When patients in dentistry are offered treatment on aligners, what it is and how it looks in the mouth are not known to everyone. Many people only hear about popular orthodontic structures (bracket systems, plates), which have been helping to correct bites for people of different ages and gender for decades.
The relatively new technique has managed to gain immense popularity due to invisibility, lightness, easy maintenance, quick addiction, and other tangible benefits. Unfortunately, with severe deformations, caps are powerless. In addition, the cost of such therapy can “bite”.
Let’s look at what dental liners are, when they are indicated and contraindicated, what are the advantages and disadvantages, and also answer the most popular questions.
What are aligners and why they are put on the teeth?
These are transparent orthodontic structures for correcting various bite defects. In other words, this is a partial alternative to popular braces, invisible to the prying eye. Capa cannot be called a full-fledged replacement for them – even though many manufacturers insist on this. Only cases of mild or moderate severity can be treated. However, in dental practice, there are also very severe pathological processes, which sometimes even braces cannot cope with. In such cases, surgical intervention is indicated, followed by reinforcement of the results with the help of orthodontic structures.
What aligners look like on teeth with a photo
This is a kind of cap, which visually resemble a transparent hollow overlay on the upper or lower dentition. They are made from a silicone base or medical plastic. For this reason, the device is almost invisible to others. The material does not injure mucous membranes, or hard tissues does not provoke allergic reactions, and does not cause other discomforts.
The removable accessory is durable and rigid, it fits perfectly to the dental units, fixing them from all sides. There is no pain or other discomfort. The product is placed to gradually correct the bite.
They don’t have to be worn all day. Remove before meals and hygiene procedures. To obtain visible results of therapy, wearing at least 18 hours a day is indicated.
Caps are made individually for each patient, several units at once. They are replaced after a certain period. It all depends on the schedule developed by the orthodontist.
Indications and contraindications
In what cases do people put aligners on their teeth (photos of illustrative examples are presented below):
- Interdental spaces are too large. The problem usually affects the central incisors, in rare cases, canines, and chewing.
- Dental units have grown incorrectly about the entire row with various types of occlusion.
- Molar torsion was diagnosed.
- It is necessary to fix the result after removing the braces so that everything does not return to its previous state.
- The incisors do not close correctly, which led to a change in the position of the jaws.
The design is contraindicated:
- Adults with unformed bone structures of the jaw apparatus;
- In the presence of uncut chewing units;
- With periodontal disease in acute form;
- If there is a history of severe chronic diseases;
- People with neurological disorders;
- With a lot of tartar.
Many contraindications are relative. This means that when these circumstances are eliminated, therapy can be started without any obstacles.
Preparatory stage
Preparation takes place in the same way as in the case of other orthodontic appliances. Patients are directed to take pictures, perform calculations, and take photographs. It is very important to make a high-precision impression with silicone material. It is subsequently sent to the laboratory, where specialists fill it with a plaster mass and install it in a scanner. A three-dimensional model after scanning is displayed on a computer. Additionally, an image based on the results of tomography can be loaded into the program.
The orthodontist sets the steps for shifting the dentition as the caps are replaced. So you can understand how many pieces will be needed for the entire period of therapy. As a rule, our doctors offer several schemes at once. Together with the patient, we agree on one direction or another.
Stages of treatment
There will be no pain or other discomfort. As such, there is no adaptation period, speech is not disturbed. However, the patient should be ready to remove the structure only before meals and for hygiene procedures.
How aligners are attached to the teeth (sequence of actions):
- Visual and instrumental examination of the oral cavity and drawing up a therapeutic scheme. At the initial appointment, the doctor determines how effective such an intervention will be. Perhaps the defect is so serious that the mouthguards will be completely useless.
- Cast making. Additional diagnostic techniques (X-ray, photography, tomography) will be needed.
- Visual display on the computer of the planned displacement of dental units. It is approved by both the patient and the orthodontist.
- Making caps in the laboratory, designed for the entire therapeutic course. Usually takes 2-3 weeks.
- Installation. The doctor immediately issues a set of products that should be changed according to the schedule.
How to care
After reviewing the information about what aligners are for straightening teeth, what is their price, and how it looks in the photo, you need to carefully study the rules of operation. Quality care determines the effectiveness of all treatments.
The main recommendations of Dentiki specialists:
- Before installation, professional ultrasonic cleaning or Air Flow treatment should be performed to remove soft deposits and hardened deposits. If there is a lot of stone, all of the above manipulations must be performed even before the creation of silicone or plaster casts, because after cleaning the configuration of the dental units will change somewhat (due to the absence of plaque). So the caps will be made according to more accurate parameters.
- For cleaning, it is enough to buy an additional brush with soft bristles (hard ones can scratch surfaces). Full hygiene procedures should be performed as standard in the morning and evening, as before the start of treatment.
- Soft mouthguards should not be exposed to too high or low temperatures: drink freshly prepared tea and coffee, eat ice cream, and rinse under very cold or hot water. This may contribute to a change in the shape of the structure.
- When eating, the cap is removed. It is worth storing it in a box specially designed for this purpose with holes for ventilation. The case will protect the device from dust particles, pathogenic microorganisms, and mechanical damage.
- The design does not require soaking in any solutions. It is necessary to wear it for a strictly defined time by the doctor (usually 2 weeks). Subject to all the rules of care during this period, nothing should happen to the product.
- You should regularly visit the orthodontist to assess the quality of therapy, and check the change in bite and the condition of the dental units. It is important to follow all medical prescriptions and change mouthguards promptly. So the effect will be stable and consistent according to the plan.
Dental care products (on which aligners are placed), which should be purchased by patients undergoing treatment, are presented in the table:
- Toothbrush
To clean the mouthguard, you will need a tool with soft bristles. For cleaning, the usual model used before the start of treatment is suitable.
- Paste
There is no need to change the cleaning agent. However, for the care, it is worth choosing separate compositions without abrasives. The best option – is baby paste
- Floss
Any manufacturer’s thread will do. Needed to clean the interdental spaces after each meal
- Irrigator
It is desirable to use the device for everyone, not only for those who align the bite
- rinse aid
Any solution is suitable based on the condition of the oral cavity. It should be used at least in the morning and evening after regular brushing and toothpaste.
How to eat
There are no restrictions on food and drinks when correcting a bite with a cap as such. The menu is standard without any exceptions. Before eating, the structure must be removed and washed. Aligners are put on immediately after meals.
The device adheres well to mucous membranes and hard tissues and does not form voids where plaque and bacteria could accumulate. It is extremely important to remember to rinse the tray under running water before insertion and rinse your mouth after each meal. Otherwise, food particles will weaken the fixation of the orthodontic device.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth? What is the Best Time to Brush Your Teeth?
If the patient ate or drank something and at the same time forgot to remove the structure, then simply rinse the oral cavity. To do this, you can use both warm running water and a special rinse, which the attending physician will recommend.
Dentiki orthodontists, as well as leading manufacturers of aligners, still recommend taking them off before eating and drinking. You can not get them only if the patient drinks clean water. This contributes to the preservation of the shape and appearance of the structure. Thus, there is no special need to change your habits and the usual diet.
Cap replacement frequency
They are updated every two weeks. Adolescents will have to do this a little more often – once every 10 days. The younger the patient, the more serious he is about therapy, and the faster the dentition will acquire a normal position.
Our specialists agree in advance about planned visits. For example, at meetings every two months, we give out 4 sets at once. In the event of a long-term departure, a larger amount may be issued. However, it is impossible to get all the mouthguards in one visit, because you will have to replace the attachments and make follow-up examinations with a doctor to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. We will explain in detail what dental liners are, show how it looks in the photo, and what results can be achieved if you approach everything responsibly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of corrective structures:
- Invisible to others. They are transparent and do not catch the eye, even if the interlocutor is nearby.
- Adheres tightly to surfaces. At the same time, patients do not experience any discomfort.
- Comfortable to wear and aesthetically pleasing.
- They are easy to care for, and they do not require a revision of the diet.
- Safe for enamel, gums, and mucous membranes.
The disadvantages include a limited list of indications and a rather high cost of therapy.
FAQ
Do not be afraid of this modern way of correcting bite defects, it is effective. Perhaps some points are questionable. Let’s try to give more detailed information about therapy.
What to do after implantation? Do dentures and implants need to be removed?
It depends on the intended results. If the elements of prosthetics do not prevent the displacement of units, they remain. All issues should be resolved together with the orthodontist. When developing a therapeutic scheme, the degree of anomaly, the patient’s history, his age category, and other criteria are taken into account.
Differences in caps from braces
The first will not help everyone, because some defects are not amenable to such treatment. The designs do not provide sufficient pressure force, which drastically changes the position of the rows. In most cases, they are indicated to correct minor anomalies in patients of different ages.
Caps are easy to remove, they are not visible, but braces (pictured), unlike aligners, are visible to others. In addition, the design adheres tightly to surfaces, is smooth, and does not cause discomfort.
Also, such treatment does not require abandoning your diet. You can safely lead a normal life and eat what you like.
Braces need to be carefully looked after. Their installation is associated with discomfort and an adaptation period of up to a week. Caps do not require special care.
The cost of therapy with them is slightly higher. But even here it all depends on the severity of the pathology. For example, minor violations can be corrected with more budget products.
Which of the systems shows greater efficiency, it is impossible to say for sure. It depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the severity of the pathological process. All issues should be resolved together with the orthodontist.
Does the treatment take longer than with braces?
It’s a delusion. Of course, everything is individual, but if everything is planned correctly, the treatment will be even faster, since there will be no need to spend time on the preliminary alignment of the dental units.
What are attachments
These are composite locks. Fillings are usually made from them. They are adapted to the shade of the dental units. Designed to ensure that the aligners are well fixed.
Attachments are very small and are attached directly to the teeth before or during therapeutic intervention, depending on the clinical picture. The principle of their operation is to act as miniature levers, allowing the structure to create additional smooth pressure of sufficient force.
Will the mouthguard stain when smoking?
It is better to part with a bad habit since this will negatively affect not only the aesthetic component but also the functionality of an expensive structure. Firstly, the transparent system will have to be constantly removed, and this will significantly increase the duration of therapy. Secondly, smokers’ aligners turn yellow over time. In this case, the main advantage of caps over other types of products for correction will come to naught – transparency, and invisibility to others.
How much will the treatment cost
The cost of installing the structure in Dentik starts from 150 thousand rubles. (during the passage of a children’s course of therapy). The average price for adult patients is about 300 thousand rubles. For a complete list of services provided and prices, please follow the link.
You can pre-contact us by phone numbers listed on the site, or visit the clinic in person. When calculating the final price, the services included in the complex are taken into account, including diagnostic procedures, orthodontist consultations, 3D modelling, and the manufacture of a certain number of sets of caps. We are waiting for you in “Dentik”!