While metal attachments bonded to the outer surface of the teeth remain the standard treatment for correcting dental alignment, other more discreet devices are increasingly appreciated by patients, especially adults, thanks to their almost invisible appearance, which allows you to continue smiling from a ear to the other without fearing the gaze of others. This is the case with dental aligners : these custom-made transparent gutters to wear day and night allow you to correct overlapping and tooth spacing problems in record time, while being almost imperceptible! Lan Huong Timm, Dental Surgeon and Referral Physician for DR SMILE, answered all of our questions about dental aligners.
What are the possible orthodontic treatments in adulthood?
While most orthodontic treatment is done during adolescence, there is no age limit to correct the alignment of the teeth (unless you get a refund from the Health Insurance, because it only covers the care of children under 16), provided they have healthy gums and teeth. However, ” since the growth of teeth and gums is complete, effective treatments are more limited, says Dr. Huong Timm. The best known is undoubtedly the appliance with rings (in metal, ceramic or resin, ed), which is fixed on the external or internal surface of the teeth, but invisible gutters are also a solution. “.
Composed of several layers of biocompatible and transparent thermoplastic materials, these aligners, made to measure for each patient, exert a targeted pressure on the teeth to make them move in the right direction to straighten them. A new pair of shells should be used every fortnight, following the treatment plan defined by the brand. Even if they are removable, they should only be removed to drink, eat and brush your teeth, and respecting the 22 hours of use per day is essential to obtain the desired results.
What are the benefits of dental aligners?
According to Lan Huong Timm, the advantages of dental aligners are numerous, especially in aesthetic terms: “ because they are transparent, they are less visible than rings and allow you to keep smiling without embarrassment. This is often what attracts patients in the first place, especially adults. »
It is also a technique that is perfectly adapted to everyday life, because the gutters can be removed to chew gum, brush your teeth, practice a contact sport or even, very exceptionally, for an interview or a date.
Also, dental aligners have the advantage of being comfortable for the wearer: since there is no friction between the skin and the plastic material, there is less risk of injuring the lips or causing painful ulcers than with metal rings.
Last advantage that has weight” this system allows you to view the result of the treatment before starting it, and also to know its duration, which is not possible with rings “explains the dentist. In DR SMILE as with its competitors (Impress, Joovence, Smilers etc.), depending on the complexity of the corrections, the duration of the treatment varies between 4 and 10 months, while with a conventional dental appliance it takes about 1 year.
Are dental aligners for everyone?
As with all orthodontic treatments, there are contraindications to prescribing dental aligners. Lan Huong Timm explains a to miss :
Cavities, tartar, and periodontal issues should be treated before clear aligners are considered. It is the dentist’s job to verify that the health of the teeth and gums permits treatment.
The first appointment with a partner dentist or orthodontist is therefore essential to carry out an overall assessment of oral health and assess the chances of successful treatment. ” At DR SMILE it is estimated that between 75 and 80% of adults are fit, but more complex cases can only be treated with the appliance “, adds the health professional.
Once the treatment has started, after taking impressions (or 3D scanning) and validating the design, this doctor can be consulted throughout the treatment, as well as being able to monitor the alignment of your teeth and place all their questions on an expert-managed dedicated app or platform. If necessary, he will place the metal retention arch to keep the teeth in place at the end of the treatment protocol. It must therefore be wary of 100% digital solutions. which do not offer any contact with a specialist, who remains the guarantor of the safety and effectiveness of dental realignment.
Can we follow up with clear aligner treatment after wearing braces?
Contrary to popular belief, the fact that you already wore braces in your youth is not a contraindication: ” THE 3/4 of the people who come to visit us had rings as teenagers, but the result has changed over the years says Dr. Huong Timm. Only condition: If the patient still wears a retainer, he must be removed before the start of the treatment with gutters.
How much does a dental aligner treatment cost?
Depending on the complexity of the treatment and the brand chosen, the price varies between €1,500 and €5,000. It is usually possible pay multiple times, as with DR SMILE, which offers payment in 24 months for free. In France, both for adults and adolescents, some mutuals cover care invisible orthodontics and/or full social security coverage, it is therefore advisable to inquire with your organization to obtain a reimbursement estimate.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
