Clear aligners are an innovative orthodontic appliance that can help guide teeth to their correct position. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners use a series of plastic replicas of teeth to exert gentle pressure on the teeth and slightly reposition them. Clear aligners are one of the many technological advances that have made orthodontic treatment less conspicuous and more comfortable. The process begins with a patient's initial impressions or digital scans, which are used to create a series of plastic aligners.
It is recommended to wear aligners 22 hours a day or as prescribed by the orthodontist. Each set of aligners is worn for one or two weeks before moving on to the next set. Over time, teeth reach their ideal places, according to the orthodontist's plan. The total number of aligners will vary depending on the needs of each patient.
As with traditional braces, patients will need to wear retainers after their teeth reach their new positions. Clear aligners, also known as invisible aligners, are designed to repair bites and misaligned teeth. They are a virtually invisible and removable alternative to braces that offer many advantages for those who don't want to deal with any disruption in their lives. Clear aligners are more visible than lingual braces, but can be removed, making it easier to clean your teeth and the dentist applies them faster. The physician and patient are provided with a computerized graphic representation of the projected movements of the teeth, created in the ClinCheck software program, for approval or modification before the aligners are manufactured.
Aligners are modeled with CAD-CAM software (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) and are manufactured using a rapid prototyping technique called stereolithography. The molds for aligners are constructed in layers with a liquid photosensitive resin that cures and becomes a hard plastic when exposed to a laser. The aligners are made of an elastic thermoplastic material that applies pressure to the teeth to move them to the aligner position. Patients who need a tooth rotated or pulled down may have a small accessory made up of the color of the tooth attached to certain teeth. Alternatively, accessories can be used to facilitate movement by changing the shape of the tooth.
More accessories can make the aligners less aesthetically pleasing. Reapproximation, also called interproximal reduction or IPR and colloquially, filing or perforating, is sometimes used in contacts between teeth to allow a better fit. Clear aligners are transparent tooth alignment devices used to correct misalignment. Clear aligners have a similar function to braces, but are more practical since they are removable and help achieve straight teeth discreetly. With clear aligners, you can enjoy all the benefits of traditional braces without any disruption in your life.
