Why Choose Clear Aligners Over Braces?
- A) Aesthetic Reasons: Clear aligners are nearly invisible due to the transparency of the material used, making them much less noticeable than metal braces, which stand out from afar.
- B) Comfort in Oral Hygiene: Aligners can be removed, allowing for easier cleaning of the teeth without obstruction, just like before starting orthodontic treatment.
However, there are also limitations:
- A) Patient Compliance Required: Treatment with aligners necessitates perfect cooperation from the patient. They must wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day and visit the clinic every two weeks to assess the progress and receive new aligners. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended hours, the teeth may not shift sufficiently and could revert to their original positions.
- B) Limitations on Treatable Conditions: Not all bite irregularities can be effectively treated with aligners alone. Skeletal discrepancies, severe space issues, and significant rotations are some examples where aligners may not be the best option.
Are Aligners Completely Invisible?
Aligners are nearly invisible, but depending on distance, certain aspects may be noticeable, such as the shine of the plastic material, small gaps between the edges of the teeth and the aligner, the aligner’s edges at the gums, food residue, or accumulated saliva. Even if nobody notices the aligners in your mouth, someone might pick up on something in your daily interactions, especially when you try to remove them for eating.
What to Expect at the Beginning of Treatment with Aligners?
When you first receive your aligner, it’s normal to feel that it doesn’t fit perfectly, may feel tight, and is difficult to remove. This happens because the aligner is designed to fit your teeth after 15 days, not how they are currently. The initial feeling of pressure or sensitivity typically subsides after 48 hours. You may also notice increased saliva flow and slight speech difficulties, which are temporary. Practice speaking by reading or singing aloud.
How to Insert the Aligner?
Make sure you have the correct aligner. Be careful not to confuse the upper with the lower aligner. Place the aligner by applying gentle pressure with your fingers, starting from the front and then moving to the back. Avoid using your teeth to push the aligners into place.
How to Remove the Aligner?
Start by removing the aligner from the back teeth on the inner side (the side facing the tongue). For the upper aligner, apply downward force; for the lower aligner, apply upward force. Avoid twisting or leveraging movements near the canine teeth.
How Many Hours a Day Should I Wear the Aligners?
Aligners should remain in your mouth for at least 20 hours, ideally 22 hours. While you have the flexibility to remove them whenever needed, avoid doing so for trivial reasons. Typically, you’ll take them out for eating, drinking anything other than water, smoking, and oral hygiene. You can also leave them out for special social occasions. During the day, it’s beneficial to clench your teeth periodically (8-10 times) to ensure the aligner fits better.
When to Change Aligners?
Usually, after two weeks, you’ll switch to the next aligner in the series. However, this requires that the previous aligner has successfully shifted the teeth into the intended positions, meaning it should feel loose and easy to remove. It’s important for the transition to the next aligner to be checked by your orthodontist, who may need to make some adjustments based on the treatment progress.
How Long Does Treatment with Aligners Last?
The duration of treatment depends on several factors, including patient cooperation, the severity of the case, and the patient’s expectations. Because the treatment duration can vary widely, a personalized estimate will be provided after evaluation and analysis.
What Are Bonding Attachments and Why Are They Sometimes Needed?
Bonding attachments are small bumps of resin (white filling material) placed on specific teeth depending on the movements required. They help make the forces exerted by the aligner more controlled, predictable, and effective. They are applied using a specially designed aligner and removed by polishing. Both procedures are completely painless.
How to Care for Aligners and Maintain Oral Hygiene?
Aligners should be removed during meals, when drinking hot beverages, smoking, and brushing your teeth. They should be stored in a special case provided by your orthodontist to avoid loss. Most aligners get misplaced when wrapped in a napkin during meals. Keep them away from children, pets, and heat sources. Ideally, brush your teeth after every meal; if time doesn’t permit, you can chew sugar-free gum for a few minutes and rinse your mouth with water. Clean the aligners every night with a soft toothbrush under running cold water.
What to Do If I Lose or Break an Aligner?
If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic. If you lose or notice that an aligner is broken, you can wear the previous one and schedule an appointment to get a new one made. Never discard older aligners; you may need them again.
How to Maintain Results After Treatment with Aligners?
After any orthodontic treatment, teeth require retention. Generally, there are three types of retention: 1) removable, 2) fixed, and 3) a combination of both. Removable retention involves trays that the patient can take out. Fixed retention involves wires that are permanently bonded to the tongue side of the front teeth. Depending on individual needs, either removable or fixed retention may be preferred. Clear retainers resemble the treatment aligners but are not the same; the key difference is that retainers do not exert any force but only keep the teeth in place, so their material and thickness differ.
Article and instructions by the Orthodontist at the Dental Center of Athens.
Contact Us
Address
- THEOTOKOPOULOU 4, MAROUSI 15125 * Free parking is offered for guests.
- [email protected]
-
(+30) 210 6813330
(+30) 210 6813350