Treatment with Aligners

Aligners are dense and transparent removable caps in the shape of a cover, made of dental plastic. They are manufactured according to the individual parameters of the patient, resulting in them perfectly replicating the line of dental arches. Such caps are easy to remove and are not noticeable to others, making wearing aligners an indispensable method of treatment for people leading an active social life.

Treatment with aligners is only applied in cases where minor problems with the position of teeth are observed and if an alternative treatment with braces cannot be used to address the diagnosed issue. It is worth noting that aligners are more expensive than braces, so not everyone can afford such treatment, despite its high effectiveness.

Indications for Aligner Placement

Minor bite pathologies (open, mesial, deep).
Incorrect shape of the dental arch.
Improper position of wisdom teeth (braces cannot address this issue).
Inclination of teeth in one direction (forward/backward).
Tooth crowding.
Dysplastic teeth (rotated around their axis).
Gaps and diastemata (spaces between teeth).

Advantages of Aligner Treatment

Easy installation.
Quick adaptation.
Absence of pain during treatment.
Hypoallergenic material.
Possibility of simultaneous alignment and whitening of teeth.
Individual manufacturing and a wide range of ready-made models.

Trauma safety.
Ability to remove and put on by yourself.
Comprehensive impact on problematic teeth.
Easy care.
Comfortable wearing.
Aesthetic appeal.

Disadvantages of Aligner Treatment

Ineffective for correcting complex bite pathologies if necessary.
Cannot be used to correct a single dental unit.
Require special daily care.
Need to remove before consuming food (hot/cold), and smoking.
Require constant self-monitoring.
There is a possibility of loss or breakage, which may require some time to manufacture a new product, thereby increasing the duration of treatment.
Higher price compared to braces.

Methods of Aligner Manufacturing

Traditionally, there are already prepared factory products tailored to the specific patient for addressing minor dental issues. In more complex cases, the following types of caps are used:

Individual

Made in exact accordance with the individual parameters of the patient's teeth using impressions and 3D technologies.

Thermoplastic

The ready-made product is worn on the teeth in a heated state, after which it cools, fitting snugly to the teeth and replicating their anatomical shape.

Stages of Aligner Treatment

1. Oral cavity examination, initial diagnosis of pathology, assessment of the effectiveness of aligner treatment, development of an optimal treatment plan.

2. Secondary diagnostics, including facial images, tomography, impressions, and 3D models of the patient’s teeth.

3. Demonstration of the expected result using computer technology.

4. Manufacturing a set of caps in a dental laboratory.

5. Installation of aligners in the appropriate manner.

6. Regular preventive and corrective check-ups.

Contraindications to Aligner Treatment

Complex forms of bite pathology.
Congenital jaw anomalies.
Destruction of bone tissue.
Complex somatic diseases.
Periodontitis.
Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Recommendations for Wearing Aligners

Rules and recommendations for wearing aligners during orthodontic treatment are communicated to the patient by the specialists of the ORTHO clinic immediately after the caps are installed. They are not complicated, but for the sake of completeness, we will list them below:

1. Always remove before eating.
2. Rinse in warm water to prevent deformation under high temperature.
3. Moderate smokers may not need to remove them.
4. Thoroughly clean teeth during hygiene and always rinse, including when a toothbrush and toothpaste are not available.
5. Regularly visit the orthodontist for preventive and corrective check-ups.

You can find out the cost of treatment with aligners at the link. We will also be happy to give a comprehensive answer to all questions regarding one of the contact phone numbers on the website or during a personal meeting at the address of the clinic.