Malaligned Teeth Correction Using Invisalign or Clearbite Therapy

Introduction:

Clear removable aligners are a new method of treating mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues, they are suggested to patients after a thorough examination and after presenting all the choices available. "Invisible" removable aligners are the most well-known orthodontic equipment, heavily promoted in periodicals and television. Even though technology is more advanced and well-rounded now than ever, it is critical to understand when and who can use it. It is crucial to get advice on the possibilities from an expert in orthodontics who can provide knowledgeable guidance. Retainers will be necessary following any aligner procedure to make sure the teeth stay in their straightened positions.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Thin, translucent, flexible plastic "mouthguards" that fit snugly over teeth are called aligners. By an orthodontist's treatment plan, teeth are moved gradually using a series of aligners. Adult patients who find wearing more noticeable conventional fixed appliances challenging due to their work or lifestyle obligations are the perfect candidates for aligner appliances.

A correct orthodontic assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan are necessary for a successful aligner treatment, just like in any other type of orthodontics. A precise impression of the mouth is utilized to make the personalized aligners. Until the desired outcome is reached, each appliance in the sequence moves the teeth a little distance toward the ideal position before going on to the next.

What Are the Uses of Aligners?

In most cases, when tooth alignment is required without extractions involve using aligners.

Typical aligner procedures consist of:

• Mild-to-moderately uneven teeth.

• Crowding that the dental arch can be mildly to moderately expanded to address.

• Crowding can be addressed by slenderizing or interproximal reduction, which involves reducing the breadth of the teeth.

• Moderate distance apart.

To achieve the best results from an aligner therapy, the following situations may necessitate the employment of additional methods, such as fixed appliances:

• Extreme crowding.

• Procedures involving the extraction of teeth.

• Procedures include intricate teeth movements.

• Issues can stem from a hidden disparity in the size or positioning of the jaws.

What Are Attachments in Aligners?

Composite resin attachments are frequently bonded using the acid-etch technique on several teeth to improve tooth movement and expand the range of malocclusions that can be corrected using aligners. This process is known to apply irreversible changes in the enamel structure, color, gloss, and roughness. Furthermore, this clinical setting presents a novel scenario in which various materials are applied in a way that causes friction and attrition among the softer aligner material and the attachment, all of which operate in a harsh oral environment and affect the aging of these materials. The latter could result in changes to the aligners and the composite attachments and possible intraoral leakage of the hormone disruptor bisphenol A.

How Do Aligners Work?

Aligners are made to reposition teeth, just like traditional braces gradually.

• Before starting treatment, the orthodontist will do a patient examination and gather diagnostic data. Based on the data provided, the orthodontist can make a diagnosis.

• Based on that diagnosis, the orthodontist can use the aligner software to design the smile and schedule the course of treatment, including which teeth move where and when and how to move them into healthy positions.

• Recall that this includes every tooth, not just those visible when someone grins.

• A good "bite"—top and bottom teeth that fit together correctly—is the aim.

• Since moving teeth is a complicated biological process, an orthodontist must oversee the entire procedure. About every six to ten weeks, most people have a check-up with their orthodontist.

• Using the patient's original impressions or digital scans as a starting point, a set of plastic aligners is made with the eventual result in mind.

• The teeth are plastic copies in the aligners. Wearing them gently realigns the teeth by applying minimal pressure.

• Wearing aligners for 22 hours daily, or as directed by the orthodontist, is advised.

• Before moving on to the next set of aligners, each set is worn for one or two weeks.

• Teeth eventually shift to the proper positions as prescribed by the orthodontist.

• The overall quantity of aligners will change according to each patient's demands.

• Patients must wear retainers after their teeth shift into new locations, just like regular braces.

What Are the Tests Done for Applying Aligners?

A few of the tests are as follows:

• X-rays.

• Pictures.

• Digital scans or impressions of the patient's teeth.

• Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing (CAD/ CAM).

• Polyvinyl Siloxane (PVS) putty impressions.

What Are the Advantages of Invisalign?

• The chief benefit of this method is the simplicity of treatment where the final position of all teeth can be determined beforehand and shown to the patient and get his approval before starting treatment.

• The patient can decide the treatment's pace as all the aligners can be given together to him or her.

• There is no sticking of metal or ceramic brackets onto the teeth, thus no chance of enamel fractures or roughness of teeth, which cause stains in the future.

• It has superior esthetics as it is nearly invisible to another person while undergoing the treatment and gives a perfect smile after the successful completion of the treatment.

• Patients are more happy to wear them as they do not have any discomfort associated with them and there is no friction or bruises like in the conventional braces technique.

• These aligners are removable and thus can be worn according to convenience. It gives the best and quickest result when worn for around 20 hours daily.

• The treatment time is considerably shorter than the conventional braces if instructions are followed correctly.

• Even orthodontic cases where extraction is required can be corrected by this method but will take more time than usual.

What Are the Disadvantages of Invisalign?

• The technique is used in many types of orthodontic issues. However, the transparent aligner could not be designed in some difficult cases, such as severe crowding and acute lack of space. In some cases where a tooth or two are located lingually or palatally and are completely blocked out from the arch, it may become a contraindication to Invisalign therapy.

• The aligners have to be removed while eating food, thus, it becomes less cumbersome to remove and wear three to four times a day while keeping it securely. There are chances of misplacing the aligners due to their removable nature and replacing an aligner is costly.

• The treatment technique is costly compared to conventional braces due to its dependence on 3D graphic software and high-accuracy models.

Conclusion:

Thanks to clear aligners, invisible orthodontics are a few orthodontic methods most patients desire and can now achieve. This preference stems mostly from its excellent level of comfort, precision in the treatment result, and aesthetics. Clear or transparent aligners are customized, removable aligners used in "transparent orthodontics." Planning treatment objectives specify Aligner's kit and the sequence in a computerized manner to enable one to get considerably more predictable results. Gradual and secure tooth motions are accomplished using aligner systems or transparent aligners.