Introduction
Until recently, teenagers commonly wore metal braces to correct the alignment of their teeth. However, the trend is shifting towards transparent dental aligners—customized plastic devices designed to straighten teeth discreetly.
Cost and Duration
While traditional metal braces typically cost around ₹20,000 or less, these modern aligners are priced between ₹60,000 and ₹2 lakh. The treatment duration varies from 3 to 48 months, depending on individual cases.
Advantages of Transparent Aligners
Beyond aesthetics, transparent aligners offer several benefits. They are removable, reducing discomfort from food particles and making oral hygiene easier. Dr. Sameena Ali, a cosmetic dental surgeon at Ali's Dentistree in Banjara Hills, notes that these aligners effectively address various dental issues, including crowding, spacing, overbite, and crossbite.
Customization Process
The creation of custom aligners involves digitally analyzing impressions, photographs, and radiographs of the patient's teeth to determine the optimal positioning before manufacturing.
Expert Opinions
Some dental professionals express concerns about the reliance on computer simulations for teeth alignment, as it may lack the regular monitoring present in traditional methods. Dr. Venkatesh V, a consultant dentist at Apollo Health City, emphasizes the importance of periodic adjustments in conventional treatments.
Popularity Among Patients
Invisible dental aligners are particularly popular among patients unable to make regular dental visits or those from countries where similar treatments are more expensive. Dr. A Srikanth, secretary of the Indian Dental Association, Deccan Branch, notes that traditional metal braces remain favored by patients who can attend frequent appointments.