Comparison of the best dental aligners

Timeline of an orthodontic treatment with aligner

What is the technology behind orthodontic treatments with aligners?

Orthodontic aligners are clear, removable, and custom-made devices used to correct dental and jaw positioning issues. The technology behind orthodontic treatments with aligners uses 3D modeling software, 3D printers, and high-quality materials to create personalized aligners for each patient.

The treatment process begins with a thorough evaluation of the patient, which includes X-rays, photos, and dental impressions. The dental impressions are scanned in 3D to create a digital model of the patient's mouth, which is used to plan the treatment.

From this digital model, orthodontic technicians and dentists use specialized software to create a series of custom aligners designed to gradually move the patient's teeth toward their desired final position. Each aligner is slightly different from the previous one, allowing the teeth to be gradually guided into their new position.

The aligners are manufactured using a high-precision 3D printer from durable, transparent materials such as polycarbonate or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG). They are then shipped to the dentist or orthodontist, who provides them to the patient to wear according to the treatment plan.

Aligners should be worn for about 22 hours a day and changed every two weeks to achieve the desired results. Patients should also be regularly monitored by their dentist or orthodontist to ensure that the treatment is progressing as expected.

In summary, the technology behind orthodontic treatments with aligners uses 3D software, 3D printers, and high-quality materials to create custom, removable aligners that effectively and precisely correct dental and jaw positioning issues.

Orthodontic treatment with braces or with clear aligners?

The choice between braces and clear aligners depends on several factors, including the complexity of the required orthodontics, cost, treatment duration, and the patient's personal preference.

Braces are often recommended for more complex cases that require more significant tooth movements. They are bonded to the teeth with dental adhesive and connected by a metal wire. Braces can be made of metal or ceramic, making them more discreet.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, have become an increasingly popular option for mild to moderate orthodontic treatments. They are custom-made for each patient and must be worn continuously for about 22 hours a day but can be removed for eating and brushing teeth. The aligners are virtually invisible and are often more comfortable than braces.

In terms of cost, clear aligners can be more expensive than braces, but this will depend on the duration of the treatment required and the fees of the dental or orthodontic professional.

Ultimately, the choice between braces and clear aligners will depend on the complexity of the required orthodontics, cost, treatment duration, and the patient's personal preference. It is important to consult a dental health professional to discuss these factors and determine the best option for your individual situation.

Which teeth are the most difficult to move?

In adult orthodontics, the teeth that are generally the most difficult to move are the molars, especially the back molars. This is due to their position further back in the mouth and their complex shape with multiple roots. Molars may require more force to move than other teeth. However, each case is unique, and the difficulty of moving teeth will depend on many factors such as the health of the teeth, the position of the roots, and the strength of the jaws. An experienced orthodontist can determine which teeth will be more difficult to move in each individual case.

What are the disadvantages of orthodontic treatments with aligners?

1. Cost: Orthodontic treatments with aligners can be more expensive than traditional orthodontic treatments, especially if the treatment is complex and requires multiple aligners.
2. Treatment time: Orthodontic treatments with aligners may take longer to achieve the desired results than traditional orthodontic treatments, especially for more complex cases.
3. Discipline and monitoring: Orthodontic treatments with aligners require great discipline and rigorous monitoring from the patient, as the aligners must be worn continuously and changed regularly. If the aligners are not worn according to the instructions, the treatment may take longer and the results may be affected.
4. Tooth sensitivity: Patients may experience some tooth sensitivity when wearing aligners, especially at the beginning of treatment or after changing aligners.
5. Not suitable for all cases: Orthodontic treatments with aligners are not suitable for all dental alignment cases. The most complex cases or those requiring significant tooth movements may necessitate traditional orthodontic treatments to achieve the best results.

What are the advantages of orthodontic treatments with aligners?

1. Aesthetics: Aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them much more aesthetically pleasing than braces and metal wires.
2. Comfort: Aligners are made from smooth, comfortable plastic to avoid the irritations and pain associated with braces and metal wires.
3. Ease of maintenance: Aligners are easily removable, allowing them to be taken out for eating and brushing teeth. This makes it easier to maintain the teeth and gums.
4. Treatment duration: Treatments with aligners can be shorter than traditional treatments with braces and metal wires, depending on the complexity of the teeth alignment.
5. Precision: Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, allowing for better accuracy in tooth alignment.
6. Safety: Aligners do not contain metal wires or other protruding parts, which reduces the risk of injury to the mouth and gums.

How to prevent relapse in orthodontics?

Relapse in orthodontics is nearly systematic. Teeth have a very good shape memory and tend to naturally return to their position before treatment. To prevent relapse in orthodontics, here are some tips and advice:

1. Wear your retention device: Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, your orthodontist or dentist will likely prescribe a retention device to keep your teeth aligned. It is important to wear your retention device regularly as instructed by your practitioner to prevent relapse.
2. Follow your orthodontist's or dentist's instructions: They will provide you with specific instructions to keep your teeth aligned after treatment. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid relapse.
3. Avoid harmful habits: Certain habits can cause relapse in orthodontics, such as thumb sucking, chewing on pens or pencils, or using rubber bands to play. Avoid these habits to protect your teeth.
4. Maintain good dental hygiene: Good dental hygiene is essential to prevent relapse in orthodontics. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for routine check-ups.
5. Avoid hard and sticky foods: Hard and sticky foods can damage your retention device and cause relapse in orthodontics.

The relationship with your dentist is crucial during treatment.

The relationship between the patient and the dentist or orthodontist is crucial for the success of adult orthodontic treatment. First, it is important for the patient to trust their dentist or orthodontist to follow treatment recommendations and adhere to the given instructions.

Moreover, clear communication between the patient and the dentist or orthodontist is essential to ensure that treatment goals are clearly understood and that patient expectations are met. Adult patients may have particular concerns regarding the aesthetics of their smile during treatment, and it is important for the dentist or orthodontist to consider these concerns and work with the patient to find appropriate solutions.

Furthermore, mutual respect is important for maintaining a good relationship between the patient and the dentist or orthodontist. Patients should respect the recommendations of their dental health professional and follow treatment instructions, while dentists and orthodontists should respect the needs and preferences of the patient.

How to reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment?

In orthodontics, you may find the treatment too long. To reduce the treatment time, talk to your dentist or orthodontist to see if a compromise is possible. Indeed, some patients do not necessarily seek the same objectives, so it is essential to take the time to discuss this with your dentist. A compromise is a decision made to achieve a treatment goal that takes into account the potential benefits and drawbacks for the patient.

For example, if an adult patient wishes to correct the alignment of their teeth for aesthetic reasons, the 3D simulation may propose a treatment lasting 24 months, which is considered a long treatment. It is entirely possible to request another simulation from their dentist or orthodontist with a shorter treatment duration.

In this situation, a compromise can be reached by considering the patient's personal preferences, time and cost constraints, and the feasibility of the treatment to correct the patient's tooth alignment. Ultimately, the compromise may involve choosing a treatment option that offers the best balance between these factors for the patient. The important thing is the communication between the patient and the dentist or orthodontist.

Finally, some professionals may offer a device that vibrates the teeth, allowing for changing aligners every week instead of every two weeks. However, be cautious, as each dental situation is different, and it is important to closely follow the advice of your dentist or orthodontist.

Our opinion on Invisalign treatments and its competitors

Invisalign, backed by its experience and technology, is the undisputed leader in so-called clear dental aligners. Today, many orthodontists do not hesitate to also treat children with this medical device. Due to the fact that this orthodontic device is almost invisible, many adults no longer hesitate to undergo this type of treatment.

More and more new competitors are entering this market, such as Clear Correct, Dr Smile, and Smilers, which are offered in dental offices. These companies offer treatments that are just as effective, and often the cost of treatment is lower. In any case, it is essential that a dentist or orthodontist manages your treatment, and under no circumstances should you trust online solutions without seeing a dentist.