How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign and Angel Aligners, are orthodontic devices designed to straighten teeth and correct bite issues in a discreet and comfortable way. Here’s how they work:

1. Customised Treatment Plan

• Initial Consultation: Your orthodontist begins by assessing your teeth and bite. This may involve taking digital scans, X-rays, and photographs to create a precise 3D model of your teeth.
• Treatment Planning: Using this 3D model, the orthodontist designs a customized treatment plan that outlines the movement of your teeth from their current position to the desired alignment. This plan is typically broken down into a series of stages, each represented by a different set of aligners.

2. Clear Aligner Fabrication

• Custom-Made Aligners: Based on the treatment plan, a series of clear, plastic aligners are custom-made for your teeth. Each aligner is designed to fit snugly over your teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. The aligners are made from a special thermoplastic material that is both durable and nearly invisible when worn.

3. Gradual Teeth Movement

• Wearing the Aligners: You wear each set of aligners for about 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your orthodontist’s instructions. During this time, the aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure on specific teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position.
• Switching Aligners: After the designated period, you switch to the next set of aligners in the series, which continues the process of moving your teeth. This cycle repeats until your teeth have reached their final, desired position.

4. Daily Use and Care

• Wearing Time: Aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results. They should only be removed when eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing.
• Cleaning: It’s important to clean the aligners regularly to prevent bacteria buildup and maintain oral hygiene. This can be done by brushing them gently with a toothbrush and rinsing with lukewarm water. Special cleaning solutions for aligners are also available.

5. Monitoring Progress

• Regular Checkups: Throughout the treatment, you will have regular checkups with your orthodontist to monitor your progress and ensure the treatment is on track. Adjustments to the treatment plan can be made if necessary.
• Adjustments and Refinements: Sometimes, additional sets of aligners or adjustments to the treatment plan are needed to fine-tune the final position of the teeth.

6. Final Results and Retention

• Completion of Treatment: Once the final set of aligners has moved your teeth into their desired position, your active treatment is complete. This typically takes anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of your case.
• Retainers: To maintain your new smile, you will likely be fitted with a retainer, which you’ll need to wear as instructed by your orthodontist. Retainers prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions and help preserve the results of your treatment.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

• Discreet Appearance: The aligners are nearly invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment.
• Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, aligners are generally more comfortable than traditional braces, with no metal brackets or wires that can irritate the mouth.
• Removable: Aligners are removable, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without restrictions and making it easier to brush and floss your teeth.

Suitability for Treatment

• Mild to Moderate Issues: Clear aligners are effective for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
• Complex Cases: For more severe orthodontic issues, traditional braces may be more effective, though advances in clear aligner technology are expanding the range of cases they can successfully treat.

Clear aligners like Invisalign and Angel Aligners offer a modern, flexible approach to orthodontic treatment, providing a comfortable and nearly invisible way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile.