Clear Aligners Treatment

What are invisible aligners?

“Invisible” removable aligners are perhaps the highest profile orthodontic appliance. Whilst they have become increasingly sophisticated and refined it remains important to be clear about the circumstances in which these devices are best used and by whom. It is important to seek an opinion from an orthodontic specialist who will be able to give authoritative advice on the options. After any aligner treatment, retainers will be required to ensure the teeth maintain their corrected positions.

What are aligners?

Aligners are thin clear flexible plastic ‘mouth guards’ which fit closely over the teeth. A series of aligners is used to move the teeth incrementally according to a treatment plan developed by the orthodontist. Aligner appliances are ideally suited to adult patients whose life-style or work commitments make it difficult for them to wear more visible conventional fixed appliances.

As with any other form of orthodontics, a proper orthodontic assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan is essential to successful aligner treatment. An accurate impression of the mouth is used to create the customized aligners. Each appliance moves the teeth a small distance towards the intended position before moving on to the next in the series until the final result is achieved. Aligners need to be worn full-time, day and night except for meal times.

When can aligners be used?

Aligners are most commonly used in cases needing alignment of teeth without extractions.
Routine aligner treatments include:

● Mild-moderate dental irregularity
● Crowding which can be corrected with mild-moderate expansion of the dental arch
● Crowding which can be corrected with reductions in tooth width
● Mild spacing

The following cases are examples of when an aligner treatment may require the use of additional techniques such as fixed appliances to achieve an ideal result:

● Severe crowding
● Treatments that require tooth extraction
● Treatments that require complex tooth movements
● Problems that reflect an underlying discrepancy in size or position of the jaws.

Some of the advantages of clear aligners include:

1. Discreet: Clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults and older teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional metal braces.
2. Removable: Clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Comfortable: Clear aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that is less likely to cause irritation or sore spots on the gums and cheeks.
4. Customizable: Clear aligners are customized to each patient’s needs, depending on the severity of their case.
5. More predictable outcome: Clear aligners treatment plans are digitalized and can be simulated before starting the treatment, which allows for a more predictable outcome.

It’s important to note that clear aligners treatment requires a high level of commitment and compliance from the patient. Regular appointments with an orthodontist are necessary throughout the treatment process, and it can take several months to a few years to see the final results.

What are Clear Aligners?

Through a series of aligners, it creates small forces that can push, move and rotate teeth to the desired position. Most people have crowding that extends to the back of the dental arch, so using clear aligners we still carry out full arch orthodontics but with a more convenient method than metal braces.

How do they work?

Computer scanning technology maps a 3D image of your teeth from which the clear aligners are made. These custom fit aligners progressively straighten your teeth, ready for the next aligner in the sequence, and are changed every two weeks. As treatment progresses the teeth move into the desired position. Treatment length will vary depending on your individual case, but the average full treatment takes between 12 to 16 months.

Can I eat and drink with it?

Aligners are removable, so you can eat whatever you want throughout your treatment, without any restrictions or discomfort. For drinking you can leave aligners in, therefore you can continue to enjoy tea, coffee or even red wine throughout your entire treatment; but to maintain healthy teeth and gums you should avoid too many sugary drinks.

How much Clear Aligners cost?

$249 / 5 aligners (per arch). $995 for 20 aligners.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

• With no metallic wires around your teeth, clear aligners are highly suitable to be used in everyday life.
• Aligner being detachable in nature is a convenient dental solution, as it can be removed while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.
• It reduces chances of dental problems by allowing its users to carry on with dental hygiene habits normally.
• Custom made for your dentition; aligners are ideal way to cure your misaligned teeth without any irritation.
• It boosts your confidence and allows you to carry your daily activities with ease, as they are virtually invisible and cannot be traced out by other people easily.