Do you often dream about transforming your smile, but, do not want to go through the hassle of braces? Well, then say hello to Aligners: the novel, comfortable and discreet way to straighter teeth that has revolutionized orthodontic treatment. Aligners offer a modern, comfortable, and effective way to achieve a perfect smile without the noticeable metal wires and brackets. This blog intends to explore this treatment option, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and what you can expect during treatment.
What Are Aligners?
Clear aligners are transparent, removable trays that are made from medical grade plastic and used to move your teeth into the desired position. Aligners are custom-designed for each patient with the help of digital scans or impressions of their teeth. Aligners work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth, just like traditional braces. However, as they are transparent they are far less noticeable, thus making it a perfect option for people who are conscious to wear braces. They can also be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing making it a much more comfortable option.
How do Aligners Work?
Let’s break down the steps involved in this whole process. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
1. Consultation and Assessment: At your first appointment, your dentist will determine whether you’re a good candidate for aligners by examining your teeth and your bite. Aligners can treat issues like crowding, spacing, and mild to moderate bite problems.
2. 3D Imaging /digital scans: Using 3D digital scans of your teeth, the dentist will then proceed to design a customised treatment plan. This technology allows you to see a preview of how your smile will transform over time. The number of trays will also be determined in this appointment. The aligners are then custom-made in a lab to fit your teeth perfectly at each stage of the treatment.
3. Aligners: You’ll receive a series of aligners in the next appointment, each designed to be worn for a fixed period before moving on to the next set in the series. For the best results, you must wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, brush, and floss.
4. Final Results: Once you’ve gone through the entire series of aligners, your teeth should be in their desired positions. After the treatment, your dentist may give you a retainer to wear to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old position.
Advantages of Aligners
1. Discreet: One of the biggest advantages of aligners is their transparency. They are almost invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want to correct their teeth discreetly.
2. Removable: Unlike braces, aligners can be easily removed. This allows for more flexibility during treatment, making it easier to eat, drink, brush, and floss without the hassle of manoeuvring around brackets and wires.
3. Comfort: As it is made from smooth medical grade plastic, aligners are far more comfortable than traditional braces. They don’t have sharp edges that can bruise your oral cavity.
4. No Food Restrictions: With traditional braces, certain foods like sticky candy, popcorn, and crunchy snacks are not advised because they can break the brackets or get stuck in wires. With aligners, you can simply remove them when eating, so you are free to eat whatever appeals to you.
5. Fewer Dental Visits: Aligners typically require fewer in-office appointments compared to braces. You’ll need check-ups every few weeks, but there’s no need for regular adjustments, or tightening as in the case of regular braces.
6. Improved Oral Hygiene: Since aligners are removable, you can maintain your oral hygiene by regular brushing and flossing without worrying about cleaning around brackets and wires. This can reduce the risk of cavities, plaque build-up, and gum disease during orthodontic treatment.
Disadvantages of Aligners
1. Patient Compliance: Aligners only work if you wear them as directed, typically for at least 20-22 hours per day. Failure to wear the aligners consistently can delay treatment progress or affect the final results.
2. Cost: Aligners are usually more expensive than traditional braces, depending on the complexity of the case.
3. Not Suitable for Severe Cases: While aligners are effective for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, they may not be suitable for more complex cases, such as severe crossbites, or extremely crooked teeth. In such cases, traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments may be required.
Who Can Benefit from Aligners?
Aligners are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as:
● Crowded or overlapping teeth
● Gaps or spaces between teeth
● Mild overbites, underbites, or crossbites
Teens and adults alike can benefit from aligners. However, very young children may not be suitable candidates due to the need for discipline in wearing the aligners consistently.
The Importance of Retainers After Treatment
Once your aligner treatment is complete, it’s crucial to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. Without a retainer and your compliance, teeth can gradually shift back to their original positions. Your dentist will provide you with a customised retainer and inform you about how often to wear it.
Conclusion
Clear aligners have transformed the world of orthodontics, offering a more convenient, discreet, and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. While they may not be suitable for every case, aligners provide an effective solution for most people seeking a straighter smile without the hassle and visibility of metal braces.
At Eterna Dental Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing top-level dental care that makes us the best dental clinic in Calicut. Whether you need a routine checkup, cosmetic enhancements, or advanced dental treatments, our expert team is here to ensure your smile is in the best hands.
Call us at +91 7770009268 or visit our clinic to experience the difference.
