INTRODUCTION

Dental aligners are orthodontic devices that are used to straighten teeth with minimal disruption to daily life. Invisible dental aligners are an alternative to traditional braces. These aligners are custom-made mouthpieces that fit precisely over the teeth.

HOW DO CLEAR ALIGNERS WORK

Clear aligners work by applying gentle force to the teeth to shift their position gradually. Typically, each aligner is worn for a week, for at least 22 hours per day. These aligners exert mild pressure on the teeth, causing them to move slowly. The pressure is transmitted from the roots to the jaws, and the jawbone reacts to the forces by moving the sockets, with the teeth following suit. Since each aligner offers incremental changes, treatment with aligner technology is usually gentle and comfortable.

DENTAL ALIGNER TREATMENT

Orthodontic treatment is a comprehensive procedure that involves several steps. First, x-rays and photographs are taken for diagnostic purposes, which help in capturing the patient's bite, teeth, and gums. After that, the orthodontist completes a written evaluation that includes the diagnosis and treatment plan. As part of the treatment plan, intraoral impressions and extraoral photographs are taken. These dental impressions can be scanned to create a digital 3D representation of the teeth.

During the treatment, the number of aligners required can vary from six to twenty, with each aligner moving the teeth by a small increment. The computerized model suggests different stages to gradually shift your teeth from their current position to the desired position, and aligners are created for each stage. The aligners are modeled using CAD/CAM software and manufactured using a rapid prototyping technique.

These invisible dental aligners, made from clear plastic or acrylic material, gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. On average, the invisible braces treatment takes 12 to 18 months to work and show visible results effectively.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO STRAIGHTEN TEETH USING INVISIBLE ALIGNERS?

The duration of a dental aligner treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's condition and consistent daily wear of the aligners. Generally, the treatment can last anywhere from 10 to 24 months.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN INVISIBLE TEETH ALIGNERS TREAT?

Invisible teeth aligners are effective in treating a range of dental issues. The most common conditions that can be addressed by these aligners include gaps or spaces between the teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and diastema. Clear aligners can also be combined with traditional orthodontic elastics to assist with mild or moderate bite correction. However, individuals with more severe cases may require more complex treatment, usually managed better with conventional braces. It is advisable to consult an orthodontist to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific condition.

BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL ALIGNERS

Dental aligners, also known as clear aligners, offer several benefits compared to traditional braces. Here are some of the advantages of using aligners:

  • Easier Brushing and Flossing : Aligners can be removed for cleaning purposes, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and reduce the risk of gum disease.
  • Comfortable to Wear : are more comfortable to wear than traditional braces as they don't have any brackets or wires that can cause ulcers or discomfort. 
  • Removable : Aligners can be removed when eating or drinking, making it convenient for the wearer.
  • Faster Treatment : Aligners have the potential to expedite the treatment process, making them an attractive option for those looking to straighten their teeth. 

TYPICAL DISADVANTAGES OF WEARING INVISALIGN

Despite their popularity, Invisalign aligners also have a few drawbacks. While not everyone experiences these disadvantages, they can include the following:

  • Dry Mouth : Some people may experience dry mouth, which can feel abnormal but isn't necessarily a cause for concern.
  • Speech: There may be a slight shift in pronunciation when first wearing aligners, but most individuals don't experience this issue.
  • Cheek Biting and Tongue Cuts : can cause discomfort for the cheeks and tongue, leading to minor cuts or roughness.
  • Allergic Reactions : Although rare, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to Invisalign aligners. However, this is highly unlikely

FOODS AND DRINKS TO AVOID WHILE USING INVISALIGN

Although users have more control over their food and drink choices and can remove their aligners easily, it is still recommended to avoid certain items.

  • Chewy foods : This includes sticky or chewy foods that could damage the Invisalign aligners and affect the teeth straightening process.
  • Hard foods or candies : Just like chewy foods, hard foods are also best avoided as they can cause significant damage to the Invisalign aligners.
  • Coffee, tea, and wine : These beverages pose a risk to teeth and could potentially stain the Invisalign aligners. Due to their high dye content, they could alter the color of the aligners, making them look dirty and possibly causing the teeth to appear darker than their actual shade.

HOW PAINFUL IS INVISALIGN TREATMENT?

Initially, using Invisalign may cause mild discomfort as the device is designed to gradually align teeth. However, any pain or discomfort experienced with Invisalign is typically temporary, with the highest risk occurring during the first week of using new aligners. Users who reported pain from Invisalign stated that the symptoms lasted for about two to three days after installing new aligners. As new trays are required every two weeks with Invisalign, it is possible to experience mild pain and discomfort during the initial days of each cycle.

However, these symptoms will likely diminish as you become accustomed to wearing the aligners. Pain indicates that the aligners are doing their job and gradually adjusting your teeth.

SUCCESS RATE OF CLEAR ALIGNER THERAPY

The success rate of Invisalign treatment is around 96%. This means that 96% of patients who undergo Invisalign treatment achieve their desired outcomes and are fully satisfied with the results. However, several factors affect the success of teeth aligner treatment. These factors include adherence to the treatment plan, regularly scheduled check-ups with the orthodontist, oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive drinking, and nail-biting. It is important to remember that each patient is unique, and the results may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

DENTAL ALIGNERS VS. BRACES

Metal braces have been the preferred method of addressing complex dental issues. In contrast, aligners are more suitable for milder to moderate conditions, such as mild crowding or minor spacing. Research shows that the average treatment duration with aligners is shorter than traditional braces, despite their higher cost. Unlike braces, aligners can be removed, which facilitates thorough brushing and flossing, promoting better oral health. Additionally, aligners offer exceptional comfort and convenience.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGEON AND HOSPITAL FOR DENTAL ALIGNERS?

When choosing a surgeon for dental aligner therapy, several factors should be considered. The surgeon's experience, training, certification by a reputable dental association, and positive reviews and references are essential factors to consider. Additionally, it is advisable to choose a clinic that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is easily accessible to minimize travel time. However, an orthodontist is the best person to advise on whether dental aligner treatment is suitable for you.

Top Hospitals for Dental Aligners

FAQ's Related to Dental Aligners

A.
Traditional braces are the former method of orthodontic treatment made of metal or porcelain attached to the surface of teeth joined together by metal wires which progressively move your teeth into desired positions. On the contrary aligners are the newest advancement of dentistry which are made of plastic and customized to fit your teeth.

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Treatment duration with dental aligners merely depends on the specific patient condition. However the ideal treatment time may range anywhere between 12 - 24 months

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Dental aligner treatment typically involves pain and discomfort especially when you switch to a new set of aligner this is because your teeth are adjusting. The pain is usually manageable and temporary

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It is a mandate that you wear your dental aligners the entire time other than the time of eating or at least for 22 hours per day to obtain ideal results from the aligner treatment.

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Yes, you can surely drink water which is at room temperature while wearing dental aligners, but it is always advised to remove the aligners while eating to avoid staining and damage of the trays.

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Your dentist may schedule an appointment for once in every 3 to 4 months during the aligner treatment. The goal of these regular visits is to monitor the progress of your treatment.

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Although dental aligners can treat majority of orthodontic problems, it is ideally used to treat mild to moderate orthodontic cases. However these aligners have certain limitations and are not suitable for everyone.

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Yes, adults can also use dental aligners there is no age limit for the aligner treatment.

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Dental aligners are generally safe, but they can cause certain side effects such as xerostomia, gum problems, cheek bites, tooth resorption and allergies. It is necessary to see your dentist for any serious or prolonged complications.

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You can immerse your aligners in water for about 10 minutes every day, while you can also brush the trays using a soft bristled brush with clear soap or a mild tooth paste to get rid of bacteria. Avoid using coloured solutions (mouthwashes) to clean the aligners as they may stain trays.

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Yes, you can switch from traditional braces to dental aligners and this transition is known as mid treatment correction , while this switching can be a personal choice or recommended by your dentist as a process of your orthodontic treatment.

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Yes, dental aligners sometimes affect the speech, especially during the initial days of the treatment .This is because they cover the teeth making it difficult for the tongue to move normally. However these changes are short lived as they resolve with time.

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You can begin your dental aligner journey right away by scheduling an appointment with the best orthodontist. Skedoc suggests you a list of best orthodontics based on your location. We are also available 24/7 for your service.

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Usually dental aligners are the ideal treatment of choice for teenagers and adults with permanent dentition. Although they can be preferred in older children with mixed dentition(very rare) to correct or address certain specific orthodontic problems.

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Dental aligners are designed to be nearly invisible. They are made up of clear plastic tray which makes it less noticeable because which it is a popular choice over the traditional braces for many individual.