Clear Aligners vs. Braces in Sri Lanka
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Aligners in Sri Lanka
Clear aligners have become one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in Sri Lanka. Prior to commencing the smile journey, people tend to have several doubts regarding its cost, time taken, safety, and compatibility.
This FAQ page addresses the most common concerns that Sri Lankan people have about the clear aligner treatment offered at Cayo Dental Hospital.
Price and Cost
How much do clear aligners cost in Sri Lanka?
The cost of clear aligner treatment in Sri Lanka varies from LKR 100,000 to LKR 500,000, depending on the complexity of the orthodontic case and the number of aligners required.
However, as complex bite corrections take longer to complete and therefore cost more money, simple corrections may cost less.
What is the cheapest clear aligner treatment in Sri Lanka?
Fixing a single crooked tooth serves as an example of minor orthodontics, which typically begins at LKR 100,000.
Nevertheless, the nature of the dental problem as well as the number of aligners required greatly affect the cost of the procedure.
Are clear aligners more expensive than braces in Sri Lanka?
Yes, in certain situations. Clear aligner therapy in Sri Lanka may be priced at around LKR 100,000 to LKR 500,000 in some cases, while the usual price range for metal braces is from LKR 120,000 to 250,000.
However, there are several advantages in using aligners.
Why do clear aligner prices vary between clinics?
The differences in prices can be attributed to:
- the complexity of the orthodontic problem
- the number of aligner trays required
- the technology used for treatment planning
- the expertise of the treating dentist
There is an additional cost that comes with advanced orthodontic treatment planning clinics due to laboratory and technological considerations.
Do clear aligner prices include retainers?
Though some clinics provide retainers on separate payments, others may consider the retainers as part of the overall treatment plan.
It is important for the patient to ensure whether retainers after treatment are included in the payment amount.
Do I have to pay extra for refinement aligners?
In case of further adjustment of teeth alignment, refinements would need to be done.
Though some treatments will require refinements, others might incur additional payments.
Is there a price difference between single arch and full mouth aligners?
Absolutely true. It will cost somewhat less for treatment of either the upper or lower teeth (a single arch) rather than both.
In order to ensure proper bite alignment, most dentists recommend full mouth treatment.
Can I pay for clear aligners in installments in Sri Lanka?
Indeed. To lower the cost of orthodontic treatment, several clinics offer tiered payments or installment plans.
Do dental insurance companies in Sri Lanka cover aligner treatment?
Insurance policies in Sri Lanka typically have minimal coverage for orthodontics. While many insurances do not cover clear aligners, some may cover orthodontic treatment in part.
Patients should speak with their insurance company directly.
Are online aligners cheaper than clinic-based aligners?
There exist some dental practices that sell aligners to patients without involving a dentist.
However, moving teeth orthodontically requires professional guidance and diagnosis. It is perceived to be safer when done under the guidance of a dentist.
Treatment Duration
How long does clear aligner treatment take?
Depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, most clear aligner treatments require six to eighteen months.
It might take less time to make minor cosmetic adjustments.
When will I start seeing results with aligners?
In most cases, results become visible within six to eight weeks from starting treatment.
However, for completing correction, several months may be required.
How many aligner trays will I need?
The number of aligners depends on the complexity of the scenario.
In small cases, less number of aligners may be needed; however, the normal treatment requires 20 to 40 aligners.
How often do I need to change my aligner trays?
Patients need to change aligners every ten to fourteen days.
According to your treatment needs, your dentist will guide you.
How frequent do I need to visit my dentist during the treatment process?
Patients usually visit the clinic every 6–8 weeks for progress reviews.
Can clear aligners straighten teeth faster than braces?
In case of a simple orthodontic case, aligners could work quite rapidly. However, the severity of the dental disorder will ultimately decide the duration of the treatment.
What happens if my treatment takes longer than expected?
In order to achieve better results, further refinement of the aligners may be necessary in some cases.
Suitability Questions
Am I a suitable candidate for clear aligners?
පහත සඳහන් තත්ත්වයන් සහිත බොහෝ රෝගීන් විනිවිද පෙනෙන අලයිනර් ප්රතිකාරය සඳහා සුදුසු වේ:
- ඇද වූ දත් (Crooked teeth)
- දත් අතර පරතරය (Gaps)
- දත් තෙරපී තිබීම (Crowding)
- හකු පිහිටීමේ ගැටලු (Bite problems)
කෙසේ වෙතත්, ඔබ මේ සඳහා සුදුසු දැයි තහවුරු කර ගැනීමට වෘත්තීය දන්ත වෛද්ය උපදේශනයක් අවශ්ය වේ.
Can clear aligners fix crowded teeth?
There are many people who can make use of clear aligners if they suffer from
- crooked teeth
- gaps between teeth
- mild to moderate crowding
- minor bite problems
To ensure suitability, a professional consultation is necessary.
Can clear aligners fix gaps between teeth?
Yes, clear aligners are often employed to gradually align teeth in order to correct mild to moderate cases of crowding.
Can aligners correct an overbite?
Yes, teeth can be moved closer together using aligners in order to close gaps between the teeth.
Can aligners correct an underbite?
Overbites can be corrected using aligners in many cases.
Further orthodontic treatment may be required in the case of serious problems with bites.
Can aligners correct an underbite?
Though severe cases might require braces or surgery, moderate underbite can be treated with the help of aligners.
Can clear aligners fix just one crooked tooth?
Based on the degree of the condition, aligners are applicable for fixing minor cases of open bite and crossbite.
Can clear aligners fix just one crooked tooth?
Yes, sometimes, aligners may be required for correcting a single tooth.
Can aligners work if I had braces before?
Of course. Many people wear aligners to solve the problem of slight recidivism after undergoing orthodontics.
Can adults over 40 get clear aligners?
Sure, if his or her oral health is good enough.
Lifestyle and Daily Use Questions
How many hours per day should I wear my aligners?
For optimal benefits, aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day.
Can I remove my aligners when eating?
Yes. The aligners need to be removed before eating anything besides water.
Can I drink tea or coffee with aligners?
It is recommended that you remove aligners before drinking tea or coffee so as to prevent stains or heating them up.
Can I smoke while wearing aligners?
It may be risky to smoke while wearing aligners, as this could stain your aligners or affect them. Therefore, it is recommended that you remove your aligners before smoking.
Do aligners affect speech?
In the first few days, some people experience minor speech problems that disappear after some time.
Can I sleep while wearing aligners?
Yes. Aligners must be worn while sleeping as part of the required daily wear time.
What happens if I forget to wear my aligners?
Not wearing aligners as instructed may delay treatment progress or require additional aligner trays
Comfort and Pain Questions
Do clear aligners hurt?
At the time of changing to the new aligners tray, the patient may feel some pressure on their teeth, but it will wear off within a few days.
Is aligner treatment less painful than braces?
Since there are no metal brackets and wires in aligners, the patients claim it to be more comfortable.
Why do my teeth hurt after wearing new aligners?
This happens due to the fact that the aligners move the teeth by applying pressure on them.
How long does aligner discomfort last?
Within 24 to 48 hours after changing the trays, most pain will disappear.
Safety and Risk Questions
Are clear aligners safe?
Yes, because clear aligners are considered safe when prescribed and managed by a qualified dentist.
Can clear aligners damage teeth?
It doesn’t affect teeth negatively if clear aligners are used properly. However, poor oral health during the process may increase the chance of tooth decay or periodontal diseases.
Do aligners cause root resorption?
Any type of orthodontic treatment can lead to resorption of the roots; however, dentists pay attention to this problem, which is usually insignificant.
Can aligners cause gum problems?
Poor oral health during the treatment may cause gum inflammation. This problem can be prevented through regular brushing and flossing.
What happens if I stop wearing aligners during treatment?
The teeth may revert to their original position.
Retainer and Post-Treatment Questions
Do I need to wear retainers after clear aligner treatment?
Yes, because retainers are required in order not to allow teeth to shift back after an orthodontic procedure.
How long should I wear retainers after aligners?
In the course of long-term care, retainers must be worn every day at night after several months of full-day usage.
What happens if I don’t wear my retainer?
Tooth can gradually revert back to its initial positions.
How often should retainers be replaced?
Due to wear and tear, clear retainers must be replaced every 12-24 months.
Cleaning and Maintenance Questions
How do I clean my clear aligners?
The aligners are supposed to be cleaned using warm water and a toothbrush on a daily basis.
Can I brush my aligners with toothpaste?
There are some toothpastes that could scratch the aligners. It is generally recommended to use gentle cleaners.
How do I prevent aligners from smelling bad?
With the right brushing and oral hygiene practices, it will be possible to avoid having odor in your aligners.
What happens if my aligner becomes loose?
It is recommended for the patient to contact the dentist in order to know whether to replace it.
Emergency Questions
What should I do if I lose an aligner tray?
The patient should contact the dentist. In some cases, the dentist may advise wearing the previously worn aligner until the new one is made.
What happens if an aligner cracks?
Depending on the severity of the crack, the damaged aligner may have to be replaced.
Can I skip an aligner tray?
One should not stop using the aligner trays since they might hinder the desired movement of teeth.
Clear Aligner Treatment at Cayo Dental
Individuals searching for clear aligner treatment in the Central Province should consider visiting Cayo Dental Hospital where they will be provided with an overall assessment and a detailed plan for their orthodontic care.
Thanks to modern technologies, dentists can create unique treatment plans according to individual dental conditions of their patients.
Clear aligners represent a painless and effective solution for gaining healthy teeth alignment.