Aligners Expert in Perumbakkam
Your Trusted Partner in Aligners
Aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment option that helps straighten teeth discreetly and comfortably. We are here to offer personalized care and support throughout your aligner journey, ensuring you achieve the confident smile you deserve.
Understanding Aligners
What are aligners?
Aligners are orthodontic devices made of clear, flexible plastic that gradually straighten teeth over time. They are custom-made for each patient based on their dental impressions or digital scans. Aligners are designed to be worn for most of the day, typically around 20-22 hours, and are changed every few weeks as teeth move into their desired positions.
Who needs aligners?
Aligners are suitable for individuals with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded Teeth: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit properly.
- Spaces Between Teeth: Gaps or spaces between teeth, also known as diastema.
- Overbite: When the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.
- Crossbite: When some of the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth rather than outside.
- Open Bite: When there is space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
- Relapse After Traditional Braces: Aligners can also be used to address relapse or minor corrections after traditional braces treatment.
What are the benefits of Aligners?
- Discreet Appearance: Aligners are made of clear, transparent plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn, unlike traditional braces with metal brackets and wires.
- Comfortable: Aligners are smooth and custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth, minimizing irritation to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth.
- Removable: Aligners can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for better oral hygiene and fewer dietary restrictions compared to traditional braces.
- Customized Treatment: Each set of aligners is custom-made to gradually move teeth into their desired positions, providing precise and predictable results.
- Convenience: With fewer visits to the orthodontist for adjustments, aligner treatment offers greater convenience for individuals with busy schedules.
- No Food Restrictions: Since aligners are removable, there are no food restrictions, allowing individuals to enjoy their favorite foods without worry.
- Improved Confidence: By straightening teeth discreetly, aligners can boost self-confidence and improve the overall appearance of the smile.
- Shorter Treatment Time: In some cases, aligner treatment may be completed more quickly than traditional braces, depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issues.
- Reduced Risk of Oral Injuries: Unlike traditional braces, aligners do not have sharp metal components that can cause oral injuries or discomfort.
- Versatility: Aligners can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild to moderate cases, providing a versatile treatment option for many individuals.
What happens during the procedure?
Initial Consultation: The process begins with an initial consultation with an orthodontist or dentist specializing in aligner treatment. During this visit, the orthodontist will assess the patient’s dental condition, take dental impressions, or perform digital scans of the teeth.
Treatment Planning: Based on the dental impressions or digital scans, the orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan, including a series of aligners designed to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions.
Aligner Fabrication: The orthodontist sends the digital treatment plan to a dental laboratory, where the aligners are custom-made using advanced computer technology and 3D printing techniques.
Fitting Appointment: Once the aligners are ready, the patient returns to the orthodontist’s office for a fitting appointment. During this visit, the orthodontist ensures that the aligners fit properly and provides instructions on how to wear and care for them.
Treatment Progress: The patient wears each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, depending on the treatment plan, before progressing to the next set. Regular check-up appointments with the orthodontist are scheduled every few weeks to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Completion: Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issues and the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners as instructed. On average, aligner treatment can take anywhere from several months to a few years to complete.
What are the risks involved?
- Discomfort during the adjustment period
- Potential gum irritation or soreness
- Temporary changes in speech
- Rare allergic reactions to materials
- Risk of root resorption with prolonged use
- Unwanted tooth movement with non-compliance
- Possibility of relapse after treatment.
What are the disadvantages of Aligners?
- Limited effectiveness for severe orthodontic issues
- Requirement for consistent wear for successful treatment
- Potential longer treatment duration compared to braces
- Higher cost compared to traditional braces
- Temporary changes in speech may occur
- Requires diligent maintenance and cleaning
- Possible discomfort during treatment adjustments
- Risk of teeth shifting back without proper retention
- Not suitable for everyone due to certain dental conditions or complexities
Frequently Asked Question on Aligners
The duration of aligner treatment varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic issues and the patient’s compliance with wearing the aligners as instructed. On average, treatment can take several months to a few years to complete.
Aligners may cause some discomfort or pressure initially and during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners as the teeth adjust. However, this discomfort is usually mild and temporary.
Aligners should be worn for most of the day, typically around 20-22 hours, and changed every few weeks as teeth move into their desired positions.
Aligners should be removed for eating and drinking to prevent damage and staining. It’s essential to brush the teeth before reinserting aligners after meals.
Aligners should be cleaned regularly using a soft toothbrush and mild soap or aligner cleaning solution. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the shape of the aligners.
Adjusting to speaking with aligners may take some time, and individuals may experience temporary changes in speech or pronunciation, particularly during the initial stages of treatment.