Clear Aligners are removable medical grade plastic appliances designed for teeth movement of patients who are 14 years of age and older to correct malocclusion – to straighten teeth that are crowded, rotated, tilted forward or backward using exact impressions taken by the dentist and custom-made. Clear Aligners are fabricated from the impressions at every 6 week treatment interval. The system consists of a series of clear polymer, removable appliances (aligners) that move the teeth in small increments from their original position to a more ideal position. Some patients require bonded aesthetic attachments (small, tooth-colored dental composites) and/or elastics on their teeth to facilitate specific dental movements. Typically, aligners are worn in pairs – one on the upper teeth and one on the lower teeth base. Each aligner covers the teeth fully and is virtually invisible when in place. The total number of aligners varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem. The aligners are individually numbered and worn in sequence. The only times the aligners are to be removed are to eat, drink, floss and clean the teeth. Approximately every two or three weeks, switching to the next aligner in the series is necessary.
Clear aligners are created as an alternative to traditional braces and are designed to help guide teeth into their proper position. Just like braces, clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement but without any metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made with a strong plastic material and are fabricated to fit the mouth. Each aligner is created a little different so that each time one switches aligners, the teeth move a little more.
Each Clear Aligner will move the teeth about 1 mm depending on the mobility of the teeth. It will take 4 to 6 weeks for the teeth to move into the new position. If 2 mm of movement is needed then a new aligner will be needed. This movement will continue until the teeth have reached their ideal position.
Aligners are worn for 24 hours each day for three weeks before putting on a new aligner. The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the case and can take anywhere between six months to two years.
The innovative Clear Aligner system offers various application possibilities for correction of the malocclusion such as diastema or crowding of teeth. It allows for speaking and laughing as normal. With these aligners space is created for the movement of crowded anterior teeth by interproximal reduction (stripping) of the teeth or expansion.
Clear aligners are easy to keep clean, making it a breeze to maintain the health of the teeth and gums. They are comfortable and less traumatizing to the teeth, dental roots and associated surrounding bone to achieve orthodontic movement at its highest level and less likely to irritate the gums and cheeks. They prevent wear on the teeth from tooth grinding. Clear aligners are removable so it is easier to brush and floss after meals. It improves the cosmetic angle of the person and helps them to smile confidently. Results depend on many factors such as shape of the teeth, amount of moving, root position and patient’s cooperation.