Teeth straightening with aligners: what you need to know?

Aligners are clear aligners made of a special orthodontic plastic that gradually (although not without discomfort) move teeth into the correct position. In addition, aligners are almost invisible on the teeth.

Which is more effective: braces or aligners?

Aligners and braces are used by a doctor for the same purpose: to straighten teeth in case of a bite disorder, crowding of teeth or gaps between teeth. The advantage of aligners is better predictability: before starting treatment, the dentist models the entire process of aligning teeth on a computer, calculates how many mouthguards will be needed and how long the person will have to wear them. After the patient has familiarized himself with the model and agreed to the treatment, he is free to travel anywhere, because he can take the mouthguards with him, and he will not need urgent help from an orthodontist. Another thing is braces. If a bracket or retainer has come off the tooth, it is necessary to contact an orthodontist as soon as possible (the released metal wire injures the mucous membrane and interferes with chewing), and this can be quite difficult during a trip or in an unfamiliar city. In addition, some European doctors do not work with Ukrainian braces and may refuse correction. That is why in these uncertain times, people prefer aligners and free movement. Among the patients of the Sirius Dent Medical Center there are those whom we have never met in person. They gave us impressions of their teeth for modeling and making caps, and we send them aligners by mail and consult online.

Can I switch from braces to aligners?

Aligners can be worn after braces if the orthodontist considers it appropriate. For example, when it comes to a particularly complex medical centeral case (abnormal position of the teeth), it is impossible to use aligners immediately. The teeth are first tightened with braces or other orthodontic appliances, and then the patient is transferred to aligning the teeth with aligners.

What material are aligners made of?

Aligners are made of a special plastic that is dense enough to gradually pull the teeth into the correct position, but at the same time is transparent and almost invisible from the outside. From one and a half to two meters away, an interlocutor who does not know that a person wears aligners will not see them during communication. However, if a person wishes, the aligners can be removed during a photo shoot.

What cases do aligners correct?

Aligners help correct the bite and give the teeth a more beautiful appearance. The following symptoms indicate a pathology of the bite and the need for orthodontic treatment:

• impaired aesthetics (teeth are unevenly spaced);
• teeth wear unevenly;
• discomfort in the jaw joints;
• pain when chewing;
• muscles get tired quickly;
• it is difficult to keep the mouth open.

Aligners, like braces, are installed on both jaws at once so that the dentition is adjusted to each other. However, if a person is not satisfied with the position of the teeth, but with their color, then aligners will not help. The color of the teeth is changed by special ceramic overlays – veneers.

What can’t aligners fix?

Aligners can’t straighten teeth in severe conditions that require surgical treatment. For example, when teeth need to be removed to make room, split the jaw, or undergo other orthognathic surgery, further treatment is done with fixed orthodontic appliances. From these, you can later switch to aligners. But these are quite rare situations, occurring in one in 20 cases.

Can aligners be placed over composite veneers?

Teeth are usually straightened with aligners before composite veneers are placed, as veneers are attached to level, non-crooked teeth. In addition, this way the teeth are moved in advance to a position where the loss of their own tissue during preparation will be minimal.

If a person already has ceramic crowns or veneers installed on their teeth, aligners are the only way to straighten their teeth, because it is simply impossible to attach braces to a ceramic surface.

What do you need to do to put aligners on crooked teeth?

Before putting aligners on crooked teeth, you need to prepare the oral cavity: conduct professional hygiene, cure caries and other diseases. Aligners are placed exclusively on healthy teeth. The next stage is taking impressions of the teeth or scanning and designing the treatment. If necessary, attachments (retention points) made of photopolymer filling material are installed on some teeth, which help the aligners move them more effectively, or teeth are ground. Next, the first set of mouthguards is made and put on by the patient. It should be worn for the longest time – three weeks, until the bite destabilizes. Subsequent sets of mouthguards are changed every 10-14 days, and improvements in the position of the teeth become noticeable after three sets of mouthguards.

What should you soak your aligners in?

Aligners do not need to be soaked because they are in your mouth almost all the time (except when eating). Daily brushing is enough. But if after a few days of wearing your aligners you feel that plaque has formed, you can use special tablets for removable orthodontic structures, which are sold at the pharmacy.

How to clean aligners?

When straightening teeth with aligners, adequate oral hygiene is especially important. After all, ignoring the recommendations of the dentist can end up with straight teeth affected by caries. Therefore, aligners should be removed every time before eating or drinking any drinks, except water, and after a meal, thoroughly brush both teeth and mouthguards with a regular toothbrush. For the gaps between the teeth, you should use a brush. If you do everything correctly, the likelihood that the teeth under the aligners will get sick is minimal.