Straightening the Teeth with Clear Aligners

Braces have since long been the go-to option for teeth aligning and straightening. Most of us have heard about or gone through the painful and lengthy experience of getting teeth braces. Braces with metal brackets look unattractive, yet they get the job done. They help in teeth alignment and in providing a perfect smile. Braces are generally implanted at a young age by the dentist.

Times have changed, and with the latest technologies, people can achieve a perfect smile with an alternative treatment known as ‘clear aligners’. As the name suggests, clear/invisible aligners are transparent and the latest treatment for teeth alignment. Clear aligners as compared to metal braces are more comfortable and convenient. Patients can consult with their dentist for getting this treatment. Clear aligners are customised for every patient. They are removable and they do not interfere with the day to day activities of the patient. Adults who want to enhance their smile can opt for clear aligner therapy and achieve a dazzling smile.

Clear aligners are invisible and hence they are preferred by the adult patients. People don’t have to worry about their appearance with the clear aligner treatment

When can Clear Aligners be use?

Clear aligners can help in dealing with the following issues:

• Underbites: In this condition, the upper front teeth are overlapped by the lower front teeth.
• Overbites: In this condition, a person’s lower front teeth are overlapped by the upper front teeth.
• Open Bites: This condition is a rare malocclusion where the both upper and lower front teeth are slanting outwards and they don’t touch even when the mouth is closed.
• Crowded Teeth: In this condition there is not enough space in the jaw bone and teeth become overcrowded and tend to overlap each other.
• Diastema: This condition leads to irregular gaps in the teeth structure.

In-Office or At-home Aligners

Following two types of clear aligner treatments are available:

• In-Office Aligners: In this treatment option, all the procedures are carried-out under the supervision of certified and trained orthodontists. Although it is an expensive option and requires multiple dental visits, the success rate is higher in the ‘in-office treatment’
• At-Home Aligners: This option is also known as DIY aligners or Mail-order aligners. Here the clear aligner company sends the kit to the patient and the patient mails it back with his/her teeth impression. The company then sends the aligner tray based on the teeth impression. This is a less expensive option but there is no direct consultation with the orthodontist.

Process of Straightening the Teeth with Clear Aligners

Following steps are involved in straightening the teeth with Clear Aligners:

• Preparing a Customised Treatment: In the first step, the patient visits the dental clinic and consults with the orthodontist. The patient is examined and the dentist takes out a 3D scan of the patient’s mouth. A treatment plan is prepared based on the digital layout of the teeth structure. With the help of the latest technologies, the patient can see the preview of the improved and aligned smile. If a patient chooses in-house treatment, then the aligner company mails the teeth aligner kit and the patient has to send the teeth impression back to the company.
• Preparing the Aligners: Once the patient is happy with the projected treatment, the dentist then uses the 3D scan to prepare the aligners. The production facility receives the scans and works according to the digital models prepared. A patient goes to around 25 to 40 sets of aligners throughout the entire treatment.
• During the Treatment: The patient should wear the aligner tray at least for 20-22 hours every day. Each aligner tray is designed to move the teeth slowly in the required direction. Clear aligners work slowly and the patient goes through several trays for achieving the desired results. The patient needs to remove the aligner tray before brushing the teeth and before having meals. The treatment can take from 3 to 24 months depending on the severity of the dental issue.
• Post Treatment: After the treatment, the patient should practise daily oral hygiene to maintain that perfect smile. Post-treatment, the dentist will take the impression of the final teeth structure and design a clear retainer set for the patient. The patient should wear this custom retainer set every night before sleeping. This maintenance activity will ensure that the teeth are not misaligned again in the future.

Benefits of Clear aligners

• Convenient and Pain Free: Clear aligners are a convenient and pain free alternative to the traditional braces.
• Easy to Remove: The patient can enjoy all types of food as the aligners are removed before eating anything.
• With aligners the oral hygiene is not compromised and patient can clean/floss the teeth throughout the treatment.
• Result Oriented and Invisible: Clear aligner treatment is becoming popular because it provides results without being visible. The patient does not feel awkward during the treatment.

In market, illusion aligners' (United States Food and Drug Administration approved) are one of the popular clear aligner. If you have any query then you can visit to Jhansi dental care  or dentist near you.