These clear aligners deserve a bit of explanation; the thin plastic gum shields do seem somewhat magical when compared to more traditional orthodontics and have really resonated with many patients in the areas of cost, convenience and comfort, which has made them very popular. So, let’s talk about Invisalign Leicester, how it works and what treatment with a clear aligner is really like.
This clear brace is made using a predictive model of a patient’s teeth. This highly accurate and anatomically correct model of the human mouth goes to extreme lengths when compared to those taken using a mould, as it is digitally rendered and shows every area of your mouth, teeth and gums. From their density and strength to the presence of ligament and fused bone. With this digital model, our team can use the technology to apply hypothetical pressure to your teeth, at a defined angle for a set period and see how this affects the position of your teeth. The useful function of the program is to give your teeth a starting and end point, allowing the software to provide a vector map of forces which can make the desired changes.
From these vector maps, a set of aligners can be inferred by designing the smallest aligner which is capable of creating the forces required by the vector map when it is being worn. These theoretical clear aligners are then 3D printed, using UV laser cured resin. This gives us a finished aligner which is very accurate and extremely personalised, as well as suitable for long hours of wear and tear.
How to get aligners
The initial assessment with our dental staff is the necessary first step in your Invisalign Leicester journey. As Invisalign only works with local partnered clinics, it is the role of our dentists to act both as gatekeeper and adviser on your clear aligners, helping you get the right treatment and the most from that treatment.
Clear aligners are considered an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases, which need minimal orthodontic correction. So depending on the severity of your condition, these aligners may be ineffective. There are very few conditions which are not recommended for clear aligners but if there are signs of cavities, gum diseases or severe gingivitis, these will have to be addressed before attempting to use clear aligners.
How do you use them?
You have to be committed to wearing your aligners almost constantly for the treatment to be effective. Tooth position is surprisingly pliable and many patients are surprised by what is possible to achieve with aligners. The downside to this is that tooth position is also very elastic and your teeth will attempt to return to their original positions at the first opportunity. Any extended breaks in wearing your aligner may set you back in your Invisalign Leicester treatment timeline, possibly by weeks. That said, these aligners will have to be removed for eating, but you should aim for 22 hours of use per day. This extensive use is often not an issue and clear aligners become part of a background routine and second nature for many, much like wearing glasses.