Aligners and tooth positioner helped me achieve my dream

Before my orthodontic treatment began, I had certain doubts regarding aligners. All my life, I have seen or heard people suffering from bad alignment of teeth wearing dental braces to get them fixed. While, I harboured the feeling of having a perfect set of teeth and a beautiful smile, I wanted it without the need to wear braces. That's when I came across clear aligners. Being fed on stories regarding how difficult the daily life becomes for someone undergoing the treatment, it was natural for me to show some cynicism regarding the superiority of aligners over braces. The first thought was – Will they actually work? Are they anywhere near as effective as braces? The doubts were soon to be a thing of past as I was convinced about their efficacy by my dentist.

However, before finally opting for aligners, I even considered the option of wearing invisible braces. I wanted to go with the traditonal tried, tested methodolgy. After all, invisible they might be but they are braces at the end of the day. Plus they will fulfill at least one of my wishes – not to be seen by others. These braces are fixed at the back of the teeth rather than in front. So, remain hidden from view. Hence the name invisible braces. Otherwise, they are same as traditional ones. When i started comparing between the available options – aligners and braces – that's when the change of heart happened. Aligners not only will remain hidden but will also allow me to enjoy my daily life normally as if they aren't present in my mouth. It will be like they don't even exist. However, the experience of the first few weeks came as a rude shock. Although, I was told about the tightness that one experiences after receiving new aligners, I thought it won't even matter. But trust me – it does. It will be like – I want them to throw away. But the feeling gradually wanes away as my dentist told me. Afterwards, I got used to it.

Another surprise awaited after the end of the treatment in tooth positioned. I was told in order to provide finishing touches, this one-piece dental appliance is necessary. In other words, even after the end of the entire process involving aligners there is always a chance that the teeth will return to their old positions. It is like they have a mind of their own. The tooth positioner will help them remain fixed to their new ideal place and prevent a relapse. They are transparent but differ from aligners. I couldn't talk while wearing them and was instructed to undergo exercises like clenching them for a few seconds several times in a day. For the first week, I had to wear them 24 hours a day but the time was reduced by the next. I was told that it is the first week that will determine the extent of the success. So, I did as instructed. All I can tell you now is that I am a proud owner of a perfect smile. Cheers.

I am in love with my clear aligners

I have always hated my teeth. And my smile, well, it was hideous. Everytime when going out with friends or families or even at college, it was an exercise to just grin and not laugh at jokes so as to not let the crowded teeth exposed and embarrass myself. I know it's a bit ridiculous thing to say but that's what it felt like. Even the conversations were a task. You never know when they will go on full display. So, half of my attention while doing anything was always reserved to see whether the teeth were hidden or not. After becoming frustrated with this, I turned on my laptop, googled about my condition and realised – I am not alone. There are thousands of people out there struggling like me but what differentiated them from me was that they found a solution for their problems. Naturally, I read dozens of reviews and came across different experiences. Some went for dental braces, aligners while others went for cosmetic dentistry. A week after researching and scouring through numerous articles, I decided to see my orthodontist.

I must tell you at the outset that metal braces are not for me. It is enough for me to be affected with misaligned teeth. I don't intend to be seen with metal plastered all over them as well. I told my predicament to the orthodontist who was more than just helpful. She even suggested an alternative in clear aligners. Unlike the metal braces, I would be wearing a series of plastic trays that will eventually help in straightening my teeth. I won't lie that while wearing the first set of aligners, it felt weird and my immediate thought was to remove them as soon as possible. I called my orthodontist and she assured me the feeling is natural.

Well, I became used to it in the coming days. The treatment lasted 21 months and I received around 33 trays. To the surprise of my friends, I have now started laughing with teeth on full display. My close pal knew about my condition and even she is surprised at the sudden change. When i told her about the treatment, she was happy and well a bit shocked because all this time she didn't have a clue that I was wearing aligners. Well, invisibility is just one of its many advantages. Since, these are transparent, one needs to be careful while drinking but they can be removed, so staining them is not an issue. And even if you end up discolouring them, they will be changed in about two weeks anyway.

For an adult like me these clear aligners are nothing short of a blessing. I have to be out among others for the better part of my day. I have to give presentations and speeches. So, for me metal clear braces are a straight no. Besides, the traditional braces bring certain annoying restrictions with them which are not a problem when you are wearing aligners.

Things you must know about clear aligners

Hi there! I am 24-year-old and a user of ClearPath’s clear aligners. Let me start with telling you something about myself. As a kid, I had a wonderful life. I had many friends, loving parents and I used to score pretty well in my school and then college as well. So basically, I had a decent upbringing. However, there was one thing that always was in my mind – teeth. Yes! Why you will ask? ‘Why not?’ is my answer? See, I didn't care how I looked till I was 13 or 14. Afterwards, it came naturally to groom myself to an extent so as to look presentable. And believe me; teeth form an important part of personality. Some of us are naturally born with a perfect set of teeth. Others need to get them fixed. I too was one of those in need of orthodontic treatment to get the misaligned teeth to their proper positions. I always hesitated to the idea of getting fixed with braces.

The reason behind the common disregard for braces starts with their effect on the looks. The sufferings (if you want to call them so!) associated with them like avoiding certain food, extra effort for maintaining oral healthcare among others adds to it. But the fact is – they do give us straight teeth! Still, people look for ways other than braces to get a perfectly arranged set of teeth. Keeping in mind these factors among others, clear aligners have been developed. I used to have misaligned teeth which in dental parlance are known as malocclusion. I had read about braces and their ill effects on a patient's life. I was too scared at the idea of wearing them but still I decided to endure this 'hardship' and went to my dentist and there was a pleasant surprise waiting for me there. The surprise came in the form of ClearPath clear transparent plastic trays! I am talking about clear aligners here. My dentist told me about these medical grade plastic trays that are being widely used globally to provide treatments to those suffering from malocclusion.

At first I was a bit sceptic. But then he told me everything about them – how they are manufactured using latest 3d imaging technology after examining your mouth. They are unique for each patient and stage of treatment. They are worn over the teeth unlike the braces which are fixed. This makes them flexible i.e. the freedom to remove them when needed to be. However, my dentist strongly suggested removing them only when necessary like while brushing, flossing, and eating. During the starting stages, I felt a slight pain in my jaw about which i was told in advance. He reassured that it is common and it will fade away eventually. I had to visit him on very few occasions and frankly speaking the number of aligners needed for each patient differs. Today, I am enjoying the fruits of having a perfect set of teeth and thanks to clear path's aligners I never got to experience the so called troubles of dental braces.