Request An Appointment

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are transparent custom made dental braces made of plastic material. They are fabricated to fit each person’s mouth. These braces are clear and blend in more with the natural colour of the teeth.

How do clear aligners work?

Clear aligners are made based on the digital models made from the impressions of the teeth. 3-D computer imaging technology is used to plan and map your complete orthodontic treatment. A series of clear aligners are given to the patient for a specific period of time until the desired movement is achieved. Clear aligners have to be replaced with a new set every two to three weeks based on the planned treatment. Your teeth are progressively moved into place by the series of customized clear aligners

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are less irritable to the tissues like gums and cheeks
As these can be removed during eating or brushing
They are more comfortable and easier to clean
No food constraints as clear aligners can be removed during eating
No chances of staining or discoloration of teeth
As the whole procedure is digitized and accurate, treatment outcome is precise and faster

Aligners v/s Braces

Aligners	Braces
Virtually Invisible And Made Of Clear Plastic, More Aesthetically Pleasing Treatment	Metal Or Ceramic Brackets Attached To The Teeth And Connected By Wires, More Noticeable.
Comfortable : Have Smooth Edges And Do Not Involve Any Wires Or Brackets	May Cause Discomfort And Soreness
Aligners Are Removable, Allowing For Easy Cleaning, Patients Can Take Them Out While Eating Or Drinking	Fixed And Cannot Be Removed By The Patient, Special Care Is Needed To Clean Around The Brackets
Shorter treatment duration	Longer Treatment Duration

Getting aligners fitted takes a few steps

1. Scan

After scanning the gums, teeth, and jaws using an advanced intraoral scanner, the orthodontist will determine whether using aligners is the best course of action. In order to create a treatment plan, digital impressions are generated in accordance with all of this.

2. Planning

Orthodontists and cosmetic dentists work together throughout the planning phase to ensure the finest treatment results. They make decisions about how many aligner sets are required, how long the therapy will last, how the jaw will move, and the desired final form at this point.

3. SIMULATION / VIRTUAL PRESENTATION

Incredible as it seems, advanced technologies and software now allow a person to see how the smile will look, post treatment. A senior cosmetic dentist takes detailed photographs of the teeth, gums, jaw and lips to digitally predict the final outcome. The patient can review the same and retain a copy. Changes can be requested at this point, to ensure complete satisfaction.

4. 3 D PRINTING & FABRICATION

The aligners are designed using 3D printer technology and then fabricated in CAD-CAM dental lab. Trimming and finishing is carried out by certified professionals

5. INSERTION OF ALIGNERS BY THE ORTHODONTIST

Every patient should have their finest smile, according to the orthodontist. In order to do this, she/he will request that the patient attend a visit to check fitting, after which they will be shown how to wear and switch out each pair of aligners.

6. FOLLOW-UP AND REFINEMENT IF REQUIRED

Once the aligners are fitted, regular follow-ups are done, either online or in-person. After completing the treatment plan, an assessment of the bite is done, after which a set of refinement aligners are suggested in some cases.

IS CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT RIGHT FOR ME?

Crossbite

Some people have a type of malocclusion where the teeth are misaligned, and some or several upper teeth fit inside the lower ones. This may impact front as well as back teeth, and in case it is the latter, it is known as a ‘posterior crossbite’.

Crowded Teeth

Some people have, what is known as, crowded teeth. In such cases, the teeth are not proportionate, as they may have twisted or grown improperly while trying to compete for space as a result more teeth are present in small space crowded.

Gap Teeth

A person who has open spaces between two or more teeth is said to have ‘gap teeth’ or a spacing issue. This leads to food getting stuck, because of pockets created between teeth and gums, leading to sore gums or gum disease.

Open Bite

In this type of misalignment, the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly. Either due to the position of teeth, jaws or both, there is no overlapping so the teeth appear ‘open’. In the front teeth it is known as an ‘anterior open bite’, and if it occurs in the teeth at the back, it is called a ‘lateral open bite’.

Overbite

An ‘overbite’ is a very normal condition where the upper teeth overlap the lower ones. Every one of us has at least partial overbite. Orthodontists measure how much of the lower teeth are covered, to gauge whether aligners are needed

Under Bite

Contrary to an overbite, an underbite is when the lower line of teeth protrudes more than the upper teeth, giving the mouth and face a bulldog-like appearance. It is also referred to as Class III malocclusion or prognathism.

Free Consultation By Specialist For All Dental Problems

Request Appointment

Why Apollo Dental

The dental vertical of the globally renowned health care giant Apollo Hospitals, Apollo Dental one of India's most trusted dental chains, with 75+ clinics across 21 cities, aiming to bring world class dental care within reach of every Indian. You'll enjoy low waiting times and can unveil a wider, happier smile when it's safe to remove our masks again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aligners are plastic trays that surround your teeth in a similar fashion to certain dental retainers. They are durable, and designed to gradually move your teeth into the correct position.

Everyone wants a charming smile. Clear aligners are now one of the best options for people who want to enhance their smile. There are primarily two types viz. in-dental office aligners and at-home aligners. The former is usually ideal, as an in-house orthodontist follows up at every step. The latter are slightly more economical, but the treatment is planned and executed remotely, without supervision.

Yes, the aligners can close gaps between your teeth, move crooked teeth into the correct position, and address bite issues. The only thing aligners cannot do is address bite problems that the jawbone causes.

Aligners are removable, and can be taken out on a daily basis. In fact, you can easily take the aligners out while making an important presentation at work, or for a photo.

You need to keep the aligners in for around 22 hours per day. Wearing the aligners less frequently will prolong your overall treatment time.

No. You need to take your aligners out every time that you eat. This is true for all of your meals, and even for snacks. You may want to have just a few crackers or a piece of fruit, but you still need to remove them at that time. This is critical for preserving their structural integrity, and for ensuring that your treatment time is not accidentally delayed due to one of them breaking.

You can drink water while wearing the aligners, but must remove the aligners to drink all other beverages. If you drink something hot like coffee or tea, you will risk warping the shape of your aligners. Any change to their shape can be detrimental to your treatment plan. The change in shape will cause your teeth to not move in the proper direction.

You are most likely to wear each set for approximately two weeks. Once the aligners begin to feel loose, it is an indication that it is time to wear the next set in the series. Remember that the aligners are putting pressure on your teeth, in order to move them into position. If the aligners are too loose, the pressure will no longer be significant enough to do so.

No. You can switch the aligners by yourself, at home, but will need to visit us for check-ups throughout the treatment process.

Yes, as long as you keep them clean, they will be difficult to notice when you smile.

Do not eat or drink with them in the mouth, except while drinking plain water. Each time after you eat, brush your teeth and rinse your aligners in warm water. We can also provide you with specific cleaning supplies.