Clear aligners
In today's world, having a great smile is essential, and it's tough to feel confident if your smile isn't exactly how you want it to be.
What are teeth aligners?
Teeth aligners are a well-established, medically and practically proven method for straightening teeth. They're widely utilized worldwide, often referred to as „clear aligners“. Aligners, or clear aligners-are a modern, transparent alternative to traditional metal fixed braces. Aligners are crafted from durable medical-grade plastic, which is clear and custom-made for each individual based on a 3D scan of their teeth. This ensures they are designed to fit the shape of your teeth, offering both comfort and aesthetics. They are used to gradually align teeth to a precisely planned position, achieved by wearing a series of aligners over a specific period. Each aligner gently nudges the teeth until the desired result is achieved. At Smile Store, we utilize aligners crafted with cutting-edge USA technology-which is renowned and embraced worldwide
Teeth aligners are a great option for those seeking a discreet and effective orthodontic solution, without metal brackets and wires which differ from traditional fixed braces.
How do teeth aligners work?
Teeth aligners work by gradually shifting teeth into the desired position through a series of clear plastic trays worn by the user. Each aligner is customized to apply gentle pressure to specific teeth, resulting in their gradual movement. The patient receives a series of trays, with each tray typically worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next in the series. During this time, the teeth are slowly but steadily moved towards the final position determined at the beginning of the treatment using precise 3D scans of the teeth and computer simulations of teeth straightening. This technology allows for great precision in treatment and predictable, accurate results,which is a significant advantage compared to traditional methods of correction with fixed braces.
Simply put, each aligner gently pushes the teeth in a slightly different way, and through regular replacement of aligners, the ultimate goal is achieved – properly aligned teeth and a beautiful smile.
Is wearing aligners painful?
Wearing teeth aligners is not painful. Typically, patients may feel slight pressure or discomfort in the first few days after starting to wear a new aligner. This is completely normal and a sign that the aligners are doing their job, exerting pressure on the teeth, and thereby moving them in the desired direction towards the targeted position. This discomfort is usually very mild and temporary. Most patients easily adapt to wearing aligners within the first few days.
Compared to traditional fixed braces, teeth aligners are much more comfortable because there are no metal parts that can irritate or injure the inside of the mouth. So, if you feel pressure, don't worry, it's temporary and a sign that your smile is transforming into the desired and correct shape. So, if you feel pressure, don't worry, it's temporary and a sign that your smile is transforming into the desired and correct shape.
What are the advantages of teeth aligners compared to fixed braces?
The first advantage that users appreciate the most is their aesthetic appeal, which means that the aligners are nearly invisible and transparent, making them a more aesthetically pleasing choice. Many users have highlighted this as their top advantage, as a lot of their friends didn't even realize they were wearing aligners.
Another benefit, as users often mention, is comfort. They're less irritating to the inside of the mouth since there are no metal parts or screws, making them much more comfortable for daily wear.
And thirdly, aligners are incredibly convenient. You can take them out whenever you need to, like when eating or having certain drinks, so there's no need to worry about dietary restrictions.
One of the advantages that we would like to emphasize on the most is hygiene. Aligners can be easily removed during tooth brushing and flossing, allowing for thorough cleaning of teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities that wearing traditional braces can cause.
How many hours a day should I wear the aligner for my teeth?
Aligners for straightening your teeth should be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Ideally, the aligners should only be removed when eating or drinking anything other than water, as well as during tooth brushing. This ensures that the aligners have enough time to effectively exert pressure on the teeth and gradually move them into the desired position. Consistent wearing of the aligners is crucial for the success of the treatment, as interruptions and shortened wearing times can significantly slow down the teeth straightening process and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore, it's important to organize daily routines around this wearing schedule to achieve optimal results. Adjusting to this wearing regimen usually doesn't take long, and most patients quickly forget they're even wearing them due to their comfort and discreetness.
How long do you wear one aligner/set of aligners for?
Each user receives their aligners in advance for a specific part of the treatment, and one aligner (or a complete set for the upper and lower jaw) is worn for 2 weeks before moving on to the next aligner. This wearing period for one aligner may vary depending on the orthodontist's instructions and the specific treatment plan tailored individually for each user based on 3D scans of their teeth. Each new set of aligners is slightly differently shaped, gradually and gently shifting the teeth towards the desired position.
How long does the entire treatment last?
Most teeth straightening treatments last between 6 and 18 months, depending on each individual situation and the required degree of teeth correction. Occasionally, in more complex cases, the treatment can last up to 2 years.
It would be best to come in for our free consultation, where based on 3D scans of your teeth, we can determine exactly how much time and how many aligners are needed to straighten your teeth to the desired state.
Additional factors influencing the duration of teeth straightening treatment?
The first factor influencing the duration of teeth straightening treatment is the complexity of the case itself. More severe cases of dental irregularities, such as severely misaligned teeth or serious bite issues, may require a longer treatment duration.
The second factor would certainly be related to adherence to wearing instructions. If the patient strictly follows the instructions for wearing teeth aligners, it significantly and positively impacts the treatment , and the required wearing time for the aligners will be as initially predicted during the examination. On the other hand, disregarding the rules for wearing aligners can prolong the straightening process.
The third factor would be the age of the user, although this can also be individual and vary from person to person. Generally , younger patients often achieve faster results due to the easier adaptability of tissues and bones.
How to take care of your aligners?
Maintaining aligners is simple and doesn't require much time. It's important to regularly clean them to avoid potential buildup of bacteria and food residues, which can lead to cavities or gum disease. Aligners should be cleaned twice a day, preferably before wearing them in the morning and before bedtime, just like when you normally brush your teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap, and avoid abrasive toothpaste that can scratch the aligners. All of our users receive detailed instructions. After brushing, rinse the aligners with cold or lukewarm water. Also, avoid hot water as it can deform the plastic. With regular and proper cleaning, your aligners will remain clean, safe to use, and almost invisible when in your mouth. Proper aligner maintenance is crucial not only for preserving their transparency and functionality but also for maintaining optimal oral hygiene throughout the entire wearing period.
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