In our clinic, orthodontic treatment (including aligner treatment) is performed by orthodontists who have completed their orthodontic residency at the University of Tartu, who, in addition to their daily treatment work, also train other doctors on the topic of aligner treatment.
Our orthodontists have more than 15 years of experience with orthodontic aligners and use them to solve even more complicated cases, which means that the aligner treatment offered in our clinic is as effective as braces treatment.
WHAT ARE ORTHODONTIC ALIGNERS?
Orthodontic treatment with aligners is one of the modern methods for correcting the bite and creating a beautiful smile. Dental Art clinic offers treatment with aligner systems such as Invisalign and Spark.
The aligner system, consisting of transparent, barely noticeable orthodontic shells, is designed for quick and comfortable tooth movement. A set of shells is custom-made for each patient. To ensure the effectiveness of the aligner system, small buttons or attachments are placed on some of the teeth being orthodontically moved during treatment. After the treatment is complete, these attachments are removed, leaving the teeth smooth and even as before.
At the beginning of the treatment, the patient receives an individual set of numbered aligners from the orthodontist, which must be worn for 20-22 hours a day, every day, throughout the entire treatment period. The aligners are changed one after another weekly, gradually moving and aligning the teeth according to the planned orthodontic scheme.
To monitor the progress of the treatment and make adjustments, the patient visits the orthodontist or a specially trained dental specialist every 5-7 weeks.
In cases of complex tooth crowding and bite irregularities, aligner treatment may be combined with other orthodontic appliances such as small metal buttons and elastics, braces, rubber bands, temporary mini screws, and other devices.
ADVANTAGES OF ALIGNERS
Removable orthodontic aligners are thin, transparent, and barely noticeable.
Orthodontic treatment planning is done virtually using computer software. Patients can see the expected treatment outcome on a computer screen before the aligners are even installed.
Fewer visits to the orthodontist are required for monitoring and adjustments, and scheduled visits are usually short.
Since teeth gradually move under the influence of very small forces during treatment, tooth sensitivity is significantly reduced.
The smooth surface of the aligners doesn’t irritate the lips and cheeks’ mucous membranes. If the edge of a new aligner temporarily irritates, it can easily be smoothed with a clean nail file, or orthodontic wax can be used if needed.
There are fewer unplanned orthodontic visits for emergency care during aligner treatment, except for complex clinical cases where aligner treatment is combined with other orthodontic appliances such as braces, metal buttons, springs, rubber bands, or temporary mini screws.
There are no dietary restrictions during aligner treatment; one can eat almost any food without the risk of damaging the appliance.
Oral hygiene is simpler during treatment with removable orthodontic caps, reducing the risk of cavities and enamel damage. However, the hygiene standards required during any orthodontic treatment are always high.
Aligner treatment allows participation in contact sports and playing wind instruments.
Aligner treatment is usually short. If a planned visit to the doctor is postponed for any reason, the treatment does not stop. The patient continues treatment by changing the aligners according to the originally prescribed schedule and meets with the orthodontist at the next scheduled visit.
TEMPORARY DISCOMFORT DURING ALIGNER TREATMENT
Temporary changes in pronunciation of certain sounds may occur during aligner treatment, which typically resolve within 2-7 days. The more one wears the cap and speaks, the faster pronunciation clarity returns.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR ALIGNER TREATMENT
Aligner treatment is suitable for those who prioritize aesthetics and comfort.
It is suitable for both teenagers and adults.
WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ALIGNER TREATMENT
Patients who require orthodontic treatment for retained teeth.
Patients who may have difficulties with self-discipline since aligner treatment requires wearing aligners for 20-22 hours a day, removing them only for eating and tooth cleaning.
Patients with inadequate oral hygiene. Insufficient oral hygiene during any type of orthodontic treatment increases the risk of cavities, periodontal inflammation, and enamel demineralization, which negatively affect oral health and smile aesthetics.
Other individual reasons.
HOW TO BEGIN TREATMENT
Digital diagnostics, including 3D scanning, are conducted before treatment.
Based on the diagnostic data, an individual treatment plan is developed for each patient.
Before the diagnostic visit, teeth requiring treatment should be done, and professional oral hygiene should be performed. Otherwise, the 3D scan may be inaccurate, requiring repetition before treatment begins, resulting in time loss and additional financial costs.
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH ALIGNERS
Eat food.
Chew gum.
Drink hot tea, coffee, or any other hot beverages, including hot water.
Swim (there is a risk of losing the transparent cap/caps).
WHAT TO DRINK WITH ALIGNERS IN THE MOUTH
Clean, cool water.
All other drinks can stain the cap, leave dark pigment around the attachments, or cause prolonged acid attacks harmful to tooth health.
HOW MANY ALIGNERS NEED TO BE CHANGED DURING TREATMENT?
The number of aligners depends on the complexity of the treatment goals.
For minor corrections, 14 aligners may suffice, while in complex cases, the required number of aligners may reach 60 or more.
END OF ALIGNER TREATMENT
On the last visit, when the bite treatment is completed, and the patient is satisfied with the results, the attachments installed at the beginning of the treatment are removed.
To maintain the achieved result as much as possible, fixed retainers are placed on the upper and lower front teeth, supplemented by a transparent removable retainer on the upper teeth, which the patient wears at night.