Aligners: How It Works For You?

Orthodontics has come a long way since the days of metal braces and headgear. Thanks to modern technology, there are now several options for straightening teeth, one of which is using aligners. These clear, plastic trays are customized to fit over the teeth and gently shift them into their desired positions. As a result, many people are wondering if aligners are the future of orthodontics.

The answer is a resounding “yes.” Not only are aligners more discreet and comfortable than traditional braces, but they also offer many other benefits. In this article, we’ll explore why aligners are quickly becoming the go-to option for straightening teeth and why they’re poised to revolutionize the field of orthodontics.

What are aligners?

Aligners are clear plastic trays that are custom-made to fit over the teeth. They are designed to shift the teeth into the desired position over time gradually. The aligners are typically worn for 20-22 hours per day and are changed every 1-2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan.

How do aligners work?

• The process of getting aligners involves a series of steps. The first step is to consult with an orthodontist who will determine if aligners are the best treatment option for the patient.
• If aligners are deemed appropriate, the orthodontist will take impressions of the teeth, which will be used to create a 3D model of the patient’s mouth.
• Using this model, the orthodontist will create a treatment plan that outlines the movement of the teeth over time. This plan is then used to create a series of custom-made aligners for the patient.
• Each aligner is designed to move the teeth a small amount. The aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them to the desired position.
• Once the teeth have moved as much as possible with one aligner, it is replaced with the next aligner in the series. This process is repeated until the teeth have moved into the desired position.

Advantages of aligners:

• One of the most significant advantages of aligners is that they are virtually invisible. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are made of clear plastic and are hardly noticeable. This is a significant advantage for those who want to avoid drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
• Another advantage of aligners is that they are removable. Patients can take the aligners out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, as there are no wires or brackets that can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly.
• Additionally, aligners are more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. Since there are no wires or brackets, there is no risk of irritation or discomfort from the hardware. Aligners are also less likely to cause cuts or sores in the mouth, a common issue with braces.

Disadvantages of aligners:

• While there are many advantages to aligners, there are also some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is that aligners are more expensive than traditional braces. The cost of aligners can vary depending on the case’s complexity, but they are generally more expensive than braces.
• Another disadvantage of aligners is that they require a high level of compliance from the patient. Aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily, which can be challenging for some patients. Patients must also be diligent about changing the aligners on time and following the treatment plan to achieve the desired results.

The future of orthodontics with aligners

Aligners have been gaining popularity recently and are seen as a promising future for orthodontics. As technology advances, aligners will become even more effective and efficient. At Clove Dental, a trusted dental clinic near me, we stay at the forefront of these advancements. Some of the advancements that we can expect to see in the future include the following:

• Improved precision: As 3D printing technology evolves, aligners will become even more precise. This will allow orthodontists to create aligners tailored to each patient’s needs, resulting in faster and more effective treatment.
• Faster treatment times: Aligner treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the case’s complexity. In the future, we can expect to see faster treatment times as technology continues to improve.
• More complex cases: While aligners are currently used primarily for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, they are becoming increasingly effective for more complex cases. As technology advances, we expect to see more complex patients treated with aligners.