Clear-aligner treatment
Invisible alternative to braces
In easier cases, using clear aligners is a good alternative to braces. Clear-aligner treatment utilises plastic clear aligners that are placed on top of teeth. The aligners should be worn 20–22 hours a day, meaning that they are only removed for eating and brushing teeth.
The main advantage of clear-aligner treatment is that the clear aligners are nearly unnoticeable. This makes this method aesthetic and highly discreet. In addition, the aligners can be removed in exceptional cases for a special event (such as taking wedding photos or graduation). The removable aligners also make brushing teeth and flossing easier compared to braces.
The course of the treatment
If an orthodontist finds clear-aligner therapy to be a suitable option for a patient, a digital or physical impression is made of their teeth and used to prepare the aligners. The physician draws up a treatment plan based on the patient’s treatment needs and desired results, determining how the teeth should move and the duration of treatment. The movement of teeth is planned using special software on a computer. To make the shifting of individual teeth more exact, special elements made of white composite material are fixed on the teeth at the beginning of the treatment.
Depending on the bite, approximately 20–40 individual aligners are made for the patient that are used to gradually shift teeth towards the desired result. The patient gets several aligners to take home. The period between an orthodontist’s appointments may be 4–10 weeks. Each treatment is unique, but the aligners are generally replaced every two weeks. The first results can be seen in three months.
The importance of good oral hygiene
Although the aligners can be removed for brushing teeth, paying special attention to oral hygiene during the clear-aligner treatment is crucial. Teeth must be brushed twice a day using a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss or oral irrigator at least once a day to maintain gum health.
