1. What are the advantages of aligners?
Clear aligners are made of plastic which gently move teeth over a period of time. They have become very popular and are one of many technological advancements that have made orthodontic treatment less conspicuous and socially acceptable. Their advantages include:
- Discreet
Aligners are clear and discreet which are custom made for each patient.Tooth coloured attachments are placed on the teeth to mechanically help guide the teeth into their correct position.
- Removability
You can remove aligners when you want to eat, brush or for social occasions.
- Comfort
Generally, the aligners are comfortable to wear and carry on with day to day life. When you change your aligners, they will feel tight as there is pressure placed onto the teeth. Please use over the counter painkillers to manage any aching.
- Hygiene
The use of aligners allow easy cleaning of your teeth. They can be removed prior to brushing. Fixed braces need extra care as they cannot be completely removed. It is important to avoid sugary drinks with the aligners in place as they can leech into the aligners and act as a reservoir for dental decay.
2. How do Aligners Work
Aligners, like train track braces, are designed to move teeth a little at a time. Impressions or digital scans are taken of the teeth to construct a 3D image of what your teeth could look like at the end of the treatment. I will then go through this 3D scan with you and discuss whether you like the end result OR whether you want to incorporate any modifications to the final result.
Once we both agree on the result, a series of aligners are constructed which you will wear 22 hours a day and changed every 1-2 weeks. The number of aligners is dependant on the individual’s treatment plan.
The treatment is supervised by me throughout the whole process so I ensure your teeth are moving in the intended direction.
3. What are the Disadvantages of Aligners?
- Diet – You must avoid sugary drinks whilst the aligners are in your mouth. Ideally only water is suitable. Sugary drinks can cause decay! This includes flavoured water, fruit, sports and energy drinks
- Aligners are removable and they rely on compliance. If your teeth begin to ache it is very tempting to remove your aligners meaning they cannot do their job!
4. Are Clear Aligners Right for you?
The factors are dependant on your bite, what you want to achieve from treatment and your personal preference based on your goals and lifestyle needs. This is why visiting a specialist orthodontist is a great way to get all the treatment options available to you.
