How Do Aligners Work to Straighten Teeth?

A step-by-step method
Clear aligners consist of a series of custom-made plastic ‘trays’ that fit over your teeth and move them into the desired shape. In comparison to traditional braces, commencing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is easy. Your dentist simply takes impressions of your teeth (whether with alginate or with a 3D scanner) and sends them off to the laboratory.

Your impressions will then be used to plan your treatment (the movements that your teeth will take), as well as to form a set of pre-aligners. The pre-aligners are designed to test the fit on your teeth, whilst also giving you a closer look at the appearance. Once you are happy, production on your treatment aligners will commence.

Each marginally different to its predecessor and successor, the aligners are designed to be worn for three to four weeks at a time before progressing. Treatment can take as little as three months, depending on the number of aligners required.

Orthodontic treatment works by using a subtle force to slowly shift teeth into a more desirable position. The subtle differences in shape used in these orthodontic aligners provides the force necessary to achieve these movements.

Factors that affect the efficacy of clear aligners

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. Whilst this is a positive for many, it is imperative that you understand that treatment may not work as well unless you wear your aligners full-time. To achieve optimum results, you should only remove your aligners to eat and drink, or to clean your teeth. Inability to wear aligners as recommended could result in impaired results, or a longer treatment length.

By using them as guided, you can see an improvement in your teeth in as little as 10 weeks (the actual time needed would depend on the degree of teeth correction needed). Clear aligners are the best way to get the perfect smile, without changing your lifestyle or feeling self-conscious. 

Smilelign are a UK-based company that use the latest 3D CADCAM technology to produce your dream smile. To see patient testimonials, discover more about the process involved, and to find your local provider.