Clear aligners are a type of orthodontic device used to straighten and align teeth. They are an alternative to traditional braces and are typically transparent, making them less noticeable. Clear aligners are custom-made for each individual’s teeth and are designed to gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions.
The most well-known brand of clear aligners is Invisalign, but there all clear aligner products were the same way. The process typically involves a series of clear plastic trays, each slightly different from the previous one, that are worn over the teeth. Patients wear each set of aligners for a specified period, usually about two to three weeks, before progressing to the next set.
THE WAY CLEAR ALIGNERS WORK to shift teeth is through a series of custom-made, removable trays that gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. Using computer software, Dr. Bis creates a virtual representation of your teeth and plan the step-by-step movements required to achieve the desired alignment. This digital plan guides the production of a series of clear aligner trays. Based on the treatment plan, a series of custom-made aligner trays are manufactured for you. Each set of aligners is slightly different from the previous one, reflecting the incremental adjustments needed to move your teeth.
THE BENEFIT of clear aligners is that they are transparent, making them less conspicuous than traditional metal braces. They are also removable, allowing individuals to take them out when eating, brushing, and flossing. This makes oral hygiene maintenance more straightforward compared to traditional braces. Many people find clear aligners more comfortable than traditional braces, as they lack the metal wires and brackets that can cause irritation and discomfort.
DISADVANTAGE of clear aligners is that success is dependent on compliance. If you don’t wear them for the recommended amount of time each day, or if you frequently remove them, it can prolong the treatment or compromise the final results. Some people may experience a temporary change in their speech patterns when they first start wearing clear aligners. This usually improves as they get used to the aligners.