Clear Aligners

While there are many reasons to choose Invisalign over traditional braces, the most popular reason is that Invisalign is practically invisible. Because the aligners are made of clear plastic material, they are much less noticeable than metal braces. This makes them ideal for adults who are concerned about their appearance during treatment.

Another key advantage of Invisalign is that they can be removed for eating and drinking, which means there are no food restrictions during treatment. With traditional braces, patients must be careful about what they eat to avoid damaging the brackets and wires.

Clear aligner treatment consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that fit tightly over your teeth, gently moving them into their predetermined positions. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks for a minimum of twenty two hours every day before being replaced with a fresh set. You can remove the aligners for brushing and flossing, and during mealtimes.

Yes, this is an absolute must. Active gum disease or decay must be managed and well controlled before considering any type of orthodontic treatment. Immaculate oral hygiene is also essential during orthodontic treatment. Failure to brush and floss thoroughly every day may result in decalcifications (permanent white marks on teeth), decay or gum disease. Foods containing sugars and between meal snacks should be eliminated. Regular cleaning and check-ups at six monthly intervals, or more frequently if needed, will still be necessary to maintain the teeth in good health.

Clear aligners are quite comfortable. Some sensitivity or tenderness in the mouth can be expected in the first few days after changing to a new aligner but most patients manage well and almost never need pain relief.

Teeth move naturally with increasing age, just as hairlines recede and body parts sag. Teeth tend to relapse toward their original position following active orthodontic treatment. Full cooperation in wearing retainers is necessary to reduce this tendency. When retainer use is discontinued, some relapse is possible. Therefore, we recommend long term retention exactly as prescribed – RETENTION IS FOR LIFE! Types of retainers include fixed (permanent) retainers which are bonded to the back of the front six teeth and full coverage clear removable retainers. Your dentist will discuss the right type of retainer and retention protocol for you.

An estimate of expected treatment time will be given at your consultation/planning appointment, but the total treatment time may extend beyond the original estimate. Lack of facial growth, poor patient compliance, broken appliances and missed appointments are all factors which lengthen the time of treatment. Occasionally, treatment objectives may have to be compromised. It may also become necessary to stop orthodontic treatment short of the desired result, after thoroughly consulting with the patient and/or parent before the treatment is discontinued (but this is extremely rare).

An “ideal” cosmetic result cannot always be guaranteed with orthodontic treatment alone. Often, particularly with adult patients, pre-existing wear may lead to a less than ideal cosmetic result once the teeth have been aligned. In these cases, restorative treatment at the completion of orthodontic treatment, in the form of reshaping, composite bonding or veneers, may be required to achieve an aesthetically pleasing cosmetic result.

Aligners occasionally need assistance for maintaining their grip on a tooth and their ability to achieve the required tooth movement. This is done using attachments. Attachments are small tooth-coloured bumps created with white filling material (composite) that are bonded onto the tooth/teeth for the duration of treatment. A small bubble in the aligner corresponds exactly to the attachment on the tooth. They are visible but only when looking very closely. You may choose not to have attachments placed but must understand that the final result may therefore be compromised.

Interproximal reduction (IPR) is a process where the teeth may be very slightly filed down to create extra space. The amount of reduction may be up to as much as a quarter of a millimetre per tooth surface. This is generally hardly noticeable. The filing is performed using a thin metal strip or saw with diamond particles embedded into the side. Similar strips are regularly used by dentists to smooth fillings.

Elastic wear may be required to improve the bite at the back teeth. If elastics are required, patient-specific instructions will be given prior to commencing treatment.

Tooth movement can be achieved with very little force. However, the light force must be as continuous as possible. Full time wear (a minimum of 22 hours per day) is the most effective strategy. Aligners are only to be removed during mealtimes and for cleaning (brushing/flossing). Having said that, one of the benefits of aligners is the flexibility with current lifestyles so wear time can be adjusted if required ie. If hourly wear time is decreased, then the number of days per aligner set may be increased (eg. Aligners should be worn for 10-14 days instead of the standard 7 days).

At Corner 32 Dental, we offer both Invisalign and Spark aligners. Invisalign is the most well-known clear aligner system and is very effective. Spark is a newer system which is also producing excellent results. Spark aligners are also clearer, thinner and more stain resistant. Your dentist will discuss both options to find which system will suit you best.