Many people who struggle with dental issues like teeth misalignment can use invisible teeth aligners for achieving a dazzling smile. People with crooked or misaligned teeth try to hide their smile due to embarrassment. Teeth aligners can help in boosting
confidence and in improving the overall personality.
Introduction to Invisible/Clear Teeth Aligners
Invisible teeth aligners are popular and quick alternative to traditional dental braces. Patients can opt for invisible aligners to achieve the same results that are expected from a metal braces treatment. Invisible or clear aligners are transparent and tight-fitted
mouthpieces that help in aligning the teeth. They are clear trays made of transparent material that fit over the teeth. Clear aligners are appropriate for people who want to improve their smile, have biting issues or want to correct teeth crowding.
These removable and clear aligners can be worn in both day and night time. Unlike the traditional metal braces, invisible aligners are hassle-free as they push the teeth in their correct position by applying constant and gentle force. The patient
needs to remove the aligners only while brushing the teeth and while eating or drinking something.
Difference between Traditional Braces and Invisible/Clear Aligners
Basis
Traditional Braces
Clear/ Invisible Aligners
Comfort Level
They might cause abrasion in a month’s time.
Aligners have a snug and smooth fit.
Visibility
The metal and wires used in the braces are highly visible.
Aligners are invisible and difficult to spot.
Oral Hygiene
Patients face problems in following their daily oral hygiene routine.
Patients have no issues is maintaining the oral hygiene
Removable
Can be removed only by the dentist.
Patients can remove the aligners before brushing, flossing or eating.
Duration
Braces usually need more time than aligners for correct alignment of teeth.
Aligners in general show results more quickly than the braces.
How Do Aligners Straighten Teeth?
Invisible aligners and metal braces work on similar principles, but the aligners are free from the hassle of metal brackets, wires and food restrictions.
The dentist takes a digital scan of the patient’s teeth for creating custom made teeth aligners. Here special software is used to process the information and make future projections for aligning the teeth. Custom made aligner trays are fabricated
through an automatic milling machine based on the software analysis. A patient may approximately need 25 to 40 set of trays for completing correcting the teeth position.
These mouthpieces align the teeth by putting gentle pressure on them. Each aligner set is worn for 10 to 14 days and then a new set is worn for moving the teeth in a different position. Each set is different as it gradually aligns the teeth to
the correct position.
Patients don’t face any speech issues as the aligners are fitted over the teeth. There are no food restrictions as the patients need to remove the aligners before meals. Invisible aligners are known to give positive results in teeth alignment
if they are used in the prescribed manner. Dentists advise the patients to wear clear aligners for approximately 22 hours. Patients who don’t follow the instructions may not witness positive results and can face future issues in teeth correction.
Care with Aligners On
There are certain guidelines that should be followed while wearing the aligners. Following pointers are typically suggested by the Orthodontist in order to achieve the desired results from the invisible aligners:
Patients should ensure that they wear the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours on a daily basis.
Aligners should be removed while consuming anything hot. Patients are prescribed to take off the invisible aligners while eating, flossing and brushing.
Patients are prescribed to clean the aligners with a brush in the same way they clean their teeth. The aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush so that the quality is maintained.
The aligner should be kept their box so that they are protected from dust and dirt
Post-Treatment Guidelines
After the treatment is completed, the patients should follow these guidelines for maintaining the teeth alignment in the long run:
Avoid eat hard and crunchy food for some time after the treatment is completed.
Maintain oral hygiene and brush the teeth morning and evening.
Visit the dentist every six months so that the results last for a long time.
