FAQs

Aligners are either printed or thermoformed, depending on the doctors' request. If thermoformed, they are made of polyethylene glycol (PET-G). The material is completely transparent, durable and strong. It has the plastic and elastic physical properties as it is flexible and can be bent without breakage, however if it gets subjected to a certain degree of pressure deformation occurs without the possibility of going back to its original shape.

All cases are treatable: from simple to complex to surgical. Lumi's deep orthodontic understanding can pinpoint the problem of each case and treatment plan it accordingly. We know the aligners’ potential and their limitations in orthodontics, which makes treating cases easier.

  • Extra oral and intra oral pictures, panoramic and lateral cephalometric x-rays (or CBCT) and STL files of the intra oral scan are required. 
  • The digital scan is sent to us directly or via third party (3 shape communicate or other).
  • In case, you don’t have an intra oral scan, a PVS impression (polyvinyl siloxane) can be sent. 
  • In addition, patient information must be filled regarding his case for an accurate treatment plan.
  • The treatment planning is done by dental laboratory technologists trained with orthodontic knowledge. 
  • All cases are checked on, guided and supervised from beginning to end, by specialized orthodontists.
  • Results evaluation and superimposition (before/after) are done on a repetitive basis, proving our focused treatment planning and helping us evolve.

After the first stage of the treatment is completed, some adjustments might be needed to achieve the final desired result. Sometimes more than one refinement needs to be made. Another intra-oral scan has to be sent in that case.

  • A maximum of 2 refinements may be needed. 
  • Patient compliance in wearing them plays a big role in the number of refinements. 
  • The given price includes the initial aligners and 2 refinements (3 stages).

It is a choice as aligners can treat 1 arch or both arches. We always advise the doctor with a full case treatment to get an optimal occlusion.

It is not possible to change anything in the treatment plan after it has been approved as the manufacturing  process immediately starts, however if you need to make any modification you can send a note to Lumi and it will be done in the refinement.

  • Mechanics is the base of orthodontics. Which makes attachments important in every case; they help with the movements and the anchoring of the teeth. 
  • Elastics are used in cases of severe crowding, severe rotations, class II, class III and open bite corrections... 

If an approval for fabrication on the case isn’t given immediately, an intra oral scan should be retaken after a maximum of 4 months from the initial date of the treatment planning and simulation; because there is a high probability that some teeth changes have happened during that time.

A minimum of 15 months is required for a difficult case if the aligners are being properly worn. Keep in mind that we treat malocclusions and not only esthetics.

  • For the first stage, around 20 aligners for a difficult case are needed. 
  • The case might need 2 refinements for a perfect finishing; in that case, the total number of aligners will be around 45.

Yes, the results of the simulated movements match the clinical results 85% to 100%. All depends on many factors. 

The restrictions of movements with aligners are large bridges and implants as it is not possible to move them.

Any modification in attachments and movements can be suggested once the simulation is sent to you. However, once the approval to the case has been given and the fabrication process has started, no changes can be made.

The number of steps can be controlled to a certain extent by the degree of rotation and the mm of translation of each step. However, we don’t recommend changing the number that was originally given as it has been proven clinically, to be the best option for the movement of teeth.

Is the simulation free of charge?

Please contact us for more details.  

We include a set of retainers at the end of the treatment, to ensure that the teeth are kept in their finished position. Our main focus is the treatment and giving optimal results in orthodontics.

Retention is a set of 2 to 3 consecutive retainers made to tighten contact points between teeth. They are given at the end of treatment if requested by the doctor. 

A virtual meeting can be suggested and scheduled with newcomer doctors. Lumi’s orthodontists are always ready to help. You can contact us any time on working days and you will be provided with all the information you need. 

Typically, after submitting a case and receiving approval, aligners are delivered within 10-14 business days. Rush services are available upon request. It will be even faster if the doctor has added in-house aligners to his clinic, and fabricates them himself

Absolutely. While our technology suggests an optimal treatment plan, we respect the expertise of the treating orthodontist. Adjustments to the plan can be made before finalizing the aligner production. The option of moving teeth by the doctor is available upon request. 

LUMI Aligners work by applying consistent, gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Each set of aligners is worn for a specified period before moving on to the next in the series, progressively aligning your teeth.

  • Braces and fixed appliances are nowadays called the “old orthodontics”. Aligners have marked a new era in the orthodontics specialty; their evolution has gained more and more trust by orthodontists. 
  • Aligners are used as a substitute replacement for traditional braces, they are an elevated evolution of the typical metal brackets and wires. 
  • Several benefits come with the usage of aligners; first of all they will eliminate the feeling of being self-conscious as it is completely transparent in opposition to metal or ceramic braces that are clearly visible. 
  • Second, they can be easily removed whenever you wish allowing you to eat whatever you want and maintain your oral hygiene, whereas braces are fixed causing you to have food restrictions as well as making it hard to keep your teeth and gums healthy at all times potentially causing them permanent damage. 

The duration of your treatment depends on the complexity of your case. On average, patients wear LUMI Aligners for 6-18 months. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized treatment plan during your consultation.

Absolutely! LUMI Aligners are made from a smooth, clear plastic material that is specifically designed for comfort. There might be minor discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners, but this usually subsides within a few days as your teeth adjust.

It's recommended to remove your LUMI Aligners when eating and drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining and damage to the aligners. Always remember to rinse your aligners and brush your teeth before putting them back in.

Does Lumi Aligners treat all cases?

All cases indeed. Lumi Aligners can treat any case with the knowledge of your orthodontist. From crossbite to deep bite and open bite, anything is possible.  

Treatments of 1 arch only (upper or lower only) are very rare with Lumi, since our treatment analysis focuses on treating malocclusions, where the coordination of both arches together is crucial.

  • Initially a 3D digital scan, X-rays and photos are performed at the clinic and sent to us via your orthodontist. A study and 3D simulation of aligned teeth are accomplished: teeth are moved using a software and attachments are placed resulting with a custom treatment plan. Your doctor can visualize the final 3D results and show it to you to help you with the decision making in either proceeding with the treatment or not. 
  • Once treatment is approved by you and your doctor, customized 3D models are printed and aligners fabricated, then shipped to the clinic.
  • Braces and fixed appliances are nowadays called the “old orthodontics”. Aligners have marked a new era in the orthodontics specialty; their evolution has gained more and more trust by orthodontists. 
  • Aligners are used as a substitute replacement for traditional braces, they are an elevated evolution of the typical metal brackets and wires. 
  • Several benefits come with the usage of aligners; first of all they will eliminate the feeling of being self-conscious as it is completely transparent in opposition to metal or ceramic braces that are clearly visible. 
  • Second, they can be easily removed whenever you wish allowing you to eat whatever you want and maintain your oral hygiene, whereas braces are fixed causing you to have food restrictions as well as making it hard to keep your teeth and gums healthy at all times potentially causing them permanent damage. 

All cases indeed. Lumi Aligners can treat any case with the knowledge of your orthodontist. From crossbite to deep bite and open bite, anything is possible. Treatments of 1 arch only (upper or lower only) are very rare with Lumi, since our treatment analysis focuses on treating malocclusions, where the coordination of both arches together is crucial.

The duration of your treatment depends on the complexity of your case. On average, treatments take from 3 to 24 months. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized treatment plan during your consultation.

Once you are done with the treatment, it is necessary to wear retainers only at night time to maintain the results and prevent your teeth from relapsing. A fixed retainer might be also suggested by your orthodontist. He will guide you on the best post-treatment care for your situation.

Absolutely! Lumi Aligners are made from a smooth, clear plastic material that is specifically designed for comfort. There might be minor discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners, but this usually subsides within a few days as your teeth adjust.

Clean the aligners every day, gently with a soft toothbrush along with soap or toothpaste followed by rinsing it with cool tap water. It is important for the water to be cool and not hot as it may affect the properties of the aligners and may cause deformation. 

It's recommended to remove your aligners when eating and drinking anything other than water. Chewing along with drinking cold and hot beverages may staining and damage the aligners. Always remember to rinse your aligners with lukewarm water and brush your teeth before putting them back in.

  • Aligners produce continuous and light force; they need to be worn continuously for 22 hrs/ day to achieve the desired result, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
  • Extra pressure will be felt when you switch from one step to another as it gently moves your teeth into position one step at a time to finally reach perfectly aligned teeth.
  • In case it’s frequently removed, this may lead to relapse and the next aligner sets won’t fit.

Lumi Aligners work by applying consistent, gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. Each set of aligners is worn for a specified period before moving on to the next in the series, progressively aligning your teeth.

All cases indeed. Lumi Aligners can treat any case with the knowledge of your orthodontist. From crossbite to deep bite and open bite, anything is possible.  

Treatments of 1 arch only (upper or lower only) are very rare with Lumi, since our treatment analysis focuses on treating malocclusions, where the coordination of both arches together is crucial.

All cases indeed. Lumi Aligners can treat any case with the knowledge of your orthodontist. From crossbite to deep bite and open bite, anything is possible.  

Treatments of 1 arch only (upper or lower only) are very rare with Lumi, since our treatment analysis focuses on treating malocclusions, where the coordination of both arches together is crucial.

  • It is possible to sense a slight discomfort caused by their pressure when first placed on your teeth and when you change from one set of aligners to another. The pain is only temporary; it will quickly fade in a few days. This pain means that the teeth are moving to a new position and their ligaments are being pushed. The pressure is a good sign as it indicates that the teeth are actually moving.
  • Another inconvenience is that you might feel you’re developing a slight lisp as you wear the aligners for the very first time. Nevertheless, you will adapt to them very quickly and the speech will get back to normal in no time.  

All cases indeed. Lumi Aligners can treat any case with the knowledge of your orthodontist. From crossbite to deep bite and open bite, anything is possible.  

Treatments of 1 arch only (upper or lower only) are very rare with Lumi, since our treatment analysis focuses on treating malocclusions, where the coordination of both arches together is crucial.

    The duration of the treatment varies from a person to another; however, the average duration can last between 7 months to 2 years depending on how severe the case is, the responsiveness of the teeth and most importantly on how seriously you are taking the process as well as following your treatment plan in wearing your aligners. Once the treatment has been finalized along with all its possible refinements, it is necessary to wear a retainer only during night time for a certain period of time in order to restrain your teeth from moving back to their original position.

Attachments are small shapes/bumps placed on the teeth made out of composite that matches the shade of the tooth. The combination aligner-attachments is responsible for the movements. The orthodontist decide on the dimensions and shapes depending on the tooth type and position.

Attachments are necessary for every case, however IPR depends on each case. Some cases require a lot of IPR and others need none at all. The orthodontist is the final decision maker. 

IPR, also known as stripping or filing, stands for interproximal reduction, which means the slight enamel removal between the teeth at the contact point. It is mostly applied in severely crowded cases. 0.5 mm of stripping per contact point is not exceeded and small sized teeth are avoided.

It’s all about commitment and the responsiveness of the teeth, wearing the aligners for less than 22 hours per day will affect the results. If properly worn, results will show 100%. 

Any dental work (crowns/bridges/implants/extraction) must be done prior to the start of the treatment or after its completion. Any change in the shape of your teeth, will prevent the already fabricated aligners from fitting. 

It is important to keep all the aligners and not throw any of them away even if they have been previously worn. Bring them all to your appointment; your doctor might need to go back a step, if your teeth aren’t tracking well.

In case of unexpected incidents, reach out to your doctor immediately. If you have worn your steps properly and for a fair amount of time, the next step will fit and your doctor will ask you to switch. If not, the same step will be fabricated again.

The cost of Lumi Aligners varies based on the complexity of your case and treatment duration. Schedule a consultation with your doctor to receive a personalized quote.

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