It's 2022 and clear aligners are still the most popular, sought out and discreet orthodontic treatment available around the world. Nearly 20 years have gone by since the invention of this revolutionary technique and even today it is used to address most orthodontic concerns people face.
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The invisible aligner treatment relies on a series of clear dental trays that are made to fit the shape of a patient’s teeth. These clear aligner trays gradually improve the appearance and function of the patient’s teeth by applying constant pressure on them. The trays will have minor changes as the treatment progresses to adjust the position of the patient’s teeth and bring it to a normal range.
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While patients of all ages are eligible for clear aligner treatment, they are favored by adult patients due to their convenience and discrete nature. Although they can address most types of malocclusion, extreme cases may require traditional braces, surgery, or a combination of techniques including clear aligners.
In this blog, we learn more about invisible aligners and how to keep them clear and spotless during your treatment.
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Clear aligners- what does it do?
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When it comes to orthodontic treatments, clear aligners are undoubtedly more comfortable and discreet than traditional braces. So how exactly are they better than metal braces?
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The invisible aligners are made of clear, hypoallergenic plastic that is made to measure according to your dental structure and fits your teeth like a glove when you wear them. During the treatment, you will be required to wear the aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day for them to work. However, as they are near-invisible, no one will notice them on you, allowing you to wear them to your college or workplace with confidence.
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Invisible aligners are also easier to clean and maintain as they are completely removable. Unlike metal braces which are fixed to your teeth, these aligners can be removed during meal times, which gives you the freedom to munch on your favorite food without the worry of damaging your aligners.
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With that said, can clear aligners solve all kinds of dental issues? Here are several dental malocclusions that can be treated using invisible aligners-
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1. One of the most common malocclusions people have is crooked teeth. If you have crooked teeth and you are looking to have them straightened, clear aligners are a great option.
2. Overbite or overjet occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth. While a 3mm overbite is normal, anything bigger than that will be more pronounced. Talk to our orthodontists today to get invisible aligners to correct your overbite.
3. An underbite is the opposite of overbite and happens when the lower front teeth are larger than the upper ones and overlap them when you close your mouth. Usually, people with underbite may have jaw and TMJ pain and it may even interfere with their ability to chew and talk. Clear aligner treatment can correct most cases of an underbite. However, if you jut it too much, you may require surgery.
4. Crossbite is an issue where some of the upper teeth rest inside the lower teeth than on the outside. A crossbite can cause permanent changes in facial structure as you unconsciously try to move your jaw to one side. Clear aligner treatment can correct a crossbite. Once again, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments if you need jaw correction.
5. Gaps in your teeth can impact your smile as well as cause food particles to get trapped in them causing gum diseases. Clear aligner treatment is one of the best techniques available to correct gapped teeth.
6. Similar to gapped teeth, crowded teeth are also a common issue that encourages the growth of bacteria and plaque, leading to gum diseases and tooth decay. With the help of clear aligners, you can bring back your teeth to a natural alignment, ensuring better dental health in the long run.
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How to keep your aligners clean?
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Traditional orthodontic treatments involve fixing metal or ceramic brackets to your teeth and running a metallic wire through them. In comparison, clear aligners are simpler and straightforward. Patients often complain of the difficulty of keeping their teeth and the braces clean after every meal as food tends to stick to them. Dentists also recommend avoiding certain foods during traditional orthodontic treatment to avoid any kind of damage to them.
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This doesn’t mean that aligners are anti-bacterial. Keeping the aligners in your mouth for hours at a stretch can lead to increased bacterial build-up on them. To keep your invisible aligners spotless and bacteria free, here is what you need to do-
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1. During any orthodontic treatment, the most important thing is to maintain good oral hygiene. As clear aligners are removable, you must take them off before brushing and flossing. This will help keep your teeth clean and reduce plaque build-up during the treatment.
2. The aligner trays must be removed during meal times. This will keep food particles and drinks from your clear aligners. Ensure that your mouth is completely clean after a meal before putting the aligners back on.
3. Just as it is important to cleanse your mouth, it is also important to keep the clear aligner trays clean. Unclear aligners will lose their clarity and show food and drink stains. To avoid this, the aligners must be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinsed in lukewarm water every day.
4. You can also use the recommended cleaning solution to soak your aligners and keep them clean. Denture cleaner, special cleaning crystals, or retainer brite are some of the recommended products to keep the trays clean. However, never use toothpaste, mouthwash, and abrasive toothbrushes to clean your aligner trays as these can discolor or damage them.
5. When not in use, you can leave your aligner trays in their special carry case. You can carry your spare aligners in their case while traveling. You must also remember to keep your current aligner trays in their case while eating. Brush your teeth after every meal and clean the aligners using warm water before putting them on.
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The beauty of clear aligner treatment is the ease of use, their discreteness, and the comfort they provide while straightening your teeth. So to get the best results from your invisible aligner treatment, follow these simple steps throughout your treatment period. To know more about clear aligners and the proper ways to maintain them, visit our dental clinic in Dubai today.
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