Clear aligner orthodontic treatment is not a new dental process that is available to help straighten your teeth. It can do so through a series of dental appliances that are custom-made to fit people’s teeth as it slowly improves tooth alignment. It was invented in 1945 but the first company Align Technology Inc. systemized aligners. They had started in 1997 through two MBA Stanford University students, where it has become one of many companies within the industry.
As it has grown in popularity over the years, with a market value of $2.85 billion according to Fortune Business Insights, it may be presumed that it has become the preferred choice to braces in many situations. This could be due to the clear aligner’s process ease of use and invisibility in comparison to braces. Here you can find out the dos and don’ts of how to use them and the different categorical brands available.
Clear Aligner Categories
- In-House Aligners: The in-house aligner systematic or direct-to-customer process allows patients to conduct the treatment at home. This means that it would be delivered directly to you as a consumer and they usually create their aligners through 3D software available to them which is where the term in-house comes from. The process involves you creating impressions of your teeth that you would then send back to your orthodontist who would customize your clear aligner for you every two weeks or according to the program. ALIGNERCO is a company that provides direct-to-customer services.
- In-Office Aligners: The in-office aligner systematic process means that you would have to go to your orthodontist’s office. They would personally check the development of your tooth alignment and possibly have the ability to do comprehensive treatment plans. This would involve 3D camera movements that track your teeth throughout the process. It would involve you going in every two weeks or according to the program as is customary to change the custom-made aligner that they would fit you with. Invisalign is an in-office company where your orthodontist tracks your progress in person.
Clear Aligner Do’s and Don’ts
There are some lessons that you want to learn and others that you would rather not experience for yourself. Rules are generally there for a reason and in the case of the effectiveness of the clear aligners, they must be followed so that there are a few limitations as possible. The following guides help keep you on a path that your orthodontist has already set you on or helps you understand whether clear aligners are for you. It ensures that you always get the benefits you paid for so that you get that killer smile you were looking for.
Do – Wear your aligners for 22 hours a day to ensure the treatment is working effectively.
Do – Send the aligners in or go to your orthodontist according to the program timeline.
Don’t – Leave your aligners in your mouth when consuming food or drinks or forget to brush and floss after.
Don’t – leave your aligners out in the open even when cleaning your teeth.