Orthodontics: braces and aligners
Braces
Braces are one of the most effective and widely used methods for correcting bite issues. The main reason people seek orthodontic treatment is due to dental alignment problems.
- Crowded teeth: This makes it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene and can lead to infections in the mouth.
- Dystopia: When a tooth grows out of alignment or rotates, it can disrupt the smile and cause discomfort or damage to the soft tissues.
- Gaps between teeth, such as diastema or other spacing issues.
- Jaw growth issues: These affect chewing function and facial symmetry.
- Misalignment due to tooth loss, which impacts the overall shape of the dental arch.
Why are braces needed? Orthodontic treatment provides patients with:
- A straight smile and correct bite.
- A more attractive appearance.
- Enhanced facial expression.
- Balanced facial contours and improved symmetry.
What are aligners?
Aligners are clear, aesthetic trays made from a durable yet lightweight polymer, used to straighten teeth. This technology was first developed by Align Technology, which began producing aligners under the Invisalign brand more than 20 years ago.
Until 2017, Invisalign was the sole player in the aligner market, as their main patent for production expired. Since then, other companies from the US and Europe have adopted this successful technology and started producing their own similar products.
Indications for aligner treatment:
How aligner treatment works
Consultation
Treatment planning
To create a treatment plan, the dentist takes 3D digital impressions of the teeth using an intraoral scanner. This process takes anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes. Afterward, the orthodontist sends the OPG and TMG X-rays, along with the 3D scans, to the laboratory. Within a few days, the dentist receives a detailed treatment plan, which includes: the estimated treatment duration, the number of aligners, and a 3D visualization of how the jaw will shift throughout the treatment.
Aligner treatment
Aligners are made in pairs—one for the upper and one for the lower teeth. Each pair is individually packaged and numbered for your convenience. You’ll change the aligners yourself every 4 to 10 days. Throughout the treatment, you’ll need to visit your orthodontist every 2 to 3 months for professional cleanings, treatment monitoring, and, if necessary, adjustments to attachments or tooth separation. Your orthodontist will closely monitor and guide the entire treatment process
Fixing the Results
If the patient has adhered to all the guidelines for wearing the aligners, once the last pair is used, no additional treatment will be necessary, and the focus will shift to maintaining the achieved results. This is done by using a combination of a retainer and a retention cap.
The retainer is placed right after the aligners are removed and a professional oral hygiene session is performed. It is bonded to the inside of the teeth, covering six teeth at the front. Made from a transparent material, the retainer is a thin wire that’s nearly invisible and comfortable for the patient.
The retainer should be worn for at least twice as long as the treatment lasted. For example, if the aligners were used for 9 months, the retainer should be worn for at least a year and a half. The longer, the better.
To create the retention cap, the dentist will take new 3D scans of the final result and send them to the lab for production. These caps are worn for 1 to 2 years but only at night. Initially, they need to be worn every night, but after 1 to 2 months, it’s enough to wear them twice a week.