Aligners

 

Often known by the manufacturer's name, such as Invisalign, clear aligners are usually hailed as 'invisible braces'. One of the most appealing features of clear aligners is that they are subtle. As well as being transparent, they're custom-made and fit snugly on your teeth, a bit like a small mouthguard. Aligners consist of a series of 18 to 30 custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 2 weeks.
It is type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic trays to gradually straighten teeth. They are an alternative to traditional braces and can be used to treat mild to moderate dental misalignments, including crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
It work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth, which gradually shifts them into the desired position. The treatment process typically involves wearing a series of custom-made aligners for a set period of time, usually around 2 weeks per aligner, and then switching to a new set of aligners until the teeth are properly aligned.
One of the main advantages of aligners is their near-invisibility, as they are made from clear plastic that is difficult to see when worn. This makes them a popular option for adults and teens who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces. Additionally, they are removable, which makes it easier to brush and floss teeth and to eat a wider variety of foods during treatment.
However, they may not be suitable for all cases of dental misalignment, and more severe cases may still require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments. Additionally, they require a high level of patient compliance, as they must be worn for the recommended amount of time each day in order to be effective.

 

How do aligners work?

 

1. Consultation and Treatment Plan: 

First, a dentist or orthodontist will evaluate the patient's teeth and create a treatment plan. This plan includes determining the necessary movement of the teeth and the number of aligners required.

2. Creation of Aligners:

Next, the dentist or orthodontist will create a series of custom-made aligners for the patient. Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one in shape and size, and they are designed to apply gradual pressure to the teeth to move them into the desired position.

3. Wearing the Aligners:

The patient wears each set of aligners for a specified amount of time, typically about two weeks, before switching to the next set in the series. The aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day and are only removed when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

4. Follow-up Appointments: 

The dentist or orthodontist will schedule follow-up appointments every six to eight weeks to monitor the progress of the treatment and provide the patient with the next set of it.

5. Completion of Treatment: 

Once the patient has worn all of the aligners in the series, their teeth should be in the desired position. The dentist or orthodontist may recommend that the patient wear a retainer for a period of time to ensure that the teeth do not shift back to their original position.

Overall, they work by applying consistent and gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position. They are an effective alternative to traditional braces, as they are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.

Benefits of aligners.

 

 
1. Aesthetic appeal: 

They are virtually invisible, making them an appealing option for people who want to straighten their teeth without the obvious appearance of traditional metal braces.

2. Comfort: 

They are generally more comfortable than traditional braces because they do not have brackets or wires that can irritate the mouth.

3. Removable: 

They are removable, which makes it easier to eat, brush, and floss compared to traditional braces. However, it's important to wear them for the recommended 22 hours a day to ensure optimal results.

4. Effective for mild to moderate malocclusion: 

They are an effective treatment option for mild to moderate misalignment issues, such as crowding, gaps, and crooked teeth.

5. Predictable results: 

Aligners use advanced 3D imaging technology to create a customized treatment plan that maps out the movement of your teeth from start to finish, making it easier to visualize and track progress.

6. Shorter treatment time: 

They can often straighten teeth in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional braces.

7. Improved dental health: 

Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which can lead to improved oral hygiene and a reduced risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Overall, They can be a great option for people looking to straighten their teeth without the discomfort or appearance of traditional braces. However, it's important to consult with a dental professional to determine if aligners are the right treatment option for your specific needs.

 

Limitations of aligners

 

1. Complex cases:

 Aligners may not be the best choice for more complex cases, such as severe bite issues, jaw misalignments, or teeth that require significant rotation or movement. In these cases, traditional braces or other orthodontic appliances may be more effective.

2. Compliance:

 They  require a high level of patient compliance to achieve the desired results. Patients must wear their aligners for the recommended amount of time each day and switch to the next set of aligners at the appropriate intervals. Failure to follow these instructions can result in treatment delays or suboptimal outcomes.

3. Limited tooth movement: 

They may not be able to move teeth as much or as quickly as traditional braces. This may result in a longer treatment time or the need for additional orthodontic treatment after the aligners are removed.

4. Maintenance: 

Aligners must be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and discoloration. Patients must also be careful not to lose or damage their aligners, as replacements can be costly.

5. Cost: 

They  can be more expensive than traditional braces, especially for more complex cases that require longer treatment times or additional aligners.
It's important to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your specific orthodontic needs and goals.