If you are looking for a way to fix your teeth and maintain their look, then clear aligners could be the answer! Clear Aligners are made of plastic that is worn over the top of your teeth. It can straighten the teeth with gradual changes in pressure on them as they move into place. These clear aligners are also removable, making it easier to clean your teeth and brush food particles out from between them.
This blog will provide an overview of what these devices do and how you can get one if that’s something you’re interested in doing!
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are tooth-straightening devices that present a more discreet alternative to traditional braces. The aligner trays fit comfortably over teeth, and gumlines are custom-built for each patient depending on the severity of their teeth misalignments. They’re typically used for patients with mild or moderately crowded teeth. However, those who have severe crowding or spacing problems may need a different type of orthodontic treatment.
Read more about clear aligners here: Everything You Need To Know About Clear Aligners in Australia
How Are Clear Aligners Different from Invisalign?
Here are the differences between Invisalign and other generic clear aligners:
Other Clear Aligners
- To get your smile just right, you need a perfect putty mould of each tooth. It is no easy task because it requires patience and precision to represent every tooth’s shape and size accurately.
- When you order an aligner, it will be shipped to your address. These plastic devices are generally made with generic gumlines, and no one can tell if they fit correctly.
- Clear aligners are less expensive than Invisalign as they don’t require the involvement of a dentist. A professional working for the company will look at your moulds and make recommendations based on the selfies you send in but can not tell if teeth are moving correctly after wearing clear aligners.
Learn More: Cost Of Clear Aligners Definitive Guide 2021
Invisalign
Invisalign is the innovative pioneer of clear aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign‘s teeth-straightening devices sit undetectable beneath your lips with a thin piece of plastic nearly undetectable under your lips with just a thin piece of plastic covering your teeth.
- Invisalign has a specially patented thin material that retains its rigidity longer than traditional aligners. It’s called SmartTrack, which took four years to make and is also uniquely Invisalign’s design. It helps with accuracy by retaining shape for better treatment predictability while simultaneously being thinner to fit under braces or other appliances without compromising effectiveness.
- Invisalign clear aligners are a customised way to straighten your teeth. Using the iTero Element® scanner, doctors can see each projected shift in alignment with detail that was not possible before.
- Invisalign provides the most durable and effective corrective treatments on the market today. To ensure that all patients have access to a cutting-edge solution, they invest heavily in research and development, ensuring you will get professional guidance from start to finish with this treatment option. It is supported by their design’s reassurance of getting results because it has been proven safe time after time for every patient through its testing process.
Learn More: Are Clear Aligners As Effective As Traditional Braces?
How Does a Clear Aligner Work?
The reality is that your teeth have never been in their “ideal positions.” Ever. And while our first and foremost goal is to get them as close to nature’s design as possible, we know it might not be perfect. But don’t worry; your aligners will do all the heavy lifting for you.
Simply put, every set of orthodonticappliances are calibrated with a different movement, so by the end of treatment, each tooth will achieve its desired position.
- Initial consultation – It’s a well-known fact that not everyone is eligible for clear aligners. You may be able to straighten your teeth with an aligner, but that’s if they’re rotated no more than 20° or have moved up and down in the gum membrane. So to find out whether you’re eligible, have an initial consultation with a dentist who will examine your teeth and gums before determining eligibility based on x-rays and digital scans.
- Creating a custom treatment plan – Once your dentist has determined that you will be receiving a precise alignment treatment, he/she takes 3D scans of the mouth and inputs them into an advanced software system. Then, the information is sent off-site, where it’s fabricated from BPA free thermoplastic to create custom made aligners for teeth straightening.
- Receiving your clear aligners – Once your trays are ready, you meet with a dental professional to have them fitted for the appropriate correction. You then head home and put on the tray like it’s nothing more than an over-the-counter mouthguard that can be removed when eating or drinking. Over time, this unique treatment will work wonders as long as you wear at least 22 hours per day without exception. Trays typically need to be changed every one to two weeks depending on what kind of correction is required but make sure not to leave out any days because if they’re worn too little, it won’t do much good.
- Visiting your dentist every six weeks – One of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth healthy is to see a dentist at least every six weeks. It will allow them to clean plaque and tartar from your teeth, which could lead to tooth decay if not treated on time. Additionally, make sure you always properly clean your trays since these may change in colour or become scratched with use over time without proper care.
What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners?
- They’re invisible – Clear aligners are an excellent solution for the self-conscious teen. Not only do they offer more opportunities to smile, but this can lead to higher levels of self-esteem and confidence in general! For adults who work with people regularly, clear aligners will help you maintain your approachability and friendly attitude without sacrificing an attractive looking grin.
- They’re removable – It’s easy to take your aligners out when you want to eat. You can place them in a small carrying case, so they are always on hand if needed. Aligners allow you to continue eating all of your favorite foods without any noticeable discomfort, unlike traditional braces wherein you need to avoid hard, chewy or brittle foods.
- They make proper dental hygiene easier – Clear aligners allow you to take better care of your teeth because it is easy for them to be removed. You can clean all parts of the mouth, including gum tissue that may not otherwise have been accessible when you have metal braces. It makes clear aligners a great choice if you are looking for an alternative oral health solution.
We wrote a detailed blog about the pros and cons of clear aligner treament read the blog here: Advantages and Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
Does Clear Aligner Treatment Hurt?
You might be wondering if aligners are too painful. Don’t worry; it’s not that bad! The only thing you’ll have to deal with is some minor pain at times, which can easily be managed.
The discomfort many people experience when wearing aligners is a sign that they are doing their job. Likewise, the slight pressure your teeth feel during the process of realignment can be uncomfortable. Still, it’s an essential part of how it works and not something you should worry about.
However, suppose you have a lower tolerance to pain, sensitive teeth or gums and suffer from gum disease. In that case, there’s an increased chance that wearing dental aligners may result in discomfort.
Final thoughts
The clear aligner is one of the most exciting advancements in orthodontics that can straighten teeth. It’s an excellent option for adults who have mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues that are not severe enough to require surgery or braces. This revolutionary product works its magic by applying pressure to your teeth and pushing them into place. If you are interested in learning more about this or would like to know if it might work for you, contact our team at Byford Smiles today at 08 9532 0247.