If you’re looking to live and work in LA – perhaps in the entertainment or hospitality industries – then you’ll know that looks do matter. If you have crooked teeth that make you feel self-conscious, and you wish you’d done something about them sooner, don’t worry because it’s never too late. And just like with a Hollywood fairy tale, this personal story can have a happy ending too.
Here is how you can get the perfect smile just in time for the big move, and without breaking the bank.
What Are Invisible Aligners?
Invisible aligners are much more affordable than traditional orthodontics. The idea with invisible aligners is that they’re molded to fit the exact shape of your teeth. Instead of needing to have uncomfortable metal braces fitted which get in the way of eating and drinking, the invisible aligner is worn periodically.
The aligners from popular companies like ALIGNERCO are designed to gently reshape the angle of your teeth. Each aligner is worn during the daytime for around two weeks before being replaced with another one that has been slightly adjusted to work with your changing smile. There’s also nighttime aligners you may want to opt for if you want to be more discreet with your treatment.
The company behind this solution, ALIGNERCO, can send out an impression kit so that you can create a mold of your teeth in the comfort of your own home. This is then returned and used to produce the product with the custom fit just for you, making it a very convenient option.
When and How Do You Wear Invisible Aligners?
Clear aligners simply slide into place and then can be removed just as easily again. They’re not permanently fitted, so you choose when to wear them, as well as when not to. For example, it’s possible to wear your aligners for a couple of hours when you’re alone and then to remove them when you have an audition, a meeting, or just company. If you plan to go to a restaurant or see friends and share a meal, just leave your aligner at home. So, there are no issues with how to eat food while wearing your aligners, or suffering from other inconveniences.
How Long Must Invisible Aligners Be Worn?
The honest answer here is, it depends. The typical duration is between 6 to 11 months. However, this is affected by how often the invisible aligners are worn and also how much alignment correction is required to get straight teeth after the treatment is complete.
It’s wise to plan to wear the aligner for up to a year. Yet it’s important not to be put off by this because they can be removed when it’s inconvenient to wear them. So, the potential for them to get in the way of your life is far less than with other solutions.
Are Aligners Affordable Compared to Braces?
Arranging to get braces fitted as part of an orthodontic plan is expensive and problematic right now due to restrictions as a result of Covid-19. In terms of pricing, many patients discover that braces can cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $6,000 depending on their specific requirements.
In comparison, invisible aligners can be arranged over the internet without needing to visit a dental clinic. They’re also typically under $2,500 on the high end and might be as low as $1,200 with some otherbrands of aligners.
The cost-saving between aligners and braces is significant enough that it can reduce the time necessary to save up to pay for them. Or, in some cases, people already have enough and can get a solution to start fixing moderately crooked teeth sooner.
Are Invisible Aligners Right for You?
It really comes down to your personal situation. If, as we suggested in the introduction, you live and work in LA where appearance matters, then finally having a confident smile could make all the difference. In terms of living your best life, feeling uncomfortable or constantly self-conscious in public is no way to live.
It can also hold you back from any career that is customer-facing, whether that’s serving people, meeting clients, taking auditions for acting work, or something else entirely.
It’s also helpful that the cost for aligners isn’t too high. They are a useful alternative to pricey and inconvenient braces without the social stigma or damage to the checking account.
While clear aligners are not for everyone, they are a modern solution to less severe teeth alignment problems. They’re gentler and do their work over a few months to fix the dental problem once and for all. As there are many companies offering the same solution, the best thing to do is to look into all your options, compare them side by side and see which one suits your lifestyle and budget.