Aligners

Orthodontic treatment has long ceased to be limited to metal braces. Today, transparent aligners are widely used to correct the bite, which allows us to gradually move teeth without a fixed orthodontic structure.

One of the most researched and widespread systems in the world is Invisalign. It is used in more than 100 countries, and the treatment plan is created using digital 3D modeling, which makes it possible to assess the predicted result even before the start of therapy. Scientific reviews confirm that aligners are an effective method of treating many orthodontic pathologies, provided that proper planning and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations are followed.

What are aligners and Invisalign?

Aligners are individual transparent orthodontic caps that tightly cover the dentition and create controlled pressure on individual teeth. Under its action, the teeth gradually take the correct position, and the bone tissue around the roots is rebuilt in accordance with the new location.

Invisalign is an original system of clear aligners developed by the American company Align Technology. Each set of Invisalign is made individually after a digital scan of the teeth. The doctor creates a complete treatment plan in a special ClinCheck program, where he models each stage of tooth movement even before the start of therapy.

How do clear orthodontic trays work?

Each aligner differs from the previous one by only fractions of a millimeter. After installation, it creates constant gentle pressure on certain teeth. In response, the natural process of bone remodeling is triggered: on one side of the root, bone gradually resorbs, and on the other, new bone is formed. This is why the tooth can safely move in a given direction.

Each pair of aligners is worn by the patient according to an individual schedule prescribed by the doctor, usually for about 1-2 weeks, after which the patient moves on to the next set. For the treatment to be effective, the trays must be worn 20-22 hours a day.

Why do teeth move gradually?

The tooth cannot be moved all at once, as the surrounding tissues must adapt to the new position. Excessive load can lead to damage to the periodontium or unwanted changes in the roots. That is why the treatment consists of a sequence of aligners, each of which performs a small part of the planned movement. This approach provides controlled tooth movement and allows the doctor to adjust the treatment during routine examinations if necessary.

How is Invisalign different from other aligners?

The Invisalign system is one of the most studied in modern orthodontics. The ClinCheck digital platform is used to plan the treatment, which allows to simulate the movement of each tooth at all stages of therapy. If necessary, the doctor installs special composite attachments that help perform complex orthodontic movements.

One of the features of Invisalign is the patented SmartTrack material. They are made taking into account the anatomy of the dentition and the contour of the gums, due to which they fit tightly to the teeth, provide comfort during wear and contribute to more controlled movement of the teeth. That is why the system is often used not only for minor bite defects, but also in many clinically more complex cases after a detailed examination of the patient.

When is treatment with aligners recommended?

Aligners are used to correct various bite disorders and tooth position. After examination and diagnosis, the orthodontist determines whether the problem can be corrected only with aligners, or whether additional orthodontic methods will be required.

Most often, treatment with aligners is recommended for:

• Crowding of teeth. If there is not enough space in the dentition, aligners help to gradually align their position and form the correct arch.
• Gaps between teeth. Transparent mouthguards allow to gradually close diastemas and gaps without installing a braces system.
• Malocclusion. Aligners can be used for mild to moderate forms of distal, deep, open or crossbite, if the clinical situation allows such treatment.
• Relapses after braces. If after completing orthodontic treatment, the teeth have partially returned to their previous position, aligners help to correct the changes without reinstalling the braces system.
• Preparation for prosthetics or implantation. In some cases, before restoring missing teeth, it is necessary to create enough space or align the dentition for the correct location of orthopedic structures.
• Aesthetic defects of the smile. The treatment helps to eliminate the uneven position of individual teeth, improve the symmetry of the dentition and make the smile more harmonious.

Studies show that aligners are particularly effective in eliminating crowding, gaps between teeth and minor bite disorders. However, the treatment options always depend on the specific clinical situation and the individual orthodontic treatment plan.

Who are aligners suitable for?

Aligners can be a good solution for patients of all ages, if after the examination the orthodontist confirms the possibility of such treatment.

They are suitable for:

• Adults who want to correct the bite without noticeable orthodontic structures.
• Teenagers during the period of formation of the permanent bite, if the clinical situation allows treatment with aligners.
• People with a public profession for whom it is important to maintain a natural smile during treatment. Transparent mouthguards are almost invisible during a conversation.
• Patients who do not want to wear braces due to personal wishes, work characteristics or lifestyle.

However, aligners are not a universal treatment method. In case of complex malocclusions, treatment with premolars, significant tooth position disorders or pronounced skeletal deformities, a brace system, combined orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery may be required.

Advantages of Invisalign

According to Align Technology, since 2011, more than 1.9 million patients with complex orthodontic cases have been treated with Invisalign aligners.

The main advantages of the system:

• Virtually invisible. The transparent patented material makes the aligners barely noticeable during communication.
• Comfortable to wear. The aligners do not have metal arches and locks, and their edges are adapted to the contour of the gums.
• Removable. The caps are easily removed before eating and brushing your teeth, so there are no restrictions on the choice of products.
• Easier dental care. During treatment, the patient can brush and floss as usual.
• Fewer visits to the doctor. According to Align Technology, Invisalign patients require 30% fewer scheduled visits on average than patients with fixed braces. Also, due to the absence of arches and brackets, emergency visits are almost 80% less frequent.
• Digital treatment planning. Before starting therapy, the orthodontist creates a 3D model of the future movement of the teeth and can demonstrate the predicted result even before the aligners are made.

How is treatment at Astra Dent performed?

Treatment with aligners at Astra Dent begins with a consultation with an orthodontist. The doctor assesses the position of the teeth, bite features, gum condition and determines whether the detected irregularities can be corrected with Invisalign. For accurate planning, a photo protocol, X-ray diagnostics and intraoral 3D scanning are performed.

Based on the data obtained, a digital model of the dentition is created. The orthodontist plans the sequence of movement of each tooth and shows the patient a 3D visualization of the future smile. After the plan is approved, an individual set of aligners is made.

The patient receives a set of mouthguards and changes them according to the schedule drawn up by the doctor. During follow-up examinations, the orthodontist checks whether the actual position of the teeth corresponds to the digital plan. If necessary, they make adjustments or prescribes additional aligners.

After the main treatment is completed, the retention stage begins. The patient is made retainers that hold the teeth in the new position and help maintain the result.

Modern digital technologies of Astra Dent

Astra Dent uses an intraoral 3D scanner for diagnosis and planning of orthodontic treatment. It creates an accurate digital model of teeth without traditional impression materials that can cause nausea or discomfort.

The digital model allows the doctor to analyze the bite in detail, calculate the direction and sequence of tooth movement and estimate the expected result in advance. The patient can see the future smile even before treatment begins and discuss the plan with the orthodontist.

Invisalign treatment packages at Astra Dent

At Astra Dent, two Invisalign packages are available, which differ in the number of aligners and the complexity of the orthodontic correction.

• The “Light” package provides up to 20 caps. It can be recommended for slight crowding of teeth, small gaps, displacement of individual teeth or relapse after previous orthodontic treatment.
• The “Complex” package provides an unlimited number of trays for 5 years. It is used for complex anomalies of the bite, significant crowding and the need for complex correction of the position of the teeth.

The number of aligners cannot be determined only by the appearance of the smile. The final package is chosen by the orthodontist after an examination, a 3D scan and a complete diagnosis of the bite.

Aligners or braces: what to choose?

Both aligners and bracket systems effectively correct the bite and align the teeth. The choice of treatment method depends not only on the wishes of the patient, but also on the clinical situation, the complexity of the anomaly, and the goals of treatment.

None of these methods is universally better. In many clinical situations, aligners provide a predictable result, but in complex malocclusions, a braces system may be a more appropriate solution. The orthodontist chooses the final treatment method after an examination, digital diagnostics, and analysis of the patient’s bite.

How to care for aligners?

Proper care of aligners helps maintain their transparency, hygiene, and treatment effectiveness. To achieve the planned result, it is important to follow the orthodontist’s recommendations.

Basic care rules:

• wear aligners for 20-22 hours a day;
• clean the aligners daily with a soft brush and cool water;
• remove aligners before eating and drinking, except plain water;
• do not use hot water, as it can deform the material;
• store the aligners in a special case when not in use.

Possible limitations

Treatment with aligners requires a responsible attitude on the part of the patient. If the aligners are worn for less than the recommended time or if they are frequently not replaced, tooth movement may slow down and the treatment period may increase.

In some clinical cases, the orthodontist may recommend additional elements, such as attachments or intermaxillary elastics, to achieve an optimal result. In case of complex bite anomalies, combined orthodontic treatment is sometimes used or a brace system is chosen. That is why the final treatment plan is determined only after a comprehensive diagnosis.

Why do patients choose Astra Dent for treatment with aligners?

Aligner treatment at Astra Dent is based on modern digital technologies and an individual approach to each patient. The orthodontist analyzes the clinical case in detail, draws up a personal treatment plan and monitors it at all stages.

Advantages of treatment at Astra Dent:

• treatment using the original Invisalign system;
• orthodontists with over 7 years of experience;
• comprehensive digital diagnostics before starting treatment;
• intraoral 3D scanning without traditional impressions;
• digital modeling of tooth movement;
• the ability to see the future result thanks to 3D visualization;
• comprehensive dental treatment in one center: from professional hygiene and therapy to orthodontics, implantation and prosthetics.

Please note! For patients who need barrier-free access, the Astra Dent network has specially equipped dental departments. They are located at

• 3a Svyatoshynska St.
• 152 Kharkiv Highway.
• 100-A Vasylkivska St.
• 40 Budivelnykiv St. (the department is equipped with a special elevator).

Choose the dental center closest to you and undergo treatment in comfortable and accessible conditions.