What exactly are the aligners?
Tailor-made, transparent, removable aligners that gently push the teeth into a new position over a small period of time; these simple yet effective aligners are created from 3D scans, photographs and, in some cases, moulds. The treatment process relies entirely on the patient’s commitment to their treatment and requires a 22 hour-a-day dedication. As the teeth adjust to the positioning of one set of aligners, as directed by the dental team, it will be time to move on to the next set of aligners, which work in the same way but once again guide the teeth into another position. This is a gentle but highly effective at-home orthodontic treatment.
Suitable for anyone?
Whilst the treatment currently focuses on the adults within society, the actual treatment is more suited for the mild to moderate cases of misalignment, overcrowding or underbites. That being said, it is only through a physical examination alongside scans and possibly dental moulds that the decision can be made. Therefore, it is important to arrange a consultation with the dental team if this is a treatment that you would prefer.
More popular than the fixed brace method or just different?
The more traditional fixed brace options require brackets to be bonded to the front of the teeth and then are joined and tightened by a series of wires. Whilst this method is still highly effective and used throughout the dentistry world, the aligner-based orthodontic treatments are intended to fit almost seamlessly into daily life. Promoting fewer appointments,
less time having concerns over appearance and more time to live whilst receiving treatment.
Knowing which treatments are considered to be ‘better’
When considering different options for tooth realignment, it isn’t necessarily a case of which treatment is better than the other but more a case of which treatment is better suited to you. The nature of the misalignment and its severity play a huge part in discovering which treatment or procedure would be right, and in some cases, a cross-over of treatments can be possible.
Alongside the effectiveness of the treatment is the overall appearance. With society being very focused on the cosmetic appeal to life, it is no wonder that treatments and procedures have needed to adjust to reflect this. No matter what role you play in society, having chunky or noticeable orthodontic treatment devices may create a new sense of dread and a reason to hide behind the mask. But with clear aligners, this does not need to be the case.
Finding a treatment that works for you physically, emotionally and financially is of the utmost importance; therefore, using the modern advances available within the world of dentistry and solving your misalignment problem is key. At no point is any orthodontic treatment considered a one-fits-all. Therefore, it is important that you discuss the aims you have in mind with your dental team to work together and create a smile that you can be proud of without a battle to get to that stage.
