Clear aligners:
are they right for you?
You may have heard of them or may have seen them, either way, they are now the go-to solution for millions of people looking to get their teeth straightened. Clear aligners were initially invented by Zia Chishti in 1997, and gained traction in the US. However today you will find that many different companies from around the world offer their own version of this pioneering technology.
If you’re considering them but aren’t sure, or you want to know how to find the best aligners, read our article below to find out all you need to know.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners also known as invisible aligners are a modern, innovative, orthodontic treatment that act as an alternative option to dental braces. They are a set (if patients opt for upper & lower areas of their teeth) of custom-made, transparent trays made out of plastic, designed to fit patients teeth’s and gradually straighten them. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners – as the name suggests – are virtually invisible. But that’s not their only selling point, they are also easily removable, and offer a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alternative for correcting dental misalignment.
To sum this up, clear aligners offer distinct benefits compared to dental braces, these are:
– Being able to remove them easily, giving patients a more comfortable experience.
– Being transparent; allowing patients to smile more freely.
– Costs generally the same as metal braces (depending on the complexity of the treatment).
– Can be faster than metal braces to align patients teeth’s.
Having said this, it’s important to highlight how they work, what they can realistically achieve, and who they are meant for. We often advise patients seeking cosmetic treatments to seek the opinion from an expert (an orthodontic/dentist in this case) so that they will be able to give more bespoke advice on the options, and invisible aligners are no exception.
How do clear aligners work?
- A 3D scan or impression of your teeth is taken to create a custom treatment plan.
- A series of clear, plastic aligners are fabricated based on this plan.
- You wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks, typically for 20-22 hours per day.
- As you progress through the series, your teeth gradually shift into their new positions.
- Regular check-ups with your orthodontist ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
The invisible aligners are engineered to exert force on specific areas of the teeth. As the patient wears the aligner, it pushes against the teeth, encouraging them to move in the desired direction. This process is similar to traditional braces but uses removable plastic trays instead of fixed brackets and wires. This gradual approach ensures controlled and predictable tooth movement while minimising discomfort.
As the treatment progresses, each new set of aligners builds upon the movement achieved by the previous set. For your dentist, this step-by-step approach is important as it allows them to monitor how well the treatment is working for you. If for example, you wore aligners that were too strong or didn’t fit your teeth, your plan / aligners would be re-calibrated to better suit you. Assuming you experience no complications, each aligner set will move your teeth closer to their final positions – which should lead to a comfortable straight smile
After you’ve completed your treatment
Once you’ve completed your invisible aligner treatment, you will unfortunately need to keep on wearing clear aligners to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
This is where wearing a retainer comes into play. Your orthodontist will recommend either clear removable retainers (that’s often what customers opt for) or fixed wire retainers, depending on your needs. Initially, you will be advised to wear your retainers full-time, except when eating or brushing your teeth of course.
After a few months, assuming you’ve followed the instructions above, you may transition to wearing it only at night. You should also continue visiting your orthodontist to monitor your teeth and adjust your retention plan as needed. You won’t need to be reminded, but your dentist good oral hygiene is vital, so be sure to keep up with brushing, flossing, and cleaning your retainer regularly.
If you notice any shifting of your teeth, contact your orthodontist promptly, as minor shifts can often be corrected with a short course of aligners. Retention is a lifelong commitment, and while the frequency of retainer wear may decrease over time, you will likely need to use a retainer indefinitely to maintain your results. Some studies suggest a risk of dental relapse after clear aligner treatment, which further emphasises the importance of consistent retainer use.
Are they right for me?
It’s important to firstly address the age eligibility for clear aligners. These are suitable for both adults and teenagers, typically from the age of 13 and up. Teens appreciate the discretion during a potentially self-conscious phase of life, while adults often prefer them to avoid feeling or looking childlike with traditional metal braces.
Before beginning adopting this treatment, it’s crucial to have good oral health. Clear aligners require a healthy oral environment to be effective. If you have existing dental issues such as gum disease, these should be addressed before starting aligner treatment. Likewise, If your dental problem involves severe malocclusions or requires significant jaw realignment, your orthodontist might recommend alternative treatments.
The effectiveness of clear aligners depends on the patient’s commitment to wearing them consistently. For optimal results, aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. If you’re not confident in your ability to adhere to this schedule, clear aligners may not be the best option for you.
Assuming these factors are no problem for you, invisible aligners can help address:
- Overcrowding
- Small gaps between teeth
- Mild misalignments
- Minor bite problems
- Aesthetic look of your smile
How long do invisible aligners take to work?
The length of a clear aligner dental treatment varies depending on individual cases. On average, most treatments last between six months to two years. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and your specific case could differ.
Several factors can influence how long your clear aligner treatment will take:
Complexity of the Case:
Minor orthodontic issues may be resolved in as little as 6 months, while more complex cases involving severe misalignments, for example, or bite problems may require up to 18 months or more.
Age:
Teeth tend to move faster in younger patients. Teens may see results more quickly than adults, although invisible aligners remains effective for all age groups.
Compliance:
Consistent wear is crucial for timely results. Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day to achieve the desired outcome within the estimated time frame.When it comes to cost and financing, it varies depending on how long your treatment could take and how complex your case is.
Invisible/clear aligners pros and cons
How much does it cost?
The other factors that can influence the overall cost of your invisible aligner treatment are provider experience and geographic location. Highly experienced orthodontists/dentists may charge more for their expertise. Prices can also vary greatly based on local market conditions and cost of living.
In North America, clear aligner treatment typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000 for more complex cases. Prices throughout Europe and the UK are similar when factoring in currency differences. It’s worth mentioning that most patients pay for this on a monthly basis in instalments, although paying upfront can often allow patients to get a discount.
All in all, invisible aligners are a big cosmetic investment in your smile. While costs can vary, many patients find the benefits outweigh the expense. It’s essential to consult with a qualified orthodontist to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs and to explore payment options that can make treatment more affordable.