Clear Aligners

What are aligners?

Aligners are the modern method to straighten teeth. Rather than using metal wires, we use 3D printing and clear plastic stents, or “aligners”, which are swapped out each week to progressively move teeth into the correct position.

How do they work?

The way that aligners work is high tech and exciting. First, Dr. Anton will scan your mouth using state-of-the-art optical scanners, which allow him to model your teeth digitally. Using specialised software, the teeth can be moved virtually in small increments.

With each small movement of the teeth a new model is 3D-printed, and a clear plastic skin is made which fits over the model. This plastic skin, or “aligner”, is then worn by the patient for a period of one week. After that, a new aligner is worn in which the teeth have been shifted a little closer to the final goal of straight, beautiful teeth.

The number of aligners required depends very much on how much movement is required. In other words, the more out-of-alignment your teeth are to begin with, the more aligners will be required to get them straight.

Advantages

• They are practically invisible.
• Teeth generally move a bit quicker than with traditional braces, because equal pressures can be applied to all teeth simultaneously and consistently.
• There is less risk of damage to teeth and gums, because fewer foreign parts need to be glued to the teeth.

Disadvantages

Aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day to be effective, and must be removed when eating. This means they might not always be practical for young children or those less motivated to follow instructions.

What do they cost?

Aligners are a longer term therapy and should be thought of in the same way you would approach traditional braces. The cost can be paid off during the treatment period, however there is usually an upfront fee required to cover the manufacturing of the aligners, which is done overseas.