Transparent aligners have gained popularity over the past few decades as an option for aligning or correcting teeth. The most well-known product among clear aligners is Invisalign, which was introduced to the market in 1998 by Align Technology. Since then, clear aligners from other brands such as Spark, ClearCorrect and uLab have appeared on the market.
What are clear aligners?
Invisible aligners are orthodontic devices made of transparent plastic, designed to gradually correct the position of teeth using a series of individually manufactured trays.
Invisalign is a brand name of thin transparent aligners used in orthodontic treatment. The aligners are made from a flexible thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. This product was developed to make orthodontic treatment less noticeable.
What types of dental problems can aligners correct?
Aligners can be used for various purposes, including solving problems of crowding and gaps between teeth, as well as correcting mild to moderate bite disorders.
How to get clear aligners?
The first step is a visit to an orthodontist who will create a 3D image of the oral cavity and jaw. This image is used to develop a plan for moving the teeth into the correct position. The orthodontist then uses this plan to create a series of individual plastic aligners. They apply pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting and moving them into the desired positions.
Depending on the orthodontist’s instructions, you will change one set of aligners to a new one approximately once every week or two. Usually, aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours per day.
What can affect effectiveness?
Aligners should only be removed during:
- eating or drinking;
- brushing teeth or using dental floss;
- cleaning the aligners themselves.
You need to be careful when cleaning aligners. If you use very hot water, it may deform the plastic, change the fit and affect treatment progress and aligner effectiveness.
The complexity of your orthodontic problems may also affect effectiveness. Treatment may take longer if you have complex spacing or bite problems.
After completing aligner treatment, to prevent teeth from shifting, you will need to wear retainers. During the first year, it is recommended to wear retainers 20–22 hours per day, removing them only for eating and brushing teeth, and then switching to night use.
Advantages and disadvantages of aligners
Advantages:
- aesthetic factor: clear aligners are much less noticeable than wires and brackets of braces;
- removable: you can remove aligners yourself if needed;
- removable design increases lifestyle flexibility: unlike traditional braces, invisible aligners can be removed at any time, eliminating the need to change eating habits;
- minimal discomfort: made of soft SmartTrack material, invisible aligners have no metal parts, which prevents irritation or discomfort in the oral cavity;
- easy tooth cleaning: after removing aligners, you can easily brush your teeth.
Disadvantages:
- less effective in complex cases: aligners are more effective for people whose teeth require only certain types of movement, so a doctor may recommend another option;
- requires strict compliance with rules: to get maximum benefit, aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day. If you are not sure you can follow these rules, it is better to choose fixed braces;
- must be removed during eating or drinking: if not, food or drinks can get into the orthodontic appliance, leading to bacterial growth and tooth decay. Also, liquids may cause staining on aligners and teeth.
Are aligners right for you?
If you are considering aligners, ask yourself these questions to determine if this is the best choice for you:
- do you have a relatively simple problem with crowding or bite;
- are you embarrassed to wear braces;
- will you wear aligners the required number of hours daily;
- will you properly care for them;
- if it concerns children and teenagers, parents need to be sure that the child will wear and care for them properly. If you know your child tends to lose things, aligners may not be the best choice because they can be removed and lost.
Aligners can be used for various purposes, including correction of crowding and spacing between teeth, as well as some mild and moderate bite problems.
This may be a good option for you if you do not have complex crowding or bite problems and prefer less noticeable treatment than braces.
Talk to an orthodontist or dentist at YAREMA DENTAL clinic about your teeth, what type of orthodontic treatment you may need, and whether Invisalign is a good option for you. Then weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.