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The world of orthodontics is constantly evolving to provide patients with more comfortable and effective treatment options. One such innovation that has truly revolutionized smiles is clear aligners. Over the past decade, clear aligners like Invisalign have seen exponential growth in popularity by allowing patients of all ages to straighten their teeth discreetly. Let’s take a closer look at how clear aligners work and the many benefits they provide over traditional braces.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are nearly invisible, removable dental aligners made from smooth and comfortable plastic. Unlike metal braces which are bonded to teeth, aligners are customized clear plastic trays that are changed out every two weeks as the teeth gradually move into alignment.
A dentist or orthodontist takes detailed impressions and scans of a patient’s teeth to create a customized treatment plan using 3D imaging software. This software maps out the desired movement of each tooth in tiny incremental steps over the course of treatment. The aligners are manufactured to gently and gradually shift the teeth into the prescribed positions at each stage. Patients simply wear their aligners for 22 hours a day, removing only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners work through the principle of passive self-ligating. As teeth naturally want to move back to their original position after being shifted, the aligners provide constant gentle force to maintain the new positions and guide further movement. Each subsequent set of aligners is slightly different to continue nudging teeth into the desired alignment.
Wearing the aligners 22 hours a day allows gradual and constant pressure to be applied, resulting in effective yet comfortable tooth movement. The aligners are designed to fit tightly and specifically around each tooth, so they don’t slide around in the mouth. But unlike wired braces, clear aligners are removable which makes eating, brushing, flossing easier compared to fixed braces.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional metal braces:
Discreet Appearance: Since aligners are clear plastic that fit tightly against teeth, they are nearly invisible when worn. This allows patients of all ages to benefit from orthodontic treatment discreetly without feeling self-conscious.
Comfort: By applying gentle constant pressure and being removable, clear aligners feel more comfortable than braces which can rub gums and cause irritation. This leads to better compliance for treatment.
Hygiene: Aligners are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing which makes maintaining excellent oral hygiene much simpler compared to braces. This reduces risks of cavities and gum disease.
Faster Treatment: With continuous advancements, clear aligners are now suitable even for complex cases that were previously only treatable with braces. Most standard aligner treatments can be completed within 6-12 months.
Convenience: Patients have option to remove aligners for eating or if experiencing temporary discomfort. Plus, modern aligners come in clear cases that easily fit in purses or bags for on-the-go wear.
Cost Effectiveness: At around $3,000-$8,000 depending on complexity, clear aligners are considerably less expensive than braces which range from $3,500-$8,000 plus additional costs for adjustments over longer treatment time. Insurance coverage is also increasing for clear aligners.
Who are Good Candidates for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are suitable for treating a variety of orthodontic issues from minor alignments to more complex cases with bite problems, overbites, gaps, crowding, and crossbites. However, not every case can be effectively treated with aligners alone. Some common factors that determine candidacy for clear aligners include:
– Having healthy teeth and gums with minimal corrections needed
– No missing permanent teeth requiring space closure with implants or bonding
– Minimal jaw surgery required for under or overbites
– Patient discipline for consistently wearing aligners as directed
– Age – usually 12 and over when teeth and roots are formed
– Commitment to regular hygiene and checkups through treatment
While an in-person examination is needed, a digital scan or images can help a provider assess if a patient’s specific orthodontic issues are a good match for aligner therapy versus conventional braces. In many cases, aligners may be used in combination with other auxiliary procedures like rubber bands or clear retainers.
Overall, clear aligners have evolved tremendously to provide an extremely effective yet comfortable orthodontic solution for smiles of all kinds. Their invisible discreet nature and convenience makes them a preferred option for improving smiles at any age. With advances in imaging technology and aligner material, clear aligners are poised to revolutionize the field of orthodontics, capturing even wider acceptance and adoption nationwide.
*Note:
- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
