Are you yearning for a flawless smile? Crooked teeth may affect your self-esteem and increase the risk of other dental problems like tooth decay and gum issues. As an adult, one may hesitate to use traditional braces to straighten teeth.
Aligners are an excellent solution to align crooked teeth. They are transparent and invisible to the naked eye. These clear trays snugly fit over teeth without causing irritation to the mouth.
About Clear Aligners
They are a great innovation in orthodontic treatment. A series of aligner trays apply gentle pressure to the misaligned teeth to push them into their desired positions.
It corrects mild to moderate malocclusion. It may take approximately six to eighteen months for aligners to fix the orientation of the teeth.
Since they are transparent and invisible, aligners are also known as Clear Aligners.
How to Use Clear Aligners?
The dentist instructs patients to wear aligners for 22 hours per day. Each tray is worn for two weeks and then switched to the next set of aligner trays.
How Are Aligners Designed?
The clear aligners are customized according to the patient’s teeth and jaws.
Your dentist will take a digital impression of your mouth.
3D scan models are made out of digital impressions.
The dentist uses these 3D models of the mouth to plan the treatment.
After finalizing treatment, the aligners are fabricated using a unique technique: Thermoforming Process.
Thermoforming is a process in which the plastic sheet is heated until it is pliable. This heated sheet is then draped over a 3D model of the patient’s teeth. It is then vacuum-formed to take the shape of the teeth. Once the plastic is cooled and solidified, the excess material is removed, and the edges are polished.
All the trays are made with slight modifications to bring out teeth movement as planned.
Who Needs Aligner Trays?
Aligner trays can rearrange teeth in the following cases:
Crowded Teeth
Rotated or Crooked teeth
Bite Issues:
OverBite
CrossBite
OpenBite
Gapped Teeth
Aligners address the following problems as well:
People with difficulty in chewing.
People with poor speech clarity.
People who cannot close their mouths properly.
People who are experiencing jaw pain for a very long time.
People should approach their dentist if they are experiencing any of the above issues with their teeth. Resolving these problems as early as possible can save them from future trouble.
What Are the Advantages of Opting for Aligners over Traditional Braces?
| Characteristic Features | Aligners | Traditional Metallic Braces |
| Aesthetics | Transparent, Invisible to the naked eye. | Bulky metallic wires and brackets. Easily visible. |
| Removability | They can be removed before eating and drinking beverages. | Metal brackets are bonded to the teeth. |
| Oral Hygiene | Since it is removable, it is easy to maintain routine oral care. | It is challenging to maintain teeth with braces. |
| Predictable Results | Patients can see the probable treatment outcomes with a technologically advanced virtual set-up. | They do not use virtual set-ups, hence unpredictable treatment outcomes. |
| Comfort | The smooth and sleek design of aligners makes them super-comfortable to wear. | Braces are bulky. It may cause mouth soreness throughout the treatment. |
| Duration | It takes less time than traditional braces. | It takes more time than aligners. |
| Clinic Visits | Patients can visit once every two to three months for check-ups. | Monthly clinical visits is mandatory. |
Cost of Clear Aligners in India.
The average cost of aligners ranges between Rs 45,000 to Rs 1,20,000.
It depends on various factors like:
Dentist’s fee: The pricing of teeth aligners includes professional fees charged by your dentist. It influences the total cost of the treatment.
Complexity of the Case: The more complex the case, the more trays are needed to align teeth. Every tray adds up to the cost of the treatment.
Locality of the Clinic: Clinics in urban areas have higher overhead expenses, such as higher rents, utilities, and staff wages. Economically prospering regions may charge more than other places.
Precautions with Aligners:
Oral Care: The patients must maintain their oral hygiene throughout the treatment to prevent secondary dental problems like tooth decay, gum issues and plaque build-up.
Aligner Care: Aligners should be cleaned every day with running tap water and mild disinfectant. Do not use hot water or harsh chemicals to clean aligners. Rinse aligners with denture cleaning tablets to remove bacteria and odour.
Storage: Store aligners safely in the retainer case to prevent any physical damage. Do not leave it in your pocket or table unattended.
In Case of Damage: If you misplace or damage your aligners, promptly notify your dentist.
Summary:
Aligners are low-maintenance devices to straighten misaligned teeth seamlessly. Trendy and stylish aligners have gained immense popularity and cater to the needs of all age groups. Patients can carry out their routine work without any discomfort. Backed by the latest technology, they are accurate and give faster results than braces. If you feel aligners are the one-stop solution for your dental needs, consult your dentist today and get started on the journey of a healthy and beautiful smile.
