As aesthetic expectations have grown, being able to have orthodontic treatment without it being visible has become important for many people. “Orthodontics without braces” refers to straightening the teeth with clear aligners worn in sequence instead of brackets and wires.
Is it a new method?
No. The idea of moving teeth with clear trays has been known for a long time; the computer-planned aligner systems used today have been in use since the late 1990s. With advances in materials and digital planning, the range of problems that can be treated with clear aligners has widened.
How does it work?
A digital impression of the teeth is taken and a treatment plan is prepared on the computer. Aligners, each made to move the teeth by a very small amount, are worn in sequence. For some tooth movements, small tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) are bonded to the teeth.
Who is it suitable for?
Many cases of crowding, gaps between the teeth, deep or open bite and bite discrepancies can be treated with clear aligners. In suitable cases, they can also be used in children in the mixed dentition period, when baby teeth are still present.
However, not every problem can be corrected as predictably with aligners. Some complex tooth movements or marked jaw discrepancies may require braces, auxiliary methods together with aligners, or jaw surgery. Which method suits you is decided after the examination and records are reviewed.
The key to success: regular wear
Because the aligners are removable, the progress of treatment is largely in the patient’s hands. The aligners must be worn 20–22 hours a day; they are removed only for eating and brushing. Aligners not worn for the recommended time prolong treatment or cause the plan not to work.
Braces or clear aligners?
Both are well-established and effective methods; neither can be said to be superior to the other. The choice is made together, based on the condition of your teeth, the aim of treatment and your daily life. You can find how the two methods differ in daily life in the comparison table.
More: Clear aligners · What to keep in mind during clear aligner treatment
