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Are clear aligners a good alternative to braces?

People with beautiful teeth are often perceived as attractive and likeable. However, a straight, aesthetically pleasing smile is not something everyone is born with. Today, there are several effective ways to correct misalignments of the teeth and jaws.

In children and adolescents, corrections to the teeth and jawbone are usually relatively straightforward. At the same time, the number of adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment continues to rise. Tooth alignment can be corrected at any age, although the jaw itself can only be repositioned while the body is still in its growth phase.

What are aligners?

In recent years, clear aligners have become increasingly popular among both patients and orthodontists. This modern alternative to traditional braces is suitable for correcting mild to moderate tooth misalignments. Also known as aligners, these appliances are made of thin, transparent plastic and fit snugly over the teeth. Their discreet appearance makes the treatment almost invisible

Adults in particular, especially those working in social or public-facing professions, benefit from this treatment method in everyday life. The aligners must be worn consistently for up to 22 hours per day to ensure effective and timely treatment results. They are only removed for eating and brushing your teeth.

Before starting treatment, the orthodontic practice will assess whether clear aligners are suitable for the patient, using either a 3D scan or a dental impression. Not every type of misalignment can be corrected with aligners. They are most commonly used to treat gaps between teeth, crossbites, open bites, crowding, and tilted teeth. For more severe corrections, fixed braces are usually required.

How does the method work?

During the course of treatment, several sets of transparent aligners are used one after another. It is common for patients to receive multiple aligners in advance and to change them independently approximately every 7 to 12 days.

While being worn, the aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. Approximately every 6 to 9 weeks, the orthodontist checks the progress of the treatment in the practice and makes adjustments if necessary.

The overall duration of treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors. Active patient cooperation is essential, including consistent wear of the aligners, good oral hygiene, and adherence to regular follow-up appointments.

Advantages of clear aligners

Traditional braces are still predominantly used in younger patients. In this system, brackets are bonded to the tooth surfaces and connected with an archwire. This setup applies pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into a new position.

Compared to plastic aligners, many people perceive fixed braces as an uncomfortable foreign object that can initially affect speech and eating. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are largely pain-free and cause minimal disruption to daily life.

Another major advantage of this relatively new technology is improved oral hygiene. Food particles easily accumulate around brackets and wires and are difficult to remove with a standard toothbrush. This increases cleaning effort and makes teeth more susceptible to cavities and gum bleeding.

With clear aligners, the trays are removed for eating. As a result, no food residue can accumulate on the teeth, oral hygiene can be carried out as usual, and the aligners themselves can be easily cleaned under running water using a soft brush.

Conclusion

Clear aligners are a good alternative to traditional braces and are most commonly used in patients aged 15 and older. They are discreet and easy to handle. The main disadvantages are higher treatment costs and the fact that not all types of misalignment can be corrected with aligners.

Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner

Dr. med. dent. Barbara Scheiner, Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie (CH) hat ihre Promotion im Jahr 2013 erfolgreich in Zürich absolviert. Sie hat sich damit ihren langjährigen Traum erfüllt. Durch die universitäre Fachzahnarztausbildung ebenfalls in Zürich spezialisierte sie sich als Kieferorthopädin und ist seit 2017 nach erfolgreich bestandener Prüfung als “Fachzahnärztin für Kieferorthopädie Schweiz” zertifiziert.

Seit dem Jahr 2018 ist sie Inhaberin der Praxis We Love Smiles Kieferorthopädie Zürich AG. Ihr Wissen wendet sie in ihrer Schweizer Praxis erfolgreich und mit großer Hingabe an. Ihr Fachgebiet sind Zahnstellungskorrekturen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen.

Kundenzufriedenheit und Professionalität stehen dabei immer an erster Stelle. Sie geht dabei äußerst behutsam und schonend vor, sodass sich auch die kleinsten Patienten wohl bei ihr fühlen.