How do Invisible Aligners work?

There is no doubt that invisible aligners are the most popular teeth straightening treatment today. If given a choice, most people would choose to wear clear aligners as opposed to traditional metallic braces. Made from clear, soft, and hypoallergenic plastic, invisible aligner trays are discreet and very comfortable to wear.

Although comfort is guaranteed with this treatment, some people are still a little skeptical about the effectiveness of clear aligners. How can a simple piece of plastic tray get your teeth into position? Doesn’t your misaligned teeth need more pressure to move into position, just the way metallic braces do? If so, won’t it hurt?

In this blog, we will answer all these questions and put your mind at ease regarding invisible aligners. Read on to know more-

Invisible aligners: What’s the deal with them?

As mentioned before, invisible aligners are made of a kind of transparent plastic material that is safe to wear in your mouth. Patients will have to wear a set of two aligner trays for both upper and lower teeth during the treatment. Each of these clear aligner trays is made to fit over your teeth at every point of the treatment to apply gentle pressure on them. Throughout the treatment, your teeth will move into place and give you perfectly straight and aligned teeth as promised by your dentist, so long as you comply with the instructions during the treatment period.

How to get started on Invisible aligner treatment?

Invisible aligners can effectively correct most kinds of dental malocclusions including crowded teeth, gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. However, it is not very suitable for complicated cases, where the degree of malocclusion is high. For such patients, clear aligners may be used at a later point in the treatment plan, once their misalignment is within the treatable range. 

To know whether you are an ideal candidate for invisible aligner treatment, your dentist will start by examining your malocclusion and understanding its extent. If your issue can be treated straight away using invisible aligners, your dentist will create a 3D image of your mouth and jaw. Using this image, a treatment plan is devised to move your teeth into their proper place.

Using your treatment plan, a series of customized plastic aligners are made. These aligners will apply gentle and consistent pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting and moving them into their desired space. 

Your dentist will further give instructions for switching out each set of clear aligners for a new set every two weeks or so. Ideally, you will be required to wear the clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. As long as you comply with the instructions, and keep your teeth and aligners clean, you will get visible results in 12 to 18 months.

So far studies show that invisible aligners are effective in correcting most cases of mild to moderate dental malocclusions. However, this treatment is not recommended straightaway for people with a high degree of teeth misalignment. 

The pros and cons

If you are wondering what makes invisible aligners popular and want to know whether this is right for you, here is a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision-

The pros

• As the name suggests, clear aligners are transparent, making them less noticeable than traditional braces. Many patients, especially adults and adolescents who are conscious of their looks prefer invisible aligners over braces due to their discreet nature.
• Mouth comfort is another important factor. Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are less painful and don't pinch or pull on the skin inside the mouth. 
• Clear aligners are also removable. You can easily remove the aligner and put them back in without the help of your dentist.
• As the aligners are removable, it is easy to brush and floss your teeth without the need to work around brackets and wires. This reduces the instances of gum infections and plaque buildup during the treatment.
• You don’t have to visit your dentist quite as often as with regular braces. As your treatment plan is already laid out, you will be on track with the progress as long as you are following all necessary instructions. You can go in as required to collect your aligner trays when they are ready.

The cons

• As mentioned before, clear aligners may not be effective for all patients. If your case is complex, you may need additional treatment. Similarly, if you have bridgework on some of your teeth, clear aligner treatment may not be an option for you.
• Compliance is key for maximum benefits from invisible aligners. To stay on track with the treatment and not lose progress, you must wear the aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours every day. If you think you may take them off more often, clear aligners may not be right for you.
• You must take your aligners off while eating or drinking. The only thing you can consume while wearing them is water. If you eat without removing the aligners, it can discolor or damage them beyond repair. Colored liquids must also be kept away from the aligners as they may stain your teeth and aligners, leading to the aligners losing their transparency.
• Tooth soreness is common with all orthodontic treatments. For that reason, it is best if you avoid biting on hard foods.
• Always keep your teeth and aligners clean. Invisible aligners must be cleaned only with lukewarm water, denture solution, or aligner cleaner. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash cannot be used for cleaning the aligners as they can scratch or stain the aligners. The aligners must not be exposed to hot water, as it may cause the plastic to soften and lose shape.

Final word

Clear aligners are a great option for correcting your misaligned teeth and getting the perfectly straight pearly whites you dream of. However, for the treatment to be effective, you must follow the instructions recommended by the dentist during the course of the treatment. To get started on your invisible aligner journey, visit Emirates Dental Clinic in Dubai today.

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