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CLEAR ALIGNERS

Understanding CLEAR ALIGNERS: More Than Just a Procedure

Clear aligners have seen a surge in popularity in the last decade. They were popularized by Invisalign in the early 2000s, which slowly became the largest brand of aligners

Clear aligners are plastic models of your teeth. When you wear them, they apply mild pressure that gradually repositions your teeth. Tooth-coloured attachments can help hold your aligners in place if necessary. Unlike braces, which remain fixed to your teeth at all times, clear aligners like Invisalign can be removed easily.

It is clear why clear aligners and Invisalign are so popular right now:

Clear and transparent

Removable

Allow for easier brushing and flossing

Faster than braces for some limited treatments

Require less appointments in some cases

Shorter appointments are sometimes possible

 

BRACES vs CLEAR ALIGNERS? A Deeper Dive

 

Braces are the most popular way to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites in children. They don’t only come in the shiny metal form of years past. Many more options are now available.

Our orthodontist will prescribe braces based on your needs and your preferences. Your braces may consist of bands, wires, and other fixed or removable corrective tools, or appliances. No one method works for everyone.

 

There are 5 main types of braces available today:

Metal braces
Ceramic braces
Self-ligating braces
Lingual braces
Clear aligners like Invisalign

METAL/TRADITIONAL BRACES
Metal or traditional braces are the most common type of braces world-wide and have been around for over 100 years now. In the past, braces were very bulky and noticeable. Luckily, braces today are nothing like what they were 100 years ago. Advances in innovation and technology have made braces:
Smaller
Faster
More Comfortable
More Effective
Metal braces are most popular among children and adolescent patients. They work by applying the braces to the teeth and connecting them with a wire. The wire is tied to the braces using elastic ties, which come in an array colors to choose from. To move the teeth, the orthodontist makes adjustments to the wire at your appointments every 4-8 weeks.
Unlike clear aligners like Invisalign which are removable, some parents and patients love metal braces because they do not need to remind their child to wear them. However, metal braces require care and attention and good oral hygiene is a must throughout treatment.
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are braces made of clear, tooth colored material. They work in the same way as metal braces, but are more discreet and less visible. Ceramic braces are most popular among patients who do not think Invisalign or lingual braces are right for them, but who still want to straighten their teeth in a discreet and affordable way. These patients tend to be esthetically-driven adolescents and adults.
Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are less noticeable and present an affordable alternative to metal braces. You should know, however, that these braces are also slightly larger than metal braces and can stain depending diet and brushing habits. They are not for everybody, but we believe they remain a valuable tool in our orthodontic tool-bag.
SELF-LIGATING BRACE
Self-ligating braces work similarly to metal and ceramic braces and are available in metal or clear/ceramic material. They too rely on braces and a wire to move the teeth. The difference between self-ligating braces compared to metal or ceramic braces is that self-ligating braces use doors or clips to hold the wire in place, rather than elastic rubber ties.
We have found that self-ligating braces result in mildly shorter appointment times because of how easy they are to adjust. They are therefore a good choice for:
Patients who are more sensitive to discomfort
Patients who cannot sit still in the dental chair for very long
Patients with developmental delays and orthodontic need.
LINGUAL BRACES
Lingual or invisible braces are braces that sit on the back side of the teeth. As a result, hidden lingual braces have the unique advantage of being the only truly invisible way of straightening teeth! This makes them the treatment option of choice for teens and adults wanting a smile transformation without anybody knowing.
 
CLEAR ALIGNERS
Invisalign is the biggest manufacturer of clear aligners. Invisalign is made of clear, transparent, and removable plastic sheets that wrap around your teeth.
It usually comes in a series and each consecutive aligner moves teeth ever so slightly towards your goal of complete alignment. Our team prides itself on delivering the most custom treatment plan for your specific needs.
This means that all our clear aligners are made to address your unique orthodontic problems in a timely manner.
 

 

 A Deeper DiveDiagnosing the Need for CLEAR ALIGNERS: Signs and Symptoms

1.You’re a Teen or Adult

2. You Have Mild to Moderate Issues

3. You Want a Shorter Treatment Time

4. You Have a Busy or Active Lifestyle

5. You Want a Comfortable Experience

6. You Want Better Oral Hygiene

7. You Have Dental Anxiety

The Procedure: What to Expect During CLEAR ALIGNERS treatment

Our Specialist Orthodontist will ask questions about your health, do a clinical exam, take a digital scan of your teeth, take photos of your face and teeth, and order X-rays of your mouth and head. They’ll come up with a treatment plan based on this information.

1. Consultation
Visit our specialist orthodontist to see if Invisalign is right for you.
He will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment goals.
2. Custom Treatment Plan
3D scans or moulds of your teeth are made to create a digital treatment plan.
You’ll see a virtual model of how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like.

3. Aligners are Made
Based on the treatment plan, a series of custom aligners are created just for you.
Each aligner is designed to gradually move your teeth into the correct position.

4. Start Wearing Aligners
You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next one.
Aligners should be worn 20-22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing.
5. Regular Checkups
Visit us every 4-6 weeks to monitor progress and get new aligners.
6. Complete the Treatment
Once all the aligners are used and your teeth are in the right position, the treatment is complete.
The total time depends on your case, usually 6-18 months.
7. Retainers
After finishing Invisalign, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position and prevent shifting.       Technology : Invisalign employs a cutting-edge technology that utilizes a series of custom-made, clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. These aligners are made from a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan and are designed to fit snugly over your teeth. The aligners exert a constant, gentle force that moves the teeth over time. 
The technology behind Invisalign is a result of extensive research and innovation in orthodontics. The process begins with a 3D scan of your teeth, which is used to map out a precise treatment plan. This plan outlines the exact movements of your teeth and the duration of your treatment.
Clear Aligners are best suited for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. If your problems are more severe, Invisalign can still be incorporated into your treatment plan to minimize your overall treatment time and achieve an excellent result.
We do this by combining traditional braces with Invisalign to play to each system’s strengths. We call this hybrid treatment. Hybrid treatment often results in faster, more esthetic and more comfortable orthodontic treatment.

Dispelling Common Myths About CLEAR ALIGNERS

 

 Myth 1: They Aren’t as Effective as Traditional Braces

This myth stems from the fact that aligners are made of plastic material, and there is a misconception that they are not capable of moving teeth. This is a false premise, as the mechanics of clear aligners and braces are very differen
Myth 2: Invisible Braces Are Only for Adults
This one is perhaps the biggest misconception that there is. Yes, the original purpose was to offer a convenient yet subtle method of orthodontic treatment for adults. Nowadays, with aesthetics highly sought after, aligners are also used to treat teenagers as well.
Myth 3: Invisible Braces Only Treat Minor Issues
There is this belief that to correct major orthodontic issues, you need the traditional metal braces to get the job done right. In the early days of technology, that may have been the truth. But the functionality behind invisible braces has come a long, long way.
Myth 4: Invisible Braces are less sore than braces
There is always a degree of discomfort involved in tooth movement, whether it is with braces or clear aligners. However, with clear aligners, there is the benefit that you will not experience the common emergencies of braces, such as brackets coming off and wires poking through and causing ulcerations to the cheek.
Myth 5: Invisible Braces Take Longer to Work
Depending on the problems being corrected, this is untrue. Clear aligners are just as effective at moving teeth as traditional braces. However, there is a certain amount of diligence required. The aligners can only move teeth if they are on them. Since they are removable, the amount of time you keep the aligners in for (recommended 20-22 hours a day) plays a large part in the overall treatment progression

 

Recovery and Aftercare

 

Recovery and Aftercare
DO’s of Invisalign aftercare:
Regular dental check-ups
Brushing and flossing regularly
Wearing Invisalign trays for the recommended time
Eating a balanced diet
Keeping the trays clean and hygienic

DONT’s of Invisalign aftercare
Eating or drinking with the trays on
Using whitening products with the trays on
Forgetting to wear the trays for the recommended time
Smoking or using tobacco products
Ignoring dental check-ups and cleanings.

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FAQs

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Yes, you can get aligners even if you’ve already had braces. 


Clear aligners can be as effective as braces if you wear them for at least 20–22 hours a day. 

Treatment time depends on the severity of the issue and the type of treatment. 


There may be some discomfort at first or after adjustments, but it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Our orthodontist will monitor your progress with regular checkups and make adjustments as needed. 

You’ll need to wear a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth in their new position. 

During the first three months after braces or clear aligners, you should wear your retainers all of the time. After that point, you can likely transition to wearing them only at night

Other clear aligner brands are available, often at a lower cost, but they may not offer the same level of precision or quality. If cost is a concern, discussing alternative treatments or payment plans with our Specialist Orthodontist can help.

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“Welcome to Platinum Dentistry, where your smile is our top priority. Our expert team offers comprehensive dental care, specializing in general dentistry, endodontics, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. We are dedicated to providing personalized care with state-of-the-art technology in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Whether you need routine cleanings, braces, a root canal, or a complete smile makeover, our skilled professionals are here to ensure you receive the highest quality treatment.  

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