, you might be looking for directions. Where do you go to buy the best invisible braces? In this section, we’ve reviewed the best possible options based on public approval and service. 

1. NewSmile

NewSmile is a pretty recent company founded in early 2020—but they skyrocketed to stardom for their fantastic service. With NewSmile, you can have clear aligner treatment designed remotely and administered from the comfort of your own home.

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Pros

»   NewSmile costs $1,499. Even though this isn’t the absolute cheapest option available for teeth alignment in Canada, it still represents thousands of dollars less than braces or Invisalign, as well as nearly $800 less than SmileDirectClub. 

»   You can keep track of your progress with the NewSmile Aligner Monitoring App. 

»   The NewSmile customer satisfaction rating is excellent. Even though they don’t have as many customer reviews as some of their competitors, we were able to find more than 100 reviews of their services, most of them positive.

»   If at the end of your treatment, your smile does not match the one in your treatment preview, NewSmile will “work with you to identify the cause, and will help you achieve the results you desired.”

Cons

»   You might not be getting the most specialized treatment since they use a team that includes both orthodontists and general dentists.

»   Nighttime-only aligners from NewSmile cost $200 more, even though they’re exactly the same as the all-day aligners.

2. SmilePath

SmilePath is another at-home invisible aligners provider. They’re unique because they make clear aligners financially accessible to anyone, even if their credit score needs some work. 

Simply make an order online and send your molded teeth to them. They’ll evaluate your eligibility and send you image previews for what your teeth might look like at the end of the treatment. Like what you see? They’ll start making your aligners as soon as you approve and ship them to you within a few weeks. 

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Pros

»   As an additional convenience, SmilePath offers a nighttime option so that you can wear your aligners only at night.

»   The pricing for at-home clear aligners from SmilePath is the lowest available. Additionally, they frequently provide discounts on their website, which further cut their great rates.

»   They have an excellent customer service team that can answer all of your tough questions professionally and politely.

»   They use high-quality plastic aligners produced by supplier Retainer Essix, with over 15 years of industry experience. 

Cons

»   While some of their competitors offer free tooth scanning in their physical offices, SmilePath requires you to make your own molds of your teeth.

»   Although SmilePath aligns your teeth more quickly than braces or Invisalign, it is not the fastest option. Other brands can complete the alignment in only three months, while SmilePath usually takes at least six months.

»   The aligners won’t arrive as quickly as others, so you might have to begin your treatment a week or two later compared to other providers.

3. Straight My Teeth

As the lowest price provider, Straight My Teeth makes treatment affordable for a wide range of people without compromising quality. Alongside affordability, at-home clear aligner companies like Straight My Teeth eliminate all in-person checkups, a true godsend during the pandemic. 

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Pros

»   Straight My Teeth has the lowest prices on the market by far. For your full treatment, you’ll only pay £999 (or less if you catch a sale). The fee also includes one set of aftercare retainers and a whitening kit.

»   Retainer Essix manufactures the plastic for Straight My Teeth aligners, a reputable and established dental supply company.

»   Their customer service staff is consistently praised for their responsiveness and professionalism in online reviews.

»   On par with the industry average, treatment takes an average of 6 months.

Cons

»   You might not be working with the most qualified professional on your case when you visit Straight My Teeth as they have unlicensed dental technicians on staff.

»   Refinements cost an additional £150 if you are unsatisfied with your results at the end of treatment.

4. AlignerCo

AlignerCo is relatively young as far as home aligner companies are concerned. So far, they have flown under the radar in the U.S. and Canada since opening their doors in May 2019. 

Although they have not had any marketing campaigns like SmileDirectClub, they have generated some buzz by offering prices well below the industry standard, quickly establishing themselves as an affordable service.

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Pros

»   Everyone can apply for the SmileFlex Easy plan since there is no credit check (although it requires a $345 down payment).

»   Among all the companies offering at-home aligners, AlignerCo’s $1,635 sticker price is easily one of the lowest, and sometimes they run promotions that further cut the price.

»   All AlignerCo aligners are made from Essix plastic, a reputable and experienced dental products company.

»   Anyone who does not wish to wear their aligners all day can opt for the Night Only treatment offered by AlignerCo.

»   Customers consistently praise them for their attentive, helpful service.

Cons

»   To begin your treatment, you will need to order an impression kit from AlignerCo since it doesn’t have any physical locations offering free tooth scans.

»   On their website, AlignerCo claims to offer orthodontist-designed treatment plans, but they actually use both orthodontists and dentists. Both are highly qualified to design and oversee your treatment, but if you are sure you want to work with an orthodontist, AlignerCo might not be the best option for you.

»   Compared to some of its competitors, AlignerCo may be a bit slower with delivery and treatment.

»   Their shipping policy is foggy, and their impression kits aren’t eligible for returns.

Some Things to Look Out for With Clear Aligners

Clear aligners can be amazing. But there are some drawbacks, too. We mention them in this section:

They’re Not for Everyone

For starters, clear aligners are not the best option for those with severely crooked or misaligned teeth. In cases where they must be gradually repositioned upward or downward for better alignment with the rest of your mouth, conventional braces get the job done more effectively.

Clear aligners, studies show, we’re also not as effective in producing adequate occlusal contacts (where your teeth meet when your mouth is closed), controlling teeth torque, and retention.

Aligners Require Your Cooperation

The success of clear aligners depends heavily on the patient’s cooperation. You may want to remove them more often than necessary due to their ease of removal. 

To have successful alignment and keep pace with your treatment schedule, your clear aligners should be left in your mouth for at least 22 hours daily for the duration of your treatment. As long as you leave them in, other than for eating or brushing, you can easily stay in control of your progress. 

However, if you have a strong tendency to keep taking them out, traditional metal braces might be better since they cannot be taken out at will.

You’ll Need to Do More Brushing and Flossing

You won’t have to change the details of your oral hygiene routine. You can still use your regular toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. But you’ll need to use them more frequently—after every meal specifically. 

Imagine wearing clear aligners, and the spinach from lunch is trapped between your teeth for everyone to see. Not only is that a socially lousy look, but if you don’t remove all of the plaque and food particles from your teeth, you’re more likely to develop cavities as they remain there for a longer time.

What to Look Out For When Choosing an Aligner Brands? – Buyer’s Guide

Picking out the right clear aligner brand can be challenging, especially when you consider over 20 different invisible braces companies of the same type of transparent braces. Here are some things to consider when buying an aligner:

Adequate Research

Doing some research first before you buy would be a smart move. You might find out that your dentist can recommend or provide the service at a discounted rate, so ask him/her first.

Treatment Process Should Be Simple

An easy-to-understand treatment plan is extremely important. You’ll want to make sure that your clear aligner brand has a proven track record of successful results but also understands the importance of your time and money. A treatment plan with minimal visits can save you some bucks and some time.

Make Sure They Will Give Revisions If Needed

Not all clear aligners are one-time wear products, so if you’re not getting your teeth aligned to your liking, you can get them adjusted or readjusted. Be sure to ask the brand/office about this detail before you sign up for their service.

Warranty and Money-Back Guarantee

You should check if the brand offered you a money-back guarantee and warranty in case something goes wrong.

Customer Reviews

How Others Rate Them?

Conduct some research on the transparent aligner brands you are interested in. See if their track record is effective or not, read customer reviews, check for unfavorable feedback and, more.

Does The Brand Have Any Unfavorable Feedback?

Stay away from brands that have a lot of unhappy customers voicing their complaints online.

Competitive Price

A lower price tag is always better. But don’t choose an aligner brand based on its price alone. Quality matters more than quantity, so check out which clear aligner brands offer the best combination of quality and low cost.

And for this article, we have researched to find the best product that can help you in your oral treatment.

FAQs On Best Clear Aligners

What are the major distinctions between traditional braces and invisible/clear aligners?

The most crucial difference is that invisible aligners are removable. You can take them out anywhere you want, which means people won’t be able to see your treatment as they would with braces. 

Invisible aligners also allow for a much faster treatment time, about six months to one year, depending on the severity of the situation and how well they have been fixed.

Whereas the orthodontist will connect a metal bracket to each tooth with traditional braces. These brackets are held in place by a metal wire, correcting any misalignment. Because the braces are fastened in position, they move your teeth all of the time. Furthermore, they can utilize orthodontic appliances to repair significant issues.

Are invisible braces safe for your teeth?

In any case, for the most part, they are safe. The appliances can cause some discomfort in your mouth, but it’s not a big deal. Along these lines, if you do have a question about side effects caused by invisible aligners or any other sort of braces, you should ask your dental specialist.

What are Invisible braces costs and average treatment time?

The cost of invisible aligners varies based on your situation. On the off chance that you have a little issue, the treatment time will likely be less than six months. In any case, you might need to wear them for up to a year if you have a severe issue with your teeth.

Conclusion

We’ve looked at four of the best clear aligner brands on the market and found that all offer significant reductions in treatment time compared to traditional braces.

While invisible aligners are not for everyone, they can be an excellent option if your teeth aren’t severely crooked. If you’re looking for a fast, easy way to get your teeth straightened without spending months in braces, then clear aligners may be the perfect choice for you.

From this blog post, you can better understand what they offer without wasting too much time poring over reviews or trying them yourself. So if you want to achieve a beautiful smile in as little as six weeks, then one of these top-rated brands is worth considering.

So don’t wait any longer. Order your best clear aligners today!

Do you have a mouth as dry as the Sahara?

It’s not the best feeling in the world, to say the least. The doctors call it Xerostomia. And it occurs when your salivary glands are slacking on the job (they’re not producing enough saliva in your mouth).

Your mouth becomes parched. It feels dry. And if that wasn’t bad enough, it can cause other symptoms like bad breath, dry throat, and cracked lips that are unkissable. It’s rough (pun intended). But more on the side effects later.

Saliva is an important part of your body’s digestion processes: it moistens and breaks down food. Your oral goo is also protective, dare we say obsessive, about your dental health, working day and night to protect your mouth against gum disease and tooth decay. So when enough of it isn’t being produced in your mouth, it can be cause for concern. 

Don’t fret too much, a dry mouth has its effects but it’s not the end of the world. Though it could be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical problem, it’s usually fixable.

So, between the cracked lips and a potential Alzheimer’s scare, it’s needless to say that treating your dry mouth is paramount. And in this article, we’re going to layout the symptoms, shed light on the causes of dry mouth, and suggest research-backed products to treat that dry feeling.

Your dry mouth will be gone in no time. Ready? Let’s get started.

How can I tell if I have a dry mouth?

Some people may be able to spot a dry mouth right away. Others may be experiencing it, but not know their condition exactly. If you have the following symptoms, as indicated by a study published in the National Library of Medicine, you could very well have a dry mouth:

• A dry or sticky feeling in your mouth
• Thick, stringy saliva—a sign of dehydration
• Chapped lips
• Bad breath
• You may have difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing. A dry mouth can also affect your taste buds, leaving a metallic, salty, or other taste in your mouth
• Your throat may feel dry and sore, with hoarseness to it
• A dry and grooved tongue

If you’re worried about your dry mouth symptoms, the best-qualified professional is a dentist. As part of your dental appointment, your dentist will check both your mouth and teeth for signs of dry mouth syndrome and any related problems, such as tooth decay.

What is causing my dry mouth?

You might be curious about what exactly is causing your dry mouth. Some culprits are active lifestyle choices, others are more passive and out of your control. Either way, if you have a dry mouth, it’s worth looking into the causes for troubleshooting.

• Aging: as people age, they often experience dry mouth. There are several contributing factors, including the use of certain medications, changes in the body’s ability to process medications, inadequate nutrition, and long-term health problems.
• Exercising or playing in the heat:  As the body’s fluids are concentrated elsewhere, salivary glands can become dry and the saliva thick and stringy. It’s more likely that you’ll develop dry mouth symptoms if your exercise is for a prolonged time.
• Dehydration: if you’re not getting enough water, or you have a fever, excessively sweating, vomiting, have diarrhea, blood loss, or burns, a dry mouth is soon to appear.
• Medications: Many medications, including some OTCs (over-the-counter drugs), can cause dry mouth. Some of the drugs used to treat depression, high blood pressure, anxiety, and some antihistamines, decongestants, muscle relaxants, and pain medications are more likely to cause problems.
• Health conditions: Some health conditions, like diabetes, stroke, autoimmune diseases (Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV), yeast infections (thrush) in the mouth, or Alzheimer’s, can all cause dry mouth. Snoring or breathing with your mouth open (by habit or if you have anxiety or panic attacks) can also lead to a dry mouth.
• Nerve damage: to the head or neck can affect the nerves that provide sensation to the mouth–which could result in that dry mouth feeling.
• Drug use: smoking/chewing tobacco and marijuana, and drinking alcohol can slow down saliva production and aggravate dry mouth symptoms after happy hour. Methamphetamine is also known to cause severe dry mouth and damage to teeth, aka, “meth mouth.”

How can I get rid of my dry mouth?

So now that you know the symptoms and causes of a dry mouth, the next obvious question becomes what to do about it. Luckily for you, we’ve gathered five research-backed products that can help treat dry mouth quickly and easily.

Remember that if you have underlying oral health problems, it would be advisable to consult a dental professional to provide advice or more appropriate prescription drugs to suit your needs.

Rinse with Special Mouthwash

Mouthwash is great for improving oral hygiene and freshening your breath, but special kinds of mouthwashes can also help resolve a dry mouth.

Try XyliMelts

Pop a Dry Mouth Lozenge

Brush with the Right toothpaste

Again, if you have any health conditions that you have doubts about regarding your body’s reaction to the products (for most, highly unlikely), then it’s best practice to consult your family physician or dentist. If dry mouth problems persist, it can be worth investigating whether there’s an underlying problem like salivary gland dysfunction.

Now that you’re educated and equipped with the right set of knowledge and products, you can manage dry mouth like a pro and ensure your mouth feels nothing remotely close to the Sahara desert ever again.

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