About Clear Aligners
Clear aligner systems such Invisalign, Angel Aligners, and Sparkare custom-made, transparent orthodontic devices designed to gradually straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. These removable plastic trays fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle, consistent pressure to shift them into proper alignment over time. Created using advanced 3D scanning and computer modeling technology, each set in your treatment series is slightly different, incrementally moving your teeth toward their ideal positions. Popular for their discreet appearance and convenience, clear aligners offer many patients an effective alternative to conventional braces for achieving a straighter, healthier smile.
While these aligners offer excellent treatment possibilities, it’s crucial to understand their optimal applications, mechanisms, and who’s best qualified to provide your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners function as removable plastic trays custom-designed to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Each sequential tray is digitally customized to create incremental movements, progressively guiding your teeth toward their ideal positions.
For optimal results, you must wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily, removing them only when eating, drinking anything besides water, and during oral hygiene routines.
Despite marketing terminology suggesting “invisibility,” these aligners are transparent rather than truly invisible. Most treatment plans require tooth-coloured attachments—small composite bumps bonded to specific teeth. These attachments enable the aligners to grip and move teeth more effectively. While slightly noticeable, these attachments are a necessary component for successful treatment outcomes.
How Do Clear Aligners Compare to Traditional Braces?
Clear aligners are effective for mild to moderate tooth alignment, while traditional braces are often better for more complex orthodontic cases, such as severe crowding or jaw misalignment.
- Effectiveness: Aligners are ideal for straightforward alignment and spacing adjustments, while braces are more suitable for correcting significant bite issues and complex tooth movements.
- Speed: Braces can sometimes achieve faster results in challenging cases, as they provide continuous, controlled forces.
- Patient Involvement: Aligners depend on consistent wear (typically 20-22 hours a day) to be effective, while braces are fixed, removing the risk of patient non-compliance.
Can I eat and drink with them in?
No, it’s best to remove your aligners before consuming anything other than water. This prevents staining and warping, ensuring the aligners maintain their precise fit and continue guiding your teeth effectively.
How do I keep them clean?
Aligners should be rinsed each time they are removed and cleaned gently with a soft toothbrush and clear soap or a specialised aligner cleaner. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic. Good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing teeth before reinserting aligners) is also crucial.
Do I have to change my diet?
Not significantly. Clear aligners are designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. However, you should remove them when eating or drinking anything other than water. This not only prevents staining but also avoids damaging the aligners. Brushing your teeth before reinserting them helps reduce the risk of plaque buildup and dental decay.
Does it hurt?
Mild discomfort is normal, especially in the first few days of each new aligner stage. This sensation is a sign that controlled, gentle pressure is effectively moving your teeth into their planned positions. Any soreness typically subsides within a few days as your mouth adjusts.