As with traditional braces, clear aligners are intended to gradually shift teeth. The aligners are made of plastic and are shaped like your teeth. While wearing them, mild pressure is applied to the teeth, slightly rearranging them. Clear aligners are one of the technological breakthroughs that have reduced the visibility of orthodontic treatment and are one of the many “appliances” orthodontists use to reposition teeth and align jaws to create a healthy, beautiful smile.
Aligners in Action
As with traditional braces, aligners are meant to gradually shift teeth. Prior to initiating treatment, the orthodontist will evaluate the patient and obtain diagnostic records, which may include x-rays, pictures, and impressions or digital scans of the teeth. The orthodontist can make a diagnosis based on this information and then design your smile and arrange the treatment process – which teeth move where and in what order – guiding teeth into healthy places. Bear in mind that this is the entire set of teeth – not just the few visible when someone grins. The objective is a healthy “bite” – teeth on the top and bottom that fit together properly. Teeth movement is a complex biological process that requires the supervision of an orthodontist. The majority of people visit their orthodontist approximately every six to ten weeks for a check-up.
Using the patient’s initial impressions or digital scans as a starting point, a set of plastic aligners is constructed with the end objective in mind. The aligners are made of plastic and are shaped like your teeth. While wearing them, mild pressure is applied to the teeth, slightly rearranging them. Aligners should be worn for 22 hours every day, or as suggested by the orthodontist. Each pair of aligners is worn for around one week or two before progressing to the next set. Teeth move into their ideal positions over time, according to the orthodontist’s plan. The overall number of aligners required will vary according to the patient’s demands. As is the case with traditional braces, patients will be need to wear retainers once their teeth have been moved into their new locations.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Aligners
Apart from being nearly unnoticeable, many patients prefer the removable nature of aligners. Take them out to dine, brush and floss, or to work or social situations for brief times.
Aligners are not always the best “appliance” for correcting orthodontic problems. Braces may be required for specific types of adjustments.
Clear aligners will have tooth-colored attachments placed on the teeth to assist the aligners in moving the teeth. Once treatment is complete, these attachments are removed.
When aligners are in, caution should be exercised with liquids, and anything other than tap water should be avoided. Liquids can soak into aligners and remain in contact with teeth until the aligners are removed. This can stain the aligner and teeth, and if the beverage contains sugar and/or acid, as is the case with regular and diet soda pop, cavities can form. Therefore, stay away from soda pop, flavored water, fruit juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Even bottled water can be acidic in rare cases!
If you consume something sugary or acidic (pH less than 7.0), brush well before reinserting your aligners. Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
Due to the removable nature of aligners, patients may be tempted to remove them if they experience discomfort. Aligners are ineffective unless they are placed in the mouth! When they are removed from the mouth, they might become lost or misplaced. Make it a practice to place aligners back into their case as soon as they are removed from the mouth. Avoid storing aligners in napkins, pockets, or purses. Additionally, keep aligners out of reach of dogs.
If you lose or break an aligner, immediately call your orthodontist for guidance on next measures.
Are Clear Aligners the Correct Choice for Me?
Consult an orthodontist to find out the best method to answer that question.
As a result of their extensive education and familiarity with the numerous “appliances” (devices used to move teeth/align jaws) available, orthodontists can confidently recommend the best option for you depending on your treatment goals and lifestyle needs. To discover more about clear aligner options, contact Dr. Ramon Castillo today.
