The advancement of technology has brought many benefits to the dental industry. One amazing invention is clear aligners, also known as teeth aligners. Today, over 18 million people globally have chosen this revolutionary treatment as the best option to straighten their teeth.
The global clear aligners market size was valued at USD 3.80 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.66 billion in 2024 to USD 28.15 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 25.2% during the forecast period.
Additionally, the global orthodontics market is increasingly dominated by clear aligners, with Invisalign holding a substantial share. This makes it a leading choice for both orthodontists and patients seeking an alternative to traditional braces.
While many people like to experiment with this treatment because of its increasing popularity, many have questions about how do clear aligners work to give effective results, especially in comparison to traditional options.
This article will focus on clearing these common doubts by gathering insights from our Invisalign experts at the Invisalign Center.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners, also called teeth aligners, are transparent teeth alignment devices used to correct misalignment. They are similar to braces in function but more convenient as they are removable and help you achieve straight teeth discreetly.
Clear aligners are just as effective as the traditional braces. It can correct bite problems, including overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. It can correct teeth gaps and crowded teeth. Some research even indicates that they are more effective for the management of overbite.
Being less noticeable than traditional braces, it offers many advantages to those who do not want to deal with any of the many cons that come with visible braces.
Some of these benefits are as follows:
Easily Removable
These invisible dental braces or teeth aligners are better than the wire-and-bracket aligners that are generally used, as they do not interfere with your diet.
You can continue to eat and enjoy all your preferred food items, as well as brush and floss the same way after taking them off temporarily. This is because clear aligners are easily removable, allowing you to enjoy a meal to your heart's content without any interruption from braces.
Improved Aesthetics
You do not have to be conscious of the metallic smile as clear aligners are completely invisible or clear. This means that you can smile as widely as you want without anybody noticing you are going through an orthodontic treatment, or making you face awkward social situations.
Improves Oral Health & Hygiene
Beyond a confident and beautiful smile, having properly aligned teeth reduces your risk of excessive tooth wear. It also makes the removal of plaque, the accumulation of which can lead to gum diseases and tooth decay, from your teeth easier.
Perfect for Active Lifestyles
This approach to nearly invisible braces is most suitable for social and active lifestyles, particularly among self-conscious teenagers and adults, as they are hardly distinguishable. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
If you choose these clear teeth aligners for straightening your teeth, your orthodontist will begin with a dental scan, which will be used to design your custom dental aligners. In some cases, if deemed necessary, your doctor may also fit clear attachments on your teeth to join with aligners, also providing more support to move your teeth into the desired position.
These attachment functions serve the same function as the brackets in traditional dental braces. However, unlike metallic brackets, the attachments used are tooth colored, making them inconspicuous.
Specific aligners are attached to specific teeth so as to help the trays engage with the teeth and move them to their correct positions. The patients are given a series of trays, each of which lasts a week or two and are to be worn for 22-24 hours a day.
These trays gradually move the teeth and should only be removed while eating and drinking. Each trays are designed to move the teeth a few millimeters and typically takes 6-12 months to achieve final results. A patient may require as many as 25 trays for a 25-week treatment.
How Effective Are They?
How do clear aligners work for maximum effectiveness comes down to discipline. As long as one is committed to wearing the clear aligner for the recommended 22-24 hours a day, removed only for eating and oral hygiene, one can see noticeable results. Not to mention, how disciplined you are when wearing teeth aligners will decide the duration of the treatment.
After the clear aligners have realigned the teeth, patients must continue to wear a retainer in order to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original location.
Retainers are an important part of teeth straightening treatment, and they must be strictly followed to ensure that the results of the clear aligner treatment are sustained.
Generally, Invisalign is effective for moderate crowding, spacing, and alignment problems. However, only your dentists can assess your dental issues and suggest if clear aligners are the best option or if any other treatment could give a better solution.
Moreover, the advancement of clear technology has further enhanced the effectiveness of the treatment. Digital scans and 3D imaging allow for precise planning and creation of aligners that fit snugly and work effectively. Treatment plans are mapped out using sophisticated software, enabling accurate predictions of how teeth will move over time.
Things to Consider When Choosing Teeth Aligners
While clear aligners are effective for many cases, they may not be suitable for severe orthodontic issues or complex cases. In such situations, traditional braces or other orthodontic appliances might be recommended.
Overall, the science behind how do clear aligners work offers a highly effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces, provided they are used correctly and in appropriate cases.
On your part, you need to make sure that you are getting the treatment done by a reliable provider, like the Invisalign Center.
Invisalign is one of the most reliable clear aligner providers across the world. The Invisalign Center in Dubai offers its leading solution to anyone who is seeking a straightened smile without dealing with the hassles associated with metallic braces.
Our specialized orthodontist and Invisalign experts will conduct a thorough assessment, create a customized treatment plan, and guide you through the process of how do clear aligners work for your specific condition.
They will also give you detailed instructions and support on what you need to do to ensure that the teeth aligners work effectively and achieve the desired results.