Clear aligners are transparent, removable orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth. Made from nearly invisible plastic, they gradually shift teeth into proper alignment under the guidance of a dentist or orthodontist. Clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
The underlying mechanism of orthodontic tooth movement involves changes in the bone surrounding each tooth. We can activate the cells involved in the changes needed to move teeth by putting pressure on the teeth. With traditional metal braces, the wires connect to the fixed brackets and exert a pulling force on the teeth. Aligners differ slightly in that they cover over the teeth and exert a pushing force. While the method is slightly different, the underlying mechanism of tooth movement is the same, which is why dentists and orthodontists can achieve great results with aligners.
Your dentist sends an exact replica of your teeth (from either a detailed mold or a 3D intraoral scan) to Align Technologies and then works with a certified orthodontic lab technician on your virtual treatment plan. Using advanced software, your dentist and the technician design the exact tooth movements, prescribing them into the virtual treatment. Once your dentist approves the final digital result, the technician manufactures a series of clear aligners using CAD/CAM technology.
One absolute requirement for safe tooth movement is a healthy foundation of the supporting structures of the teeth, called the periodontal tissues. This includes the bone, ligaments, and gum tissues surrounding each tooth. People with active gum disease are not candidates for orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. They can become candidates after restoring periodontal health through dental treatment.
People with large, untreated cavities are also not candidates for clear aligners. In general, before moving any teeth, your dentist should confirm you have no active disease or infection in your mouth.
Once a healthy foundation is achieved, clear aligners are a great option for most in need of straighter teeth. More than just a cosmetic treatment, straight teeth aid in your ability to maintain your oral health. Eliminating crowding makes it easier to brush and floss, thus decreasing your likelihood of plaque buildup and gum disease. Correcting your bite with clear aligners will not just provide you a more beautiful smile, but a healthier, longer-lasting smile.
Clear aligners are successful in correcting many common smile problems, including crowding (crookedness), spacing (gaps between the teeth), and crossbites (an improper overlap of the upper and lower teeth). With clear aligners, your dentist can make many of the same alignment corrections that he or she can make with traditional braces. Clear aligners are successful at repositioning rotated and overlapped teeth and closing most gaps.
Because each aligner creates a minor amount of tooth movement, more severe cases may require more aligners, thus lengthening the time of treatment.
In general, clear aligners not as successful as traditional braces in correcting bite problems involving misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. Your dentist may also be able to correct cases of severe crowding and spacing more successfully with traditional braces over clear aligners. A detailed evaluation of your current tooth position is necessary to determine whether clear aligners are the best option for you, as some specific movements can respond better to traditional braces than aligners.
Aligners may be virtually invisible, but they will require significant involvement on the patient’s part. Clear aligners are unique in that one of its major advantages, being removable, is also a major disadvantage. Because the patient can remove them, he or she is responsible for much of the success of treatment.
Here are some important factors to consider regarding treatment with clear aligners.
Wear Aligners for a Minimum of 22 Hours per Day
In order to achieve successful tooth movements, the aligners must remain on the teeth for a minimum of 22 hours per day. This allows time for removal to eat, drink beverages other than water, and clean your teeth properly.
Before placing aligners back onto the teeth after meals, it’s important to remove food debris and plaque in order to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. This means more brushing and flossing throughout the day.
While wearing the aligners, you should only drink plain water. Other beverages can seep beneath the aligners and cause cavities on the teeth. Dark beverages can also stain the aligners, making your teeth appear yellow or dingy.
Consistent Follow-Up Visits with the Dentist
Throughout your clear aligner treatment, you need to see your dentist consistently so he or she can monitor your tooth movement and intercept any potential problems. In most cases, these visits will occur every six weeks, or more frequently if there is a particular issue. These follow-ups consist of a quick evaluation of the teeth and the fit of the current aligners. If no issues arise, a typical appointment lasts about 15 minutes.
The length of any orthodontic treatment depends on how much tooth movement is necessary to produce the desired results. The average length of time required for full adult orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is 18 months. Due to clear aligners unique ability to segment, or separate, tooth movement around the dental arch, your dentist can accomplish some smile corrections more quickly with clear aligners than traditional braces. So with great patient compliance (remember, you have to wear the aligners 22 hours per day), in some cases you could achieve your smile goals faster with clear aligners!
All orthodontic treatment requires retention, so your dentist will work with you to determine which type of retainers will help you maintain your beautiful new smile.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Northglenn, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.