Opening Introduction

There comes a time in almost everyone’s life when they need to take their braces off, whether it's graduation, wedding, portrait pictures, public-facing job or anything in between. As people seek esthetic treatments, they are increasingly seeking alternatives to fixed metal orthodontic systems.

It is here where interdisciplinary approach with Clear Aligners come into play, as they are an esthetic and comfortable option for orthodontic treatment that allows doctors to customize treatment to their patients while keeping them smiling.

We at Transalign Dental Lab strongly believe that first impression comes from your smile in which can be your greatest asset. As a result, and to provide the greatest experience possible to the dental practice, through the unique fusion between advanced technology and classical work, Transalign professionals has developed the Clear Aligner Technology, that considered the first in the world, not only to straighten teeth, but also to treat both dental arch alignment and facial and jaw muscle alignment problems simultaneously, and improve their oral functions too preventing future dental setbacks. Children, teenagers, and adults can all be treated with this technique and it has no age restrictions.

What are Clear Aligners?

The Clear Aligner technology has evolved remarkably in the last two decades to become one of the most advanced orthodontic devices today, as it is a great alternative to traditional braces for guiding teeth into the right position. A set of clear aligners works similarly to braces in that they gradually apply force to the teeth, but without the use of metal wires or brackets.

Understanding the mechanics of tooth movement using aligners could lead to the more appropriate selection of patients and more accurate treatment sequencing, leading to better results. A clear aligner treatment can be performed by an orthodontist or dentist or by the patient themselves using home-based systems.

The materials used in Clear Aligners

Aligners are transparent trays composed of thermoplastic that are custom-fitted to each patient's dental arches. Besides, clear aligners also use:

1. Polypropylene.
2. Polycarbonate.
3. Thermoplastic Polyurethanes.
4. Ethylene-vinyl Acetate.

Since clear aligners are transparent, the natural teeth show through, which is one of the key reasons why they are so successful, allowing patients to talk and smile with confidence throughout their treatment.

Furthermore, the material used in clear aligners is durable, long-lasting, and effective in progressively straightening teeth.

The Treatment Process of Clear Aligners

At your first appointment, your dentist will examine your oral cavity for abnormalities, decayed teeth, infections, etc. Additionally, he will examine both sides of your bite. By evaluating the severity of malalignment, he can determine the duration, course, and cost of treatment. Once you and your dentist decide to use clear aligners, your doctor will take impressions of your teeth and take clinical photos and x-rays.

Nowadays, digital scans are the preferred method of dentistry. For the patient, it is a much more comfortable experience. It is safe. Despite the fact that not every scanner is created equal, it is accurate. A digital scan file can be sent to a laboratory for review with the click of a button (compared to a physical impression that must be packaged and shipped). After that, a treatment plan will be developed based on a 3D scan of your teeth and jaws, so you will be able to see how the finished outcome will look even before you begin treatment.

This is one of the areas where the Invisalign process has been innovative, those 3D scans or impressions that were taken during your consult are fed into the Invisalign computer program. Based on the 3D model, the system determines the correct alignment of the teeth. A calculation is then made to take the teeth from the initial scan to the final proposed appearance.

In case of satisfaction with the visualized final result, the transparent aligners will be custom-created for you using the latest technology. This is the part of the process that many people are unaware exists. Aligners themselves are not 3D printed. Instead, each stage of the treatment involves printing a model of the teeth. Here is where most of the cost of clear aligner manufacturing is incurred.

As with every other step in the process, the accuracy of the 3D printers and the quality of the resins used will affect the quality of the aligners.

Once the models are printed, the aligners can be fabricated. To form teeth, a thin thermoplastic sheet is heated until it becomes a forming temperature and applied to a mold. As soon as the aligners have cooled and hardened, they are trimmed and the edges buffed smooth. In either case, these processes can be carried out by hand or by a machine.

Clear aligners are now more efficient and accurate than ever thanks to technological advancements. Although all manufacturing processes follow the same basic steps, different approaches at each step can have a significant impact on the final product. We advise consumers not choosing the lowest cost option. A clear aligner treatment can be performed by an orthodontist or dentist or by the patient themselves using home-based systems.

How Long Do Aligners Take to Work

Most times, treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 24 months, the average time is 15 months, time varies based on the severity of the case. In the case of an adult who had braces as a child, it takes a shorter time to straighten teeth. These appliances will be used to move the teeth into the desired position. The number of aligners necessary to correct misaligned teeth depends on a patient's orthodontic problem and how extensive it is.

To achieve maximum effectiveness, aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day. Typically, each aligner is worn for three weeks before changing to the next one, patients will be responsible for putting in and removing the aligners.

Can Clear Aligners Cause Teeth Damage?

During the treatment period, you should avoid some practices that can result in tooth damage, such as:

1. If You wearing them while eating.
2. If you don't regularly clean them.
3. If you keep them in unhygienic conditions.
4. If you did not brush and/or floss your teeth prior to wearing them.
5. If you did not keep them in a clean, ventilated aligner case.
6. If you use your aligners beyond the period recommended by your doctor can severely damage gums.

Furthermore, sugary beverages, flavored drinks, juices, and sodas may cause discoloration of the aligners and can encourage bacteria to flourish, causing your teeth to decay more easily.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

1. A comprehensive treatment plans.
2. Accurate: as each aligner acts as a retainer in the first week of wearing.
3. Shorter treatment times: straightening your teeth in just 10 to 24 months.
4. Avoid common metal braces pitfalls and less pain.
5. Protect your mouth from uncomfortable sores.
6. Gentle on gums and soft tissue.
7. Maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine.
8. No stains, cracks or breakage.
9. Reducing the frequency of dental visits, as there are no wires to change out, or brackets to attach, tighten or repair.
10. Removable, allowing you to eat and drink comfortably.
11. Being aware of exactly what you're getting.
12. Feeling confident as clear aligners can effectively straighten your smile without anyone knowing it's orthodontic treatment.
13. Eco-Friendly, as you can return the aligner to the doctor after the treatment period is finished in order to reduce plastic waste for a pollution free environment.

Differences Between Clear Aligners & Braces

Clear Aligners	Braces
Invisible	Visible
Removable	Not removable
Oral hygiene is unaffected	Hygiene is difficult to maintain
Habits of eating remain the same	Difficulty in eating food
Convenient and comfortable	Irritation and discomfort source
Appointments are minimal	Appointments that are overly long
Fewer visits required	More frequent visits required
Results can be visualized even before the treatment starts	Results cannot be visualized

In recent years, clear aligners have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating Class I, II, and III misalignments, including simple tooth movement and more complex conditions. Due to their aesthetic appearance, they are gaining popularity among patients and dentists.

Cases that clear aligners can fix:

• 1. Deep Bite Correction:

An overlap of more than 30% between the upper and lower front teeth. Realigning all of your shifting teeth into its place is the first step towards deep bite correction. Afterwards, you should replace any missing back teeth that may be the cause of the problem.

• 2. Open Bite Correction:

An open bite most commonly occurs when your top and bottom teeth are not aligned when your mouth is fully closed. The teeth slant outward, creating a gap between the top and bottom front teeth.

• 3. Overbite Correction:

Overbites occur when your upper teeth protrude outwards and overlap your bottom teeth due to improper alignment of your teeth.

• 4. Underbite Correction:

The opposite of an overbite is an underbite, so instead of your upper teeth protruding, your lower teeth do. When you bite down, your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth.

• 5. Crossbite Correction:

Crossbite occurs when your dental arches are misaligned and your teeth close at an angle (the upper arch of your back teeth fits inside the arch of your lower arch). One or more teeth can be affected by a crossbite.

• 6. Crowding Correction:

Crowding of teeth is a common orthodontic issue characterized by insufficient space for all of your teeth to fit comfortably. In time, your teeth may become twisted or dislocated due to a lack of space. Crowding treatments are essential to preventing dental damage.

• 7. Spacing Correction:

Unlike crowding, spacing occurs when your mouth has more room, causing your teeth to spread unevenly. As your teeth shift, the gaps between them may become uneven as they fill the available space.

How to Clean Your Aligners?

• 1. Non-Whitening Toothpaste

Your aligners should be gently brushed with warm water, a non-whitening toothpaste formulated for children or sensitive teeth, and a soft toothbrush.

• 2. Hydrogen Peroxide

As a disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide is also effective at cleaning aligners. Stir hydrogen peroxide thoroughly into warm water. Rinse the invisible aligners with cool water after soaking for 30 minutes in the mixture.

• 3. Retainer Cleaner

Retainer tablets is a convenient option for easy cleaning. Dissolve a single tablet in warm water, soak invisible aligners in solution for 15-20 minutes, then rinse.

• 4. Soak in Antibacterial Soap and Warm Water

Mix gentle, antibacterial soap with slightly warm water and soak the aligners for 20 to 30 minutes in the mixture. Now that most of the bacteria have been eliminated, rinse your aligners thoroughly with cold water.

Cleaning your Clear aligners properly helps to keep dental woes at bay throughout your treatment. This helps to maintain your oral health as well as boost your oral hygiene routine.

Conclusion

Clear aligners aroused an increasing interest among dentists, Transalign Dental Lab mission is to change lives through better smiles. With our innovative approach, we reimagine and reinvent the way orthodontic and restorative care is presented and delivered to millions of people worldwide. We believe a better smile can lead to a better future, so we develop digital technology and experiences that help people move forward.