Dental Aligners

What are Dental Aligners?

Dental aligners, also known as clear or invisible aligners, have been popularised in recent years as a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. The transparent plastic used to form the aligner moulds is less noticeable, eliminating aesthetic concerns from the teeth straightening process.

The first complete aligner system, Invisalign, was invented in 1997, and since then a number of systems have become available through orthodontists, as well as flexible at-home solutions.

Clear teeth aligners are orthodontic devices used to reposition and straighten teeth, with minimal impact on the wearer’s everyday life. This is because the retainer-like device is designed to be removable, and is almost invisible during use.

 

Benefits of Dental Aligners

Dental Aligners can be beneficial in many circumstances, with typical treatable cases including:

To straighten teeth which are crooked, overcrowded or gapped.

To treat bite issues such as overbites, underbites or crossbites.

To recorrect teeth which have moved after having braces.

How Do Dental Aligners Function?

Getting dental aligners is simple, and considerably less invasive than traditional metal braces. Usually, only one or two appointments with an orthodontist are required before beginning the course of aligners. 

The process is usually as:

  1. Your orthodontist will take bite impressions or create a 3D image of your mouth using a digital scan. This produces a detailed analysis of the bespoke orthodontic treatment required to straighten your teeth.
  2. The analysis taken from your dental impression will be translated into a recommended course of dental aligner moulds. Typically, a series can include as few as 12 aligners, or as many as 48, to use over time, depending on the severity of the use case.
  3. You will receive your dental aligners from your orthodontist. A set of prealigners is also often provided, to help you get accustomed to the feel before starting the alignment process.
  4. Each set of aligners is worn for around two weeks. Treatment times vary depending on individual cases, but the average course takes around 6 to 18 months to complete.
  5. Once the aligner course is finished, a retainer should be used for around 6 months to maintain teeth positioning, or you may be provided with an overcorrection aligner.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Aligners Compared to Metal Braces?

Although the fundamental function of clear aligners and metal braces is the same, there is some distinction between the two. Many of these differences are seen as reasons to opt for teeth aligners, such as:

  • Aesthetics: For those who consider traditional metal braces a little too eye-catching, clear aligners are a more discreet teeth straightening solution. Aligners do not use brackets and wires and are able to be removed at any point.
  • Oral hygiene: Teeth aligners relieve some of the additional care required for traditional braces. Brushing and flossing are easier with removable aligners, and there are fewer restrictions on food and drink.
  • Fewer appointments: Although there can be variation, aligners usually require fewer orthodontic appointments during the teeth straightening process. Brace tightening is not necessary and there is less chance of emergency fixes being required.

Risk Factors associated with Dental Aligners

However, there are certain drawbacks to keep in mind compared to metal braces. For example, dental aligners require a little more dedication from the wearer, who must remember to replace them when removed for brushing or eating.

It’s also likely that metal braces will be more effective for those with more complex alignment issues.

There will also be some differences in cost, depending on the system in use and duration of treatment.