When we talk about orthodontic treatment, the first thought is often about aligning teeth using brackets and wires. Modern orthodontics also brings other solutions, and in this case, it is about alignment with clear aligners – in our case, Medikadent aligners. This is one of the most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for patients.
What are Medikadent aligners?
Transparent Medikadent aligners offer an aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces. Unlike braces and wires, clear aligners are almost invisible and made of smooth, transparent, medical-grade plastic. The aligners are customized to fit tightly around the teeth, ensuring comfort and improved aesthetics.
Unlike fixed traditional braces, transparent Medikadent aligners can be removed, allowing you to maintain your usual diet and hygiene routine. However, for the best results, it is crucial to wear your aligners for at least 20–22 hours a day.
How do Medikadent aligners work?
Like traditional braces, the aligners are designed to gently move your teeth into the desired position. Before starting treatment, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and jaw using X-rays, photographs, and digital scans. With the collected information, your orthodontist will make a diagnosis before designing your smile and treatment plan in planning software. This shows which tooth moves where and in what order, bringing your teeth into a healthy position.
Medikadent aligners aim to create a healthy bite by changing the position of all teeth, not just a few visible ones when you smile. It is important to remember that tooth movement is a complex biological process and requires the supervision of an orthodontist from start to finish.
The treatment plan and aligners are made using your initial impressions or digital scans. On average, each set of aligners is worn for one week before moving to the next set. The total number of clear aligners will depend on your specific needs. Wearing them consistently and following your orthodontist’s instructions will help ensure your teeth reach their ideal position.
Who can benefit from Medikadent aligners?
Clear aligners are suitable for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues:
Crowded teeth: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit properly, clear aligners can gradually create space and align the teeth.
Spacing issues: Clear aligners can also resolve gaps or spaces between teeth, helping to close gaps and create a more uniform smile.
Overbites/underbites: Aligners can correct bite issues such as overbites (where the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth) or underbites (where the lower teeth protrude over the upper teeth) by gradually shifting the position of the teeth and jaw.
Crossbite: In cases where some of the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth (crossbite), clear aligners can help align the teeth and jaw for proper occlusion.
Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment: For individuals who have undergone previous orthodontic treatment and experienced a relapse of teeth, aligners can help realign the teeth and maintain the results.
How long do Medikadent aligners take to straighten teeth?
The average treatment time with aligners ranges from a few weeks to two years, but it can vary from case to case depending on the tooth movements that need to occur. For minor tooth movements, treatment time can be shorter than 12 months; however, if you do not wear your aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day, your treatment will be compromised, and your orthodontist may need to extend the treatment period. Every set of teeth is different, so it is important to schedule your first orthodontic consultation at our clinic to get an estimate of how long it will take to straighten your teeth with transparent Medikadent aligners.
What are the advantages of treatment with Medikadent aligners?
Here are some advantages of treatment with transparent Medikadent aligners:
A subtler appearance compared to traditional braces.
Since they can be removed for eating, you can eat whatever you like! (In comparison, during treatment with braces, hard and crunchy foods should be avoided to prevent breakage.)
You can continue brushing and flossing as before.
Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and designed to be as smooth and comfortable as possible to wear. Although you may feel slight discomfort when you put on a new set of aligners, this should be minimal compared to traditional braces.
Straight teeth and a healthy smile!
Are clear aligners really completely invisible?
Not quite – that would be impossible! Medikadent aligners are made of transparent medical-grade plastic, which is certainly much less noticeable than classic metal braces. When talking to someone up close, you might notice they are wearing clear aligners.
Questions you might have before wearing aligners
Can you eat, drink, or smoke while wearing aligners?
It is generally recommended to remove your aligners while eating to maintain cleanliness and avoid trapping food particles.
Most drinks should not cause problems while wearing aligners. However, darker drinks such as coffee and red wine can leave stains, in which case it is recommended to remove the aligners.
Smoking while wearing aligners is not recommended, as nicotine and tar can stain the transparent aligners.
What to do with your old aligners?
After you finish with a set of aligners, you should keep it until you complete the alignment process. This helps your orthodontist if the movement is not fully achieved. Your orthodontist will advise you when to dispose of old aligners at the end of treatment.
How to clean aligners?
There are several steps you should take to clean your aligners every evening and morning. These include:
Rinsing with water.
Brushing with your toothbrush with soft bristles and gentle toothpaste.
Storing them in a protective case when not in use.
For deeper cleaning, cleaning kits and effervescent tablets can be purchased online, at pharmacies, or drugstores.
Do aligners hurt or cause headaches?
The pressure applied by a set of aligners is constant but gentle. However, temporary mild discomfort may occur, such as jaw pain or headaches, especially during the first few days of wearing your aligners or after switching to a new set.
Conclusion: The problem you want to correct
In general, clear dental aligners work best for adults who need minor corrections for issues such as slightly crooked, spaced, or protruding teeth. Although more complex orthodontic issues can also be treated with these aligners, the results may be less predictable.
For larger corrections, traditional braces are likely to be a better option because they are bonded directly to your teeth and can therefore apply more consistent forces to achieve the desired result.
