The mechanism behind orthodontic tooth movement involves changes in the bone that surrounds each tooth. By applying pressure to the teeth, we can activate the cells responsible for the changes necessary to move them. In traditional metal braces, wires connect to fixed brackets and exert a pulling force on the teeth. In contrast, aligners cover the teeth and exert a pushing force. Although the methods differ slightly, the underlying mechanism for tooth movement remains the same, which is why dentists and orthodontists can achieve excellent results with aligners.

Your dentist sends a detailed mold of your teeth to a certified orthodontic lab technician to create an exact replica.

How do Clear Aligner Work ?

Each aligner exerts a specific amount of pressure at a precise angle to facilitate small movements of your teeth, usually in increments of just a fraction of a millimeter. Over the course of the entire series of aligners, these minor adjustments combine to effectively reposition your teeth, ultimately resulting in a beautiful smile!

Who Is a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

A healthy foundation of the supporting structures of the teeth, known as periodontal tissues, is essential for safe tooth movement. This foundation includes the bone, ligaments, and gum tissues surrounding each tooth. Individuals with active gum disease are not suitable candidates for orthodontic treatment using clear aligners. They can become candidates once their periodontal health is restored through dental treatment.

Similarly, people with large, untreated cavities are not eligible for clear aligners. Before any teeth movement can occur, your dentist must ensure that there are no active diseases or infections in your mouth.

Once a healthy foundation is established, clear aligners are an ideal option for most people seeking straighter teeth. Beyond cosmetic benefits, straight teeth contribute to better oral health. Addressing crowding makes it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. Aligning your bite with clear aligners not only helps you achieve a more attractive smile but also promotes a healthier, longer-lasting smile.

Clear aligners can effectively address many common dental issues, including crowding (crooked teeth), spacing (gaps between teeth), and crossbites (improper overlap of upper and lower teeth). Your dentist can achieve many of the same alignment corrections with clear aligners as with traditional braces. Clear aligners can successfully reposition rotated and overlapped teeth and close most gaps.

Because each aligner results in a small amount of tooth movement, more severe cases may require additional aligners, which can extend the treatment duration.

In general, clear aligners are not as effective as traditional braces for correcting bite issues related to the misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. Your dentist may also find that traditional braces are more successful in managing severe crowding and spacing compared to clear aligners. A thorough evaluation of your current tooth positioning is necessary to determine whether clear aligners are the best treatment option for you, as certain specific movements may respond better to traditional braces than to aligners.

How Will My Daily Life Change with Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners may be nearly invisible, but they require significant involvement from the patient for effective treatment. One of the major advantages of clear aligners is that they are removable, but this can also be a disadvantage. Since patients can take them out, they play a critical role in the success of their treatment.

Here are some important factors to consider when using clear aligners:

1. **Wear Aligners for a Minimum of 22 Hours Per Day**: To ensure successful tooth movements, aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours each day. This allows time for removal during meals, drinking anything other than water, and properly cleaning your teeth.

2. **Maintain Oral Hygiene**: Before putting the aligners back in after eating, it’s essential to remove any food debris and plaque to keep your teeth healthy. This means you will need to brush and floss more often throughout the day.

3. **Drink Only Plain Water**: While wearing the aligners, you should only drink plain water. Other beverages can seep beneath the aligners and cause cavities or stains on the teeth. Dark beverages can also stain the aligners, making your teeth look yellow or dingy.

Consistent Follow-Up Visits with the Dentist

During your clear aligner treatment, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your dentist. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the movement of your teeth and address any potential issues. Typically, these appointments are scheduled every six weeks, but they may occur more frequently if specific problems arise. Each follow-up involves a quick evaluation of your teeth and the fit of your current aligners. If everything is progressing well, a typical appointment lasts about 15 minutes.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

The length of orthodontic treatment varies based on the amount of tooth movement needed to achieve the desired results. On average, full adult orthodontic treatment using clear aligners takes about 18 months. Clear aligners have a unique ability to segment tooth movement around the dental arch, which allows your dentist to achieve certain smile corrections more quickly than with traditional braces. With excellent patient compliance—remember, you need to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day—it is possible to reach your smile goals faster with clear aligners in some cases.

All orthodontic treatments require retention, so your dentist will work with you to determine which type of retainers will best help you maintain your beautiful new smile.

Contact us by phone or WhatsApp to schedule your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!