Clear Aligner braces create confidence and a natural smile

What is Clear Aligner orthodontics?

Clear Aligner orthodontics is orthodontic treatment using removable clear plastic appliances that gradually move the teeth in the desired direction. It is suitable for those who want orthodontic treatment but do not want metal braces to be visible.

Advantages of Clear Aligner orthodontics

• Looks natural and aesthetically pleasing
• The orthodontic appliance is not visible like metal braces
• No appliances poking the mouth or cheeks, reducing the risk of injury
• Easy to remove and wear, convenient when eating or cleaning teeth, reducing the risk of cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath effectively
• More affordable than Invisalign clear aligners but with comparable efficiency and quality

How does the Clear aligner system work?

The dentist will design and plan the treatment by scanning the patient’s teeth in 3D into software and designing the new teeth alignment, considering aesthetics and good clinical characteristics such as occlusion and the curvature or fullness of the mouth compared to the face.

After that, the dentist will produce the Clear aligner orthodontic appliance for the patient. The brand used depends on the dentist’s discretion and the suitability of the patient’s dental health.

The appliance will gradually move the teeth to the planned position, requiring the Clear aligner to be changed every 2-3 weeks according to the treatment steps until the final position is reached. The number of orthodontic appliances needed depends on the complexity of the initial teeth position compared to the final position.

Clear aligner orthodontic equipment

Each set of equipment includes 3 pairs: soft, medium, and hard. The patient will wear the soft type for 1 week, the medium type for 1 week, and the hard type for 1 week. Then, an impression will be taken to make the next set. The number of sets depends on the complexity of the treatment or until the orthodontist is satisfied. After finishing orthodontic treatment, the last clear aligner can be worn as a clear retainer to maintain the teeth position effectively.

Digital clear aligner requires fewer impressions

Digital clear aligner treatment allows for scanning the dental model and moving teeth in computer software to produce up to 4 sets of clear aligners, so impressions do not need to be taken every month. After using 4 sets, if further tooth movement is needed, only one impression is required to make the next 4 sets.

Comparison between clear aligners and metal braces

Who is suitable for Clear aligner orthodontics?

• Those who want to always have a beautiful smile, such as actors, presenters, or the general public
• Those who frequently socialize and meet people
• Those working in professions with restrictions on fixed orthodontic appliances, such as doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, flight attendants

Preparation before Clear aligner orthodontic treatment

Maintain good oral and dental health. After clearing the oral cavity, it is time for the patient to receive the first set of Clear aligner orthodontic appliances, marking the start of the journey to a beautiful smile. Here are the dentist’s recommendations for preparation when receiving the appliances:

1. During the first 2-3 days of wearing the appliance, you may feel tightness and pain. Prepare easy-to-eat foods that do not require chewing, such as yogurt, fruit smoothies, rice porridge. If the pain is severe during the initial adjustment, you can take pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
2. Plan holidays or take leave in advance for the first 2-3 days after starting orthodontics, as pain may reduce concentration at work and decreased food intake may cause fatigue. Avoid heavy exercise for 1-2 weeks.
3. Schedule or postpone important work because muscles and the body may not be accustomed yet, causing speech difficulties, especially with the sounds “s” and “z.” Not everyone experiences this, but if concerned, it is recommended to postpone meetings or important appointments for 1-2 weeks.
4. Keep smiling, as you may not be used to the feeling of a foreign object in your mouth and may hesitate to smile automatically. Practice smiling often because Clear aligners will improve your appearance without compromising personality and restore confidence.

Care after Clear aligner orthodontic treatment

Dentists recommend that patient cooperation is a crucial factor in the success of clear aligner orthodontic treatment.

1. Wear the orthodontic appliance for 20-22 hours per day. It is recommended to remove it only when eating or brushing teeth.
2. Maintain good oral hygiene Brush teeth twice daily after meals, and flossing before bed is very important. Clean the Clear aligner every time you brush your teeth because bacteria and plaque can accumulate on the clear orthodontic appliance as well. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste without abrasive particles. Brush thoroughly inside and outside, rinse well with water, and the Clear aligner will be clean, safe, and free from contaminants.
3. Do not expose Clear aligners to high temperatures Although the material used for Clear aligners is medical-grade plastic with advanced technology, it is not designed to withstand high heat. Avoid hot foods or drinks and do not leave retainers in a car exposed to sunlight during the day, as this may deform the Clear aligner easily.
4. Always carry the Clear aligner case In daily life, it is necessary to remove the Clear aligner when eating lunch. Many patients may accidentally put the Clear aligner in their pockets, risking breakage or damage. Some wrap it in tissue paper and forget it in various places or even throw it in the trash. None of these cases are good, so always carry the Clear aligner case with you.
5. Visit the dentist as scheduled every 2-3 months The dentist may schedule follow-up visits to monitor treatment progress because tooth movement may not follow the treatment plan due to various factors. If problems arise, the treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly.
6. Contact the dental center If you have questions, cannot fit the appliance properly, or if the Clear aligner is broken or lost, etc.

Limitations of Clear aligner orthodontics

Clear aligners are suitable for almost all patients. However, there are some limitations. Dentists will consider the suitability of Clear aligner orthodontics based on the following factors:

1. Complexity and severity of teeth alignment Clear aligners can correct crowded, tilted, or spaced teeth, as well as abnormal occlusion such as deep bite, open bite, or crossbite. However, if the teeth positions are very complex, require multiple extractions, or have severe occlusal abnormalities, the dentist may recommend metal braces as a more appropriate option.
2. Suitable for patients aged 13 and above Because the teeth and bones of younger children are still growing, metal braces are more suitable for them.
3. Patient cooperation If the patient often forgets to wear the appliance or has poor cooperation, the dentist considers fixed appliances such as metal braces or Damon braces to be better and more suitable options.

Dr. Chaipol Chaveewannakorn recommends that Clear aligner orthodontics depends on the dentist’s discretion and the suitability of the treatment for each patient to achieve good results, a beautiful smile, good personality, and improved quality of life. When choosing Clear aligner orthodontic services, for safety and quality, consider:

1. Choose a healthcare facility that is well-prepared, clean, and has standard orthodontic equipment
2. Must have specialized orthodontists with expertise in orthodontics to provide care

The Dental Center at Phyathai 1 Hospital has specialized orthodontists with experience and expertise in orthodontic design to ensure everyone has a beautiful, confident smile without compromising appearance during treatment.

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