Clear aligners have become quite popular, given their convenience of use and aesthetics. Unlike metal or porcelain used in traditional braces, clear aligners are transparent and made of plastic. Also, you can remove them to eat and drink. But not many know how this famous equipment works. This article sheds light on the same and how it helps you achieve better-aligned teeth.

VARIOUS STAGES OF CLEAR ALIGNERS

1. Visiting the dentist or orthodontist
2. Scanning your oral cavity
3. Planning customized treatment
4. Getting clear aligners
5. Changing the trays gradually

These stages are explained in brief in the next section.

HOW DO CLEAR ALIGNERS WORK ?

Your orthodontist or dentist will first scan your teeth, in order to design customized clear aligners. They may fit clear attachments on your teeth, if necessary, to connect with the clear aligners. While these attachments are in the form of metal brackets in the case of traditional braces, they are tooth-colored for clear aligners. The attachments give aligners the strength needed to move your teeth into the desired position. The orthodontist may attach specific aligners on specific teeth to facilitate engagement of the trays onto your teeth and help in moving them to the place you want.

Gradually, to move our teeth, the dentist will give you a series of clear aligners, each lasting for around 2 weeks. Each clear aligner encourages the movement of teeth by a few millimeters. You can remove the clear aligners to eat or drink, but it is advised to wear the trays for about 22 hours per day. Depending on how much change is required, your treatment may last for half a year to a year.