Clear aligners: what are the benefits?

Orthodontics has made incredible advances in recent decades, with one of the major milestones - clear aligners revolutionising treatment compared to traditional orthodontics.

Clear aligners have transformed the way we correct malocclusions and misaligned teeth, offering a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.

We explain the science behind using clear aligners to straighten your teeth. We'll also explore:

• the types of misalignment aligners can treat
• the different types of aligner treatment that exist
• how much aligners can cost in the UK

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are transparent and removable orthodontic devices that correct dental positions without the use of wires and brackets. They can fix problems, such as crowding and diastemas, and other types of malocclusions.

Invisible aligners for teeth offer the same benefits as braces. The most attractive aspects of teeth straightening that aligners offer are their resistant and transparent material. Subsequently, it makes them practically invisible to the naked eye, making them an increasingly popular choice.

How do clear aligners work?

 The key to the success of invisible aligners lies in their customised design and their ability to apply controlled forces to the teeth.

By exerting gradual pressure on the teeth, changing the mould on average, every 2-4 weeks to follow the trend of how your teeth move, clear aligners move them millimetre by millimetre over time. This process is repeated with each set of aligners, allowing for continuous and progressive correction of the position of teeth.

Types of clear aligners

There are different types of invisible orthodontic treatments on the market, such as ceramic, sapphire and lingual braces. Clear aligners are one of these types of orthodontics and, in turn, can also be classified according to several factors.

When we talk about types of clear aligners, they can be classified according to the material they are made from

• medical grade thermoplastic

• silicone

• polycarbonate

• BPA-free materials

Or according to how they're produced: using 3D printing, digitally or manually with moulds.

To decide the best option for you, talk to a dentist or orthodontist about your dental issues and the best options for straight teeth.

We offer free orthodontic evaluations to help you get started with clear aligners. Simply book a visit using the button below to be greeted by our dental professionals.

You'll receive 360º X-rays and a 3D scan that will give us all the information we need to create an accurate and personalised treatment plan.

Pros and cons of clear aligners

Clear aligners have a number of pros and cons compared to other types of orthodontic treatments. Read on for the details:

• Ease to put in and take out between meals, (especially with an outie), which you get as part of your Impress kit.

• Easy to clean and care for. You can even keep them in while you exercise.

• Remote transformation management with the Impress App*

• The kit is delivered to your house after your first initial orthodontic evaluation*
• Discreet

How long does it take aligners to work?

How long it takes for clear aligners to work depends on the complexity of the case and the degree of correction required. Normally, you can start to notice some of the changes after 6 months of wearing clear aligners. However, there are cases in which the results are visible after the first few sets of aligners.

What's the treatment plan for aligners?

Each set of clear aligners is made specifically customised for each patient, following a treatment plan previously designed by an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatments with invisible dental aligners allow greater control over tooth movements, being more predictable and precise than traditional orthodontic treatments.

How often do you change clear aligners?

The answer varies depending on the type of treatment and the individual patient’s treatment plan. In general, invisible aligners are changed approximately every one to two weeks.

This interval ensures steady progression in the correction of dental alignment, and it is crucial to follow the orthodontist’s instructions for optimal results.

Note: It should be noted that this is an estimation; your orthodontist will discuss your specific care plan.

The benefits of clear aligners

• Aesthetics: The main benefit of clear aligners is that they are practically imperceptible to the naked eye, therefore making the patient feel much more confident whilst wearing them.
• Comfort: Being removable, clear dental aligners allow for unrestricted eating and drinking. The patient’s lifestyle, therefore, remains unchanged during treatment. It is also totally comfortable and safe to practise sports whilst wearing aligners.
• Less discomfort: The aligners are made of a high-quality medical-grade plastic, which is rigid and robust with a surface that is soft and gentle on the oral tissue. This material makes it more difficult for chafing and sores to form. As for the pressure, it is possible to feel a little pressure when changing from one aligner to another. However, since the changes are very frequent, this sensation is hardly noticeable and fairly subtle.
• Maintain your active lifestyle: Aligners also help prevent risks whilst doing sports, as they do not cause pain if you receive a blow or suffer a fall. 
• Hygienic: The ability to remove the aligners assists with daily cleaning of the teeth and the device itself, reducing the risk of oral problems associated with fixed orthodontics. 
• Fewer visits to the orthodontist: Compared to traditional braces, patients who opt for invisible aligners often require fewer visits to the orthodontist. This is because check-ups can be performed less frequently, as brackets and wires do not need to be adjusted. One of the benefits of Impress clear aligners is that we have our own app, which you can use to monitor your treatment from wherever you are, saving you visits to the clinic.

Disadvantages of clear aligners

1. Patient discipline: The success of treatment with invisible aligners relies highly on patient discipline. It is essential to wear the aligners for the recommended length of time and to follow the orthodontist’s instructions for optimal results.
2. Losing aligners: The fact that clear aligners are removable is great, but this creates a disadvantage too: being removable means that they could also be misplaced if they are not stored correctly in their case.
   
3. Price: Compared to metal braces, clear aligners may have a higher price tag. However, aligners are not the most expensive orthodontic device when compared to other treatments.
   

How to clean and take care of aligners

The best way to clean your aligners is with a soft bristle brush and neutral soap. Use these to remove any dirt or plaque that may have adhered to the aligners during use.

There are also effervescent tablets that can be useful for cleaning aligners, although it is not ideal to use this method alone, but rather to combine it with brushing to ensure better cleaning.

Price of clear aligners: how much do they cost?

The price of clear dental aligners in the UK varies depending on the supplier and brand, the duration of treatment and the complexity of the case. In general, the price can range from £2,000 to £5,000.

The cost of treatment with Impress invisible dental aligners depends mainly on the complexity of the case. Our prices are fixed and include everything you need for your treatment, from start to finish. We also offer financing plans to make the treatment more affordable and ensure we adapt to the needs of each patient.

Impress clear aligners

At Impress, we specialise in treatments with clear dental aligners. We offer treatment plans that are 100% supervised by orthodontists and with the option of follow-ups at any of our clinics or via our app, which will save you time and unnecessary travel.

If you are interested in our removable orthodontic treatments with clear aligners, visit your nearest Impress clinic and meet the team of professionals who will supervise your treatment. You can also schedule a free, no-obligation orthodontic evaluation online, by phone on +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.