They say a smile is one of the best ways to instantly put others at ease, and make them feel welcome, but what happens when you aren’t exactly secure enough in your smile to flash it around?Did you know that a large number of people actually feel very insecure when it comes to their smile thanks to their teeth?

A recent study showed that a whopping 57% of Americans actually cover up their mouth if they are smiling are laughing, and that 50% try to smile with their mouth closed. Even more telling is that 70% of respondents said they feel self-conscious about their teeth when they are smiling.

If this sounds like you, and you’re tired of feeling insecure about your smile and you’re ready to do something about it, teeth alignment may be the first step. Let’s take a closer look.

What Are the Teeth Aligners Everyone is Talking About?

One of the most popular products on the market right now when it comes to cosmetic dentistry is teeth aligners. These almost resemble a clear mouth guard that sits just over your teeth, and nothing else. The idea is that these are molded to your specific mouth and teeth and are worn for a specific amount of time, gently re-aligning your teeth in the process.

It’s a twist on braces that is much less obvious, and can be much less uncomfortable.Unlike with braces, there is no need to visit the orthodontist office on a regular basis either. This makes for a more convenient process.

Two of the more popular brands/companies out there right now are Byte and Candid teeth aligners. While they may seem similar on the surface, there are some differences. Fin vs Fin has an excellent in-depth blog that discusses teeth aligners in general and who they work best for, and compares the top ones on the market (Candid, Byte, and Invisalign).

Your Age Will Play into It

It should also be noted that with these teeth aligners, because they are such a tight fit, and you have to commit to wearing them almost around the clock, they really do work best for teens and adults.There’s also the fact that kids’ mouths are still growing and changing as they lose teeth, and new teeth come in. Typically, they aren’t the best candidates for teeth aligners.

How Long Does It Take?

Just like with braces, teeth alignment doesn’t offer overnight results. The length of treatment will depend on the issues you need to correct, or align. In general, you can expect the treatment to last anywhere from 10 to 24 months on average. With that said, you can start seeing results in as little as a couple of months.

Embrace that Straightened Smile

So, if you’re tired of hiding your smile, or feeling too insecure to smile at all thanks to teeth that aren’t straight, it may be worth your time to start looking into the popular teeth aligners readily available today.