Aligners

(Al Lulu Medical Center, Sharjah, Tel:06-5646252)

FROM posted mail to instant text messaging, infrared to bluetooth, keypads totouchscreens; research has led to the development of new technology that makes things simpler, faster and more efficient. The orthodontic profession is no different.   An increasing demand for greater esthetics and comfort during treat

ment led to the invention of white, tooth coloured braces to replace silver metal; braces that can be positioned behind the teeth instead of at the front and more recently, clear aligners to replace braces altogether.   Aligners are removable plastic sheets that are worn over the teeth, applying pressure on them to gradually move them into place. Each sheet is worn for one to two weeks, after which it is thrown away and replaced with a new one.  

The plastic is transparent so it is barely visible to others while talking.It is also smooth and fitted to the contours of the teeth so it does not hurt the inside of the lips or cheeks as regular braces may. Since aligners can be removed by the patient, chewing hard foods, brushing and flossing are all possible.   One minor drawback to treatment with aligners however, is that they can not be used to treat every patient. Complicated cases such as those where extractions of teeth are required will need to be treated with regular braces. Patient co-operation is also very important, since the teeth will not move if the aligners are not worn for 24 hours as instructed.   To date, aligners are the most comfortable and esthetic treatment option in orthodontics, making them increasingly popular with patients around the world.