Clear aligners have gained popularity over the past few decades as an option for teeth alignment or correction. The most well-known product among clear aligners is Invisalign, which was introduced to the market in 1998 by Align Technology. Since then, other brands such as Spark, ClearCorrect and uLab have appeared on the market.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Invisible aligners are orthodontic tools made of transparent plastic, designed to gradually correct tooth position using a series of custom-made trays.
Invisalign is a trademark name for thin clear 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 Dental Problems Can Aligners Fix?
Aligners can be used for various purposes, including treating crowding and gaps between teeth, as well as mild to moderate bite issues.
How Do You Get Clear Aligners?
The first step is a visit to an orthodontist who will create a 3D image of your mouth and jaw. This image is used to develop a plan for moving the teeth into the correct position. Then the orthodontist uses this plan to create a series of custom plastic aligners. They apply pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the right places.
Depending on the orthodontist’s instructions, you will switch to a new set of aligners about every one to two weeks. Typically, you need to wear aligners for 20–22 hours a day.
What Can Affect Effectiveness?
Aligners should only be removed during:
• eating or drinking,
• brushing or flossing your teeth,
• cleaning the aligners themselves.
You need to be careful when cleaning the aligners. If you use water that is too hot, it can deform the plastic, change the fit, and affect treatment progress and effectiveness.
The complexity of your orthodontic issues can also impact the effectiveness of aligners. Treatment may take longer if you have complex spacing or bite problems.
After completing treatment with aligners, you will need to wear retainers to prevent teeth from shifting back. During the first year, it is recommended to wear retainers for 20–22 hours a day, removing them only for eating and brushing, and then switch to nighttime use.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aligners
Advantages:
• Aesthetic factor: clear aligners are much less noticeable than traditional brackets and wires;
• Removable: you can take the aligners out when needed;
• Lifestyle flexibility: unlike fixed braces, invisible aligners can be removed at any time, so you don’t need to change your eating habits;
• Minimal discomfort: made from soft SmartTrack material, aligners have no metal parts that might irritate your mouth;
• Easy to clean your teeth: once aligners are removed, you can easily brush and floss.
Disadvantages:
• Less effective in complex cases: aligners work best for people whose teeth need only certain types of movement, so a doctor may recommend another option;
• Requires discipline: to get maximum results, aligners must be worn 20–22 hours a day. If you’re not sure you’ll follow these rules, fixed braces might be a better choice;
• Must be removed when eating or drinking: if you don’t do this, food or drinks can get into the aligner, leading to bacteria buildup and cavities. Drinks can also stain both the aligners and your 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 fairly simple issue with crowding or bite?
• Are you self-conscious about wearing braces?
• Will you wear the aligners for the required number of hours daily?
• Will you take proper care of them?
• For children and teens: parents must be sure the child will wear and care for the aligners properly. If the child tends to lose things easily, aligners might not be the best option, because they can take them out and lose them.
Aligners can be used for different purposes, including fixing teeth crowding or gaps, as well as some mild to moderate bite problems.
It may be a good option for you if you don’t have a complex issue with crowding or bite and you prefer a less noticeable treatment than braces.
Talk to an orthodontist or dentist at YAREMA DENTAL about your teeth, what kind 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.