Straightening teeth with aligners
Clear, fully transparent dental aligners are the perfect choice for patients who prefer a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
Clear, fully transparent dental aligners are the perfect choice for patients who prefer a discreet alternative to traditional braces. This advanced orthodontic system is crafted from a thin, fully transparent material, making it almost undetectable when worn. Furthermore, patients can maintain their usual routines, as the aligners are removable and require minimal maintenance or dental visits. The treatment process is carefully planned using digital technology, ensuring that each aligner precisely shifts the teeth towards the predicted final alignment.
Each aligner is custom-made for the patient and works by applying gentle pressure via attachments bonded to the teeth using tooth-coloured material. Aligners can effectively address issues such as gaps between teeth, crowding, misalignment, crossbite, and open bite.
Advantages of dental straightening aligners:
- Invisible. Aligners are made from clear, translucent materials, making them almost unnoticeable, unlike braces, which require a visible metal arch.
- No discomfort. With no metal brackets or wires, aligners provide a comfortable experience, free from irritation or discomfort.
- Fewer monthly visits are required. For optimal progress, orthodontic check-ups with aligners are only needed every 3-4 months. In contrast, traditional braces typically require visits every 6-8 weeks, depending on the type of braces used.
- Convenient for people on the move. Travelling can make it difficult to maintain the meticulous dental care that braces require—wearing aligners means you can brush your teeth simply by removing them, or you can feel free to floss and use other handy tools. In addition, aligners do not require frequent elastic replacements, reducing the risk of complications.
- Removable if necessary. Since aligners are removable, they do not impose dietary restrictions, unlike metal braces, which can break when eating hard foods.
Disadvantages of dental straightening aligners:
- More expensive compared to braces. Aligners tend to be more costly than traditional braces, but most patients find the comfort, ease of treatment, and low maintenance worth the investment.
- Regular removal and insertion. Aligners must be removed before eating and reinserted afterward—some patients may feel self-conscious about doing this in public settings such as restaurants or office lunches.
- Increased risk of complications with improper use. Failure to wear aligners consistently or forgetting to put them back in after meals can extend the treatment duration beyond the initial plan.
Detailed examination.
01
Consultation.
A comprehensive assessment is carried out, including photographs of the teeth and face, X-rays, and a 3D intraoral scan to gather all necessary data for bite analysis.
02
Coordination and approval of the digital treatment plan.
The orthodontist creates a personalised digital treatment plan and presents it to the patient in video format for review. The patient is shown the projected tooth movements and the expected final alignment of their teeth. Where feasible, the treatment plan can be modified based on the patient’s feedback or preferences. After approval, the aligners are custom-manufactured.
03
Fitting the aligners.
The aligners are fitted, and any necessary attachments, clasps, or other elements are bonded, with precise interdental polishing if required.
04
Follow-up visits.
Regular check-ups are scheduled to carry out any necessary procedures.
05
Evaluation and improvement of the result.
A final evaluation is conducted to determine whether the treatment plan has successfully met both the patient’s and orthodontist’s expectations. If all aligners have been worn but further corrections are needed, a new 3D scan is taken, and additional aligners are produced.
06
Removal of attachments, clasps and other elements.
All additional elements used in the treatment are removed.
07
Maintenance phase.
To maintain the corrected alignment, retainers are fitted, either in the form of bonded wires on the inner surfaces of the teeth or custom-made removable retainers.
Recommendations before treatment:
- a professional dental cleaning is recommended at least 6-12 months before beginning orthodontic treatment.
- All decayed teeth should be treated, and any leaking or defective fillings should be replaced before starting orthodontic treatment.
Your questions
Find out answers to the most common aligner treatment questions
Are aligners noticeable to others?
Aligners are made from thin, transparent plastic and are often called invisible orthodontics due to their discreet appearance. Aligners are nearly invisible and very comfortable to wear, allowing patients to maintain their daily routines without disruption.
Can I remove my aligners when eating or sleeping?
The success of aligner treatment relies on consistent wear. Aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day and removed only for eating and brushing. Aligners must be worn while sleeping.
Does wearing aligners cause pain?
Aligner treatment is not painful, but when switching to a new aligner, some tightness or mild soreness in the gums may occur for a few days, which gradually subsides as the teeth adjust. The level of discomfort varies for each patient, depending on tooth alignment and individual sensitivity.
How long does aligner treatment take?
In some cases, aligner treatment is quicker than braces, but the duration depends on the complexity of the case, the patient’s compliance, and the natural speed of tooth movement. Aligners should be worn at all times, except during meals and oral hygiene routines. Consistent wear is essential for achieving the desired results and ensuring a successful treatment outcome.
On average, aligner treatment takes 1-3 years, but the duration may vary based on factors such as case complexity, age, bone structure, root shape, patient compliance, and tooth movement speed.
What age group is suitable for aligner treatment?
Aligner treatment is most commonly used by adults and older children who are motivated to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, ensuring smooth and effective treatment. Even younger children with mixed dentition can be treated using aligners designed to accommodate growing permanent teeth.
Modern aligners are generally as effective as braces, but each method has its own advantages and limitations. In certain cases, aligners offer a quicker, simpler, and more comfortable treatment experience. However, some cases may require a longer treatment period with aligners compared to braces, or a combination of aligners, braces, and additional orthodontic tools to achieve the best results. A thorough examination and analysis of the patient’s case is conducted before treatment begins to determine the most suitable orthodontic solution.
I treat every patient as a friend, ensuring a warm welcome, expert care, and exceptional service, so they leave with a smile and joy. I complete every treatment only when the best possible outcome is achieved.
Domantas Girskis / Prosthetist Dr. dentist