Everything you wanted to know about dental aligners

Irregular dentition or malocclusion – a common problem with which patients of different ages turn to the orthodontist. Most often, braces are used to correct the bite, but many refuse this method of correction due to the unaesthetic appearance of this orthodontic appliance. But since malocclusion is fraught with an increased risk of gum disease, headaches, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, increased abrasion of teeth and other unpleasant consequences, for those who want to correct the dentition without braces, aligners were created – special transparent mouthguards, which will be described in detail by estet-portal.com.

What are aligners and how do they work?

Aligners – these are transparent orthodontic devices (mouthguards) that are used to correct the position of the teeth and malocclusion.

Eliners are made by thermoforming from polymers – durable silicone or plastic.

Like braces, aligners work by applying constant pressure to the teeth. Such transparent mouthguards are made according to individual casts and cover the entire surface of the teeth. Aligners are removable structures that must be on the teeth for at least 20-22 hours a day and are replaced every 2-2.5 weeks. The number of aligners in the kit is determined individually.

Aligners – these are transparent orthodontic devices (mouthguards) that are used to correct the position of the teeth and malocclusion.

What else you need to know about aligners:

• How does the process of teeth correction with aligners work?
• what is better to choose for teeth alignment – braces or aligners;
• answers to frequently asked questions about aligners.

How is the process of correcting teeth with aligners?

You will first need to see an orthodontist who will assess the severity of malocclusion or dentition through the necessary diagnostic tests. If your doctor determines that your problem can be corrected with aligners, they will take impressions of your teeth. In the future, they will be used for computer calculation of tooth movement and modeling of aligners.

Individual production of a set of aligners (may consist of 10-30 pieces) takes about a month, after which the patient comes to the orthodontist for their installation. The installation process takes about 10 minutes – the mouthguard is simply put on the teeth. The minimal discomfort caused by the presence of aligners, according to patients, passes very quickly.

The doctor gives the patient a schedule for changing the mouth guard (about every 2-2.5 weeks) and sets a date for a follow-up appointment (usually about once a month).

On average, aligners take 1 year to straighten teeth, but the length of treatment varies depending on the degree of crooked teeth or malocclusion.

What is the best choice for teeth alignment – braces or aligners?

Because braces and aligners work on the same principle, their effectiveness is about the same. Therefore, in choosing one of the indicated orthodontic appliances, they are guided by:

• patient preferences;
• as recommended by a doctor.

Many patients choose aligners because:

• they are invisible on the teeth;
• do not cause allergic reactions;
• removable;
• hygienic;
• do not cause discomfort.

However, it should also be taken into account that the price of aligners will be higher than for braces, especially if there are a lot of them in the kit.

Orthodontists recommend using aligners, if possible, precisely because of their hygiene: the patient can remove the mouth guard while eating, as well as while brushing their teeth; cleaning the mouth guard is also quite simple – for this, water and a toothbrush are used.

Unfortunately, aligners are not suitable for everyone, they do not fit:

• for children;
• if there are anomalies of the facial skeleton;
• in acute stages of periodontal disease;
• for diseases of the temporomandibular joint;
• if necessary, rotate the tooth around the axis;
• if some teeth are missing;
• for severe malocclusion.

In any case, the orthodontist will help you determine if the aligners are right for you and make the right choice after carrying out the necessary diagnostic measures.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about aligners

The following are answers to questions patients have about using aligners.

Are there any restrictions when wearing aligners?

There are no special restrictions while wearing aligners, but there are a few things to keep in mind: as a result of smoking and drinking colored drinks (strong tea, red wine, coffee), the color of the aligners may change. Therefore, it is recommended to either remove mouthguards while smoking and drinking such drinks, or to stop smoking and try not to consume dark-colored liquids.

What should I do if my aligner is damaged?

If the mouth guard is broken or cracked, you should contact your orthodontist to have it replaced. A damaged aligner can have the wrong effect on the teeth.

How often can I remove my aligner?

The aligner can be removed as needed (before eating, brushing your teeth, to clean the aligner itself), but it is important that the mouth guard is in total on the teeth for at least 20-22 hours a day. Otherwise, wearing it may not bring the desired result.

How do I care for my aligner?

Aligner care is quite simple – wash them under running water in the morning and evening, clean with a soft toothbrush without paste.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of aligners?

Benefits:

• aesthetics (invisibility);
• minimum adaptation period;
• hygiene;
• easy care;
• no diction disturbances when worn;
• no risk of injury to the oral mucosa;
• comfort;
• Prevention of enamel damage.

Weaknesses:

• limited indications for use (impossibility of use in the absence of one or more teeth, as well as correction of complex deformities and disorders);
• high cost;
• the need to brush your teeth after every meal (to avoid staining your mouth guard).

Read also: Incorrect bite: causes, consequences and methods of correction

Aligners will be an excellent alternative to braces for those who care about aesthetics in the treatment of malocclusion and tooth deformity. However, remember that transparent mouthguards are not suitable for correction in all cases – a qualified orthodontist will be able to determine exactly whether aligners will help you.