Is Clear Aligner Treatment Really Invisible? Is It Good?

Date:2021-03-03 22:07:15
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Views:7351

      For many adults, the idea of wearing metal braces for orthodontic treatment is hard to accept. They don't want their appearance to be compromised. Clear aligners solve this problem. So, how do clear aligners work "invisibly"?

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      Clear aligners have been developed in recent years, and this technology differs significantly from traditional orthodontics. First, the dentist uses a computer to create a 3D reconstruction of the patient's teeth, analyzing which teeth need correction. Then, the computer adjusts the tooth positions. For example, if a tooth needs to move 2mm, it can be done in 10 steps, with each step moving 0.2mm. The image after each step is output, and aligners are made accordingly. The patient wears these aligners for correction. These aligners are made of plastic, with a thickness of about a fraction of a millimeter, fitting over the teeth and applying force. It's hard for others to notice that you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

    The process of clear aligner treatment is actually quite simple.

    You change to a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks and visit your orthodontist regularly for check-ups. Wear the aligners for 22 hours a day (no less than 20 hours), and you can remove them when eating and brushing. The entire treatment duration ranges from six months to a year and a half (depending on individual circumstances). Over time, your teeth gradually shift into place.

    Advantages of clear aligners compared to traditional braces:

    Aesthetics: Traditional braces can make your lips protrude, affecting your overall appearance. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are less than 1mm thick, transparent, and almost completely invisible. People around you won't easily notice them, and even when you look in the mirror, you'll have to look closely to see them!

    Comfort: Traditional braces can be painful, and the brackets often irritate the inside of the mouth, leading to canker sores. Clear aligners spare you from that discomfort. They have a smooth surface and won't cause abrasions or mouth ulcers, making your entire orthodontic journey more comfortable!

    Time: Fewer office visits are required. With traditional braces, you need a monthly check-up. With clear aligners, you only need to visit every 2-3 months, so you don't have to worry about missing appointments due to business trips.

    Hygiene: With traditional braces, food easily gets stuck in the brackets and wires, making cleaning quite troublesome. Clear aligners are different. You can remove them while eating, so you don't have to worry about this issue at all, and they are much easier to keep clean!

    Convenience: If you have an important social event where you'd prefer not to wear your aligners, you can simply remove them yourself without needing a special trip to the clinic. It's very convenient and quick!

    Results: Clear aligner treatment offers a preview of the expected outcome. In orthodontics, we often focus on the final result, worrying about spending money without achieving the desired effect. With clear aligners, you can see your teeth's transformation firsthand, avoiding the disappointment of unmet expectations.

    Is clear aligner treatment suitable for everyone?

    Clear aligners are suitable for mild to moderate dental misalignment, including individual tooth displacement, crowded teeth, irregular teeth, gaps between teeth, anterior crossbite (underbite, concave profile), anterior overjet (protruding teeth, convex profile), deep bite (or overbite), retruded mandible, bimaxillary protrusion, lip protrusion, and anterior open bite (narrow, long face).

    【Friendly Reminder】Since clear aligner treatment requires a high level of technical expertise, only reputable dental clinics can deliver optimal results. Therefore, it's essential to choose a qualified dental institution for your clear aligner treatment and to schedule regular check-ups to optimize the treatment outcome as needed.