Teeth Aligners

With new techniques and dental advancements, teeth aligners have become a popular alternative to traditional braces. Teeth aligners are made of invisible thermoplastic material.  Unlike traditional metal or clear braces are, teeth aligners are completely removable; when the person needs to eat, brush their teeth, or floss.

Aligners are a discreet, comfortable alternative to traditional braces that can straighten your smile in a simpler, more comfortable way.

What are teeth aligners?

Teeth aligners are orthodontic treatments that correct misaligned or crooked teeth. Each new pair is tighter than the last one. Patients have to wear the aligners 22 hours a day and switch to the next set every two or three weeks. This process continues until the patient reaches the results they’re after. Once that happens, patients need to wear a pair of retainers to prevent future teeth movement.

Are teeth supposed to be perfectly aligned?

Alignment is more than just straight teeth. As dentists we want to make sure your tooth’s size, shape, and position in the face and mouth are correct.  When you have a problem with your bite, most probably your teeth alignment is somewhat off.

Bite problems, if untreated, can have serious consequences, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even speech problems.

What do aligners do for teeth?

Teeth aligners can be used to treat:

• Overbite- This is when the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front ones.
• Crowded teeth- When all your teeth overlap.
• Diastema-When there is a small or large gap between teeth.
• Open bite-When the front lower and upper teeth slant outward. As a result, your teeth do not touch when you shut your mouth.

How do teeth aligners work?

Aligners are designed to make small movements at a time by putting gentle pressure on your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired alignment. As we said before, you should wear the aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours a day to allow your teeth the best chance to move to their final, straighter position.

How do aligners move teeth?

Aligners are designed to move teeth a little at a time, each new set of aligners will be a little different, so your teeth move a little more with every change. Their continuous use puts gentle pressure on your teeth, this will help tip, pivot or push the teeth into the desired position.

How fast do aligners move teeth?

Each set of aligners differs by 0.25mm and will therefore move the teeth this distance. So for every 4 sets worn, your teeth will have moved by 1 mm.

What kind of aligners exist?

Clear teeth aligners are often referred to as “clear braces”, two of the top brands are SureSmile® and Invisalign®.

Can you use aligners with missing teeth?

A missing tooth won’t stop you from undergoing teeth alignment treatment. But you will need to decide whether you want to replace the tooth or close the gap permanently.

Can you get aligners with wisdom teeth?

Erupting wisdom teeth can affect the results of any orthodontic treatment, including teeth aligners and other braces. If you have impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth, we may recommend removing them before you start your aligner treatment.

How to clean teeth aligners?

You may clean your Aligners by placing them under a running tap or dipping them in tap water, rubbing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. DO NOT USE toothpaste, mouthwash or other cleaners on the Aligners, as they might cause abrasions on the Aligners.

How long does it take for aligners to straighten teeth?

The treatment time for teeth aligners is a lot less than traditional braces, with estimated treatment times at 4 to 12 months. Time varies from patient to patient.

Why do my teeth hurt with aligners?

Even though not everyone experiences discomfort or pain during their teeth aligner treatment, many people might; some patients could describe it as a light pressure on their teeth every time they switch to a new set of aligners.

How do I know that the aligners are working?

You can tell if your aligners are tracking properly if the trays align closely with the outline of your teeth. Properly tracked trays feel tight on your teeth, this is how you know they are working.

What is the age limit for braces?

If you are 14 years or above, aligner treatment is the best fit for you. We recommend adults try aligner treatment, the great thing about teeth straightening with aligners is that it is never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted!

Are teeth aligners effective?

Teeth Aligners are just as effective as the traditional braces or even more so.  They work faster as all aligner trays are customized to each patient’s exact needs during their treatment.   Aligners are more suitable for social and active lifestyles; as they are hardly distinguishable. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

Does bottle feeding affect teeth alignment?

Bottles and pacifiers are beneficial for babies and parents as they provide nourishment, satisfy baby’s natural sucking instinct, and provide comfort and security.

However, the prolonged use of bottles or pacifiers can lead to serios dental issues. Such as: misalignment of the jaw, crooked teeth or baby bottle tooth decay.

How much do teeth aligners cost?

That’s a common question. And the price depends on how complex your case is. The cost may vary due to your dental condition, what type of correction is going to be undertaken, and the time and age of each patient.

Does insurance cover teeth aligners?

Many insurance plans cover clear aligners. If you’re not sure, don’t worry! Check with your insurance provider.

What can Dr. Anna Vishart do for you?

We hope we’ve been able to shed some light on how teeth aligners work and whether it may be the best fit for you. At Digital Dental Studio, our goal is to provide the best quality care combined with advanced software technology to ensure anatomically correct teeth alignment for an esthetically pleasing smile.

We are here to help, contact us now at 1-781-471-7934 to schedule an appointment or visit our website for more information on our teeth alignment treatment: https://www.digital-dentalstudio.com/our-services-aligners/#tooth-movement