The Pros and Cons of Night Aligners
If you’re considering getting aligners to straighten your teeth, you may have come across night aligners. They are designed to be worn while sleeping so they don’t interfere with your daily activities. But how do night aligners work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using them? Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
What Are Night Aligners?
Night aligners are special orthodontic devices that help correct misaligned teeth while you sleep. Similar to standard clear aligners, they are made from clear plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal wires and brackets, night aligners can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth. This makes them much more comfortable than traditional braces and are less likely to cause any mouth or jaw discomfort.
Advantages of Night Aligners
There are several advantages to using night aligners instead of traditional braces. To start with it enables you to multi-task while you sleep (lol) and enables you to live unrestricted all day! As your teeth only move while you sleep, it better suits those who require the added convenience of no aligners during the day. Some people require added discretion regarding being treated, so for them not having to wear aligners during the day is preferred.
As night aligners are largely the same as standard clear aligners, they share their advantages:
- More affordable than other types of orthodontic devices like traditional metal braces.
- They can be removed for eating and brushing.
- You don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in wires or having difficulty eating certain foods that might damage fragile brackets.
- As they are made from clear plastic, they blend in with your natural smile better than metal braces do, making them almost invisible.
Disadvantages of Night Aligners
While there are many advantages to using night aligners there are also some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before deciding on whether they are right for you. Firstly, compared to standard clear aligner treatment that requires the patient to wear the aligners for 22 hours per day, night aligners only require 10 hours of continuous wear. This causes the teeth straightening procedure to take 50% longer than standard aligners. As treatment takes longer this also means discomfort will occur over a longer period (albeit when you are sleeping!). Secondly, because of the short amount of time you wear night aligners, they can only treat simple cases requiring minor teeth straightening or movement. And lastly, which should not be underestimated, patients need to commit to consistently wearing the night aligners. It is far too easy to forget to put them in at the end of a long day, and as they are only worn 10 hours a day, teeth will quickly track back to their original position. We suggest you setup reminders.
Night Aligners Treatment Time
When it comes to aligners, the type you choose can make a big difference in how long your treatment takes. Traditional clear aligners usually require 3-9 months of wear for adults and about 3-6 months for teens. On the other hand, night aligners are specifically designed to be worn while you sleep doubling the treatment time to achieve the desired result. This is because night aligners are only able to move teeth slowly. If a longer treatment time isn’t an issue for you, then night aligners could be a great option for those who have difficulty wearing clear aligners during the day.
All in all, night aligner systems offer a great solution for people looking for an inexpensive alternative to metal braces without sacrificing effectiveness while being as effective. However, just like any type of orthodontic device, it is important that you understand both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding on which option is best for you. With the right advice and care, night aligner systems can help give you a beautiful smile without breaking the bank!
For more information on night aligners and to see whether they are the right solution for you, visit our night aligners page or contact us.
