Clears aligners: the invisible orthodontics revolution
Orthodontics has undergone significant advances in recent decades, and one of the major milestones has been the introduction of clear aligners as an alternative to traditional orthodontics.
Clear aligners have transformed the way we correct the position of teeth, offering a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
In this article, we explore what clear aligners are and what they are used for, the different types that exist, how they work and how much they currently cost in the UK.
Discover Impress clear aligners
What are clear aligners and what are they used for?
Clear aligners are transparent and removable orthodontic devices and what they are used for is to correct dental positioning problems, such as crowding and diastemas, as well as different types of malocclusions.
Invisible aligners for teeth are made of resistant and transparent materials, which make them practically imperceptible to the naked eye.
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 we can say that they can be classified according to the material they are made of (medical grade thermoplastic, silicone, etc.) or according to the way they have been produced (3D printing, digitally or manually with moulds).
How do clear aligners work?
Now that you know what clear aligners are and what they are used for, we will explain how they work. The key to the success of invisible aligners lies in their customised design and their ability to apply controlled forces to the teeth.
Clear aligners work by exerting gradual pressure on the teeth, moving 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.
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 teeth movements, being more predictable and precise than traditional orthodontic treatments.
How often do you change clear aligners?
How often clear aligners should be changed is one of the most common questions asked by patients.
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.
It should be noted that this is an estimation; your orthodontist will indicate how often you should change the invisible aligners, ensuring beforehand that the planned movements have been achieved.
Clear aligner results: how long does it take 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, the results start to become more apparent after 6 months of wearing clear aligners. However, there are cases in which the results are already visible after the first few sets of aligners.
Are clear aligners as effective as other orthodontic devices?
There are patients today who still doubt whether clear aligners are as effective as other orthodontic treatments. At Impress we can safely say that clear aligners are just as effective as braces, and they also offer additional benefits, as we will explain below.
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:
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. 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
If you are wondering how to clean and take care of aligners, we explain all below.
The best way to clean them 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.
We offer all our patients a free initial diagnostic visit, where you will 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.
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 make an appointment online, by phone on +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about clear aligners
Can you eat with clear aligners on?
The answer is no, you cannot eat with clear aligners on. However, as they are removable, you can take them out to eat. They, therefore, do not pose any restrictions on your daily routines.
How do you remove clear aligners?
To remove your clear aligners, you can use the ‘outies’, which are a type of hook that you will receive in the Impress kit to help you take them out easily. Additionally, over time, you're sure to get practice and will be able to remove the clear aligners by hand.
Can clear aligners fix an overbite or open bite?
Yes, clear dental aligners can fix open bites, overbites and other malocclusions. Aligners not only correct dental malpositions, but can also amend a bad bite by modifying the relationship between the jaws in growing patients.
Are clear aligner treatments faster than braces?
Treatments with clear aligners are usually faster than those with braces. By being able to change aligners at home, the changes are more progressive, and no adjustments are needed, unlike with braces. The possibility of having digital follow-ups also saves time waiting for appointments.
Are clear aligners painful?
Clear aligners are not painful, however they may cause slight discomfort when they are changed due to the pressure the new set exerts on the teeth. As the movements with invisible aligners are more progressive than with braces, the discomfort is minimal.
Are clear aligners safe?
Yes, clear aligner treatments are safe. However, care must be taken to ensure that the treatment is supervised by orthodontists in order for this to be the case.
