Straight Talk on Tooth Alignment

What are clear aligners?  Clear aligner therapy is an ingenious way to discreetly align teeth to allow for an ideal bite, spacing and esthetics using a series of custom made, clear, colorless trays.  

Does it work on adults?  Yes, clear aligners work on everyone from teenagers upwards.  

Do I need it?  Most people have imperfect teeth alignment.  Some signs that teeth may not be properly aligned can include crowding or spacing of teeth, enamel chipping, jaw pain, asymmetry, open-, over- or under-bite, food trapping and/or difficulty flossing. Orthodontic treatment is often recommended to correct these issues to help achieve optimal oral health.  Invisalign also works well to correct problems on patients who previously had braces [1].

How is it done?  We first examine your mouth carefully, examine your jaw alignments, ensuring your teeth are healthy – both visually and with radiographs – to check for cavities, failing restorations or gum disease.  We then take a series of photos and impressions to record your case and develop a plan for you.  We use software to show you how your teeth look now and how they will change over the course of treatment.  

Treatment begins with placement of any small, discrete resin “handles” needed and perhaps small adjustments to the width of teeth if needed.  You will then be given your first set of aligners.  The aligners are designed to fit snugly, gently applying force as needed to idealize your bite.  The teeth respond to the gentle pressure by moving and will be ready for a new aligner by day 7.  The aligners can be easily taken out for meals, cleaning and flossing.

What can it do for me?  We all know that straight teeth look more attractive, but what is less obvious is that by aligning the teeth properly a more ideal bite is created allowing the teeth to work together more effectively and with less chance of chipping, uneven wear or gum recession.  Unlike regular braces, during treatment you’ll be able to easily brush and floss your teeth!

Does it work?  When worn as directed, Invisalign works beautifully!  It is highly effective for cases of mild to moderate crowding and/or rotation [2].  After treatment is complete, retainers must be worn nightly to prevent teeth moving back again.  

How long does it take?  Cases vary widely; some are minor movements require just 10 weeks but can take over a year [3].  Each case is different.  If you are not happy with your results after a full case, we’ll make the necessary refinement aligners to get things just right.  

Share if you care!  Please feel free to share this or any future Dental Health Matters article and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at pbd@parkblvddentistry.com  Who knows, maybe your question will be the subject of another edition!

References: 

1. John D. Da Silva, Oxford American Handbook of Clinical Dentistry, New York: Oxford University Press, p. 162
2. Rossini, G et al.,. (Nov 2014). “Efficacy of clear aligners in controlling orthodontic tooth movement: A systematic review.”.Angle Orthod.
3. Fogel, Joshua; Janani, Raymond (2010). “Intentions and behaviors to obtain Invisalign”. Journal of Medical Marketing 10 (2): 135–145. 

© Paul Doodes DDS PhD.