If you’ve wanted straighter teeth, but want to avoid the traditional fixed braces, and wanted something that is more discrete during treatment then we have the treatment for you.
In the last 15 years technology has advanced and almost invisible braces can now be used. We have partnered with 32CO to provide clear aligners for our patients.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are a clear brace system which uses a sequence of aligners specifically designed and planned for you, made from durable BPA-free plastic to gradually move your teeth.
How do clear aligners work?
A detailed digital scan of your mouth is taken along with high quality photographs, and X rays, which you may need to be referred for. These are then all used and assessed by a UK orthodontist to accurately plan the movement of your teeth. Many other alternative systems have treatment planned all over the world by technicians with limited clinical training, and that is why we work with a UK orthodontist, so that we get more accurate tracking and the best results can be in a shorter time with less need for refinements.
How long does it take to straighten my teeth with clear aligners?
It can take as little as 12 aligners that need changing every 7-10 days to straighten your teeth. The average treatment time is between 6 to 9 months. However complex and can take over 12 months, and we will discussed this with you during your planning stage to make sure that you are comfortable with the process.
Do clear aligners hurt?
As with any orthodontic treatment there will be minor discomfort due to the pressure applied to move your teeth. This means that your teeth are moving and that you’re closer to getting the smile that you’re after. You may find eating is initially slower due to the slight discomfort but this usually lasts only a few days after fitting your new aligners. In some cases you may want to use medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to provide relief.
Who are clear aligners suitable for?
Crowded Teeth or overcrowding
This is when the teeth aren’t quite in the perfect alignment and need a number of movements to bring everything into line.
Overbite or increased overjet
This is where the top teeth overlap the lower teeth a little too far and have been pushed forward. This is sometimes corrected by moving the bottom and top teeth into line.
Underbite or reversed overjet
This is where the bottom teeth overlap the top teeth. This is sometimes corrected by moving the bottom and top teeth into line.
Spacing
This is when there are gaps between the teeth that need closing. This is corrected by bringing all the teeth closer together.
Clear aligners process explained:
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First you will have a smile assessment which may include a checkup if you aren’t a patient at our practice. We go through your needs, what you are happy with and more importantly what you’re unhappy with. We then go through your options, and if you are suitable and decide to go ahead, we can book a longer appointment for a full assessment and clinical record taking.
We take impressions of your teeth or a digital scan, photographs, and we may need to send you for X rays.
We will then work closely with a 32CO orthodontist to optimise your treatment plan. When this is ready the number of aligners and stages will be identified. You will receive a treatment design and plan showing the anticipated movements of your teeth.
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Your next appointment will be to fit your aligners. You will be given a number of aligners and instructions on when to change them. Your progress will be reviewed with your provider roughly every 2-6 weeks, and we may ask you to ‘check in’ from home taking pictures of your teeth and aligners, to make sure your aligners are working to the best they can.
At review appointments, your progress will be monitored alongside the treatment design. Small tooth adjustment may be necessary, which is where up to 0.5mm of enamel is removed from the surface of the certain, allowing further space for your teeth to be aligned. This is known as interproximal reduction.
This interproximal reduction is done with thin abrasive strips most commonly. This process is painless and doesn’t require any local anaesthetic.
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Sometimes, extra refinements may be required to give you the very best outcome. This is often included in your treatment plan and requires a new set of impressions or scans, from which a small set of aligners are made to move your teeth into their final positions. Once all tooth movements are completed the most important stage comes next.
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We then plan how to hold and keep the teeth in their new position.
Retainers are used to hold the teeth in place so your teeth do not move back to their original position. You will require life-long retainer in order to keep your teeth in their new positions.
Retention can either be removable or fixed and quite often, both are recommended. We will discuss which options will be the best on a case by case basis.
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You will be then advised how often you should be seen for a review and check-up following your treatment.