Common Misconceptions About Clear Aligner Treatment to Avoid

Date:2021-06-09 20:17:27
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Views:8083

  You may have heard that someone achieved a slimmer or smaller face through clear aligner treatment or wisdom tooth extraction, and you might be tempted to try it yourself. But can clear aligner treatment really bring noticeable changes to your facial shape? Our experts point out that clear aligner treatment cannot alter bone structure. If you wish to change your facial shape, orthognathic surgery is required. Clear aligner treatment is a corrective measure for problematic teeth, and there are certain precautions to keep in mind during treatment. Let’s take a look at the common misconceptions about clear aligner treatment that you should avoid.

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  First, clear aligner treatment cannot change bone structure

 

  Undergoing clear aligner treatment solely for facial slimming will not achieve the desired results, as orthodontic treatment cannot resolve skeletal issues. Aligning teeth alone cannot change the width of the jawbone, which is determined by the width of the mandible. Orthodontic treatment cannot narrow the entire jawbone. Some patients may feel their face looks slimmer after treatment, but the width of their jawbone remains unchanged.

 

  Second, wisdom tooth extraction does not slim the face

 

  The idea that removing wisdom teeth will reduce facial fullness is largely ineffective. This area consists not only of the mandibular angle bone but also overlying soft tissue with a certain thickness. A slight protrusion may not be very noticeable, and a slight reduction will not cause significant retraction. Therefore, this approach cannot solve the problem. To change facial appearance, orthognathic surgery is required, which is far more complex. Orthognathic surgery falls under the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, often performed jointly by orthodontic and maxillofacial surgical teams.

 

  The procedure typically involves initial orthodontic treatment, which differs from conventional treatment as its primary purpose is to prepare for surgery. The surgery may involve the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both. If the upper jaw protrudes, it is moved backward; the same applies to the lower jaw. These decisions are based on the patient’s specific condition. After orthodontic preparation, model surgery is designed to determine the exact amount of advancement or setback required before the procedure is performed. Sometimes only the upper jaw is operated on, sometimes only the lower jaw, and in other cases both jaws are treated simultaneously, making it a relatively complex surgery.

 

  Third, clear aligner treatment is limited by age

 

  Age is no longer a limiting factor for clear aligner treatment. The key consideration is the condition of the periodontal tissues. As long as the patient’s periodontal health is adequate, treatment can be performed at any age. In cases of skeletal deformities, a combination of orthodontic and orthognathic treatment may be necessary.

 

  What misconceptions about clear aligner treatment should you avoid? The above provides a detailed explanation. Experts remind us that there are many clear aligner treatment options and numerous precautions to consider. Be sure to gain a thorough understanding before proceeding with treatment.