Clear aligner treatment straightened Saara Ilves’ teeth — and restored her self-confidence. Investing in orthodontic care now may prevent expensive dental repairs in the future and can improve overall health.
Even in comprehensive school Saara Ilves could name the cause for her constant insecurity about her looks: crooked upper and lower teeth. As there was no malocclusion, school health care did not provide any orthodontic treatment. None of Ilves' friends had straightened their teeth in adulthood, so she was under the impression that orthodontic treatment was very expensive and would require years of wearing conspicuous braces.
“As a hairdresser, I’m constantly in the spotlight, and I tend to talk and laugh a lot. I've learned to talk and smile without revealing my teeth," says Ilves.
Ilves used to think that her teeth were too crooked for any treatment to work. However, a client sitting in her salon chair told her about Hammas Mehiläinen's inconspicuous clear aligner treatment. That prompted Ilves to book a consultation.
Clear aligners are made to change the patient's life, not to interfere with it
Hammas Mehiläinen’s dentist Nicholas Brocklehurst checked Ilves' teeth. He stated that her teeth could be straightened with traditional braces, but he explained that there was an option that would be less noticeable and more comfortable: clear aligners.
“Orthodontic treatment has become more patient-friendly. The aligners are removable and almost invisible, they are more comfortable, hygienic and handy, and they also cause less pain than traditional braces,” says Brocklehurst.
Brocklehurst ordered Ilves a set of aligners, which are worn continuously and removed only when eating. They are replaced every couple of weeks with the next aligners in the series. You need to visit the clinic for a brief check-up once every six to eight weeks.
“Clear aligners are made to change the patient's life, not to interfere with it,” says Brocklehurst.
According to Ilves, the clear aligners were easy to use and surprisingly unnoticeable. Only a hissing sound on the letter S revealed that there was something in her mouth.
Orthodontic treatment may have significant health impacts
According to Brocklehurst, good oral health is an integral part of well-being and overall health. Orthodontic treatment may have a significant impact on health as well, as malocclusion in adulthood can even lead to the loss of teeth.
“As straighter teeth are less susceptible to fractures and gum diseases, investing in orthodontic treatment now may reduce the risk of expensive dental repairs in the future,” says Brocklehurst.
In addition, orthodontic treatment can have very positive effects on speech, pain, chewing and, of course, the ability to smile.
“It's easy to smile with a healthy mouth," adds Brocklehurst.
One in three orthodontic patients is an adult
To begin with, the change in her teeth was slow. However, in just over six months, her crooked teeth were already straight. Ilves has noticed that straightening her teeth has boosted her confidence. The cheerful young woman is no longer embarrassed to smile.
“I've been struggling with crooked teeth since I was 13. Had I known how easy, effortless and inexpensive the method is, I would have done this sooner,” says Ilves.
According to Brocklehurst, many adult customers seek orthodontic treatment due to a lack of self-confidence and esteem caused by a lopsided smile. Another common cause is malocclusion, which interferes with the normal functioning of the teeth and may cause headaches and facial pain.
“Nowadays, up to one third of all orthodontic patients are adults. The availability of orthodontic treatment has improved, and customers are more aware of treatment options and their possible effects on dental health,” adds Brocklehurst.