What are aligners?
1. History of orthodontics
Before we understand aligners, it's essential to note the history of orthodontics. Humans have been trying to straighten their teeth for thousands of years. Ancient mummies have been discovered with primitive metal bands around their teeth, and the writings of Hippocrates and Aristotle mention methods to straighten teeth.
2. Inception of modern orthodontics
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, orthodontics began to take shape as a dental specialty. Edward Angle, often referred to as the "father of modern orthodontics," introduced various methods and appliances that laid the groundwork for today's orthodontic treatments.
3. Introduction to aligners
The concept of using clear, removable appliances to move teeth isn't entirely new. The idea had been floating around for decades. However, it was in the late 1990s and early 2000s that the technology truly came to the forefront by introducing a series of clear plastic aligners to move teeth incrementally.
4. How do aligners work in mouth?
#1
Aligners work by applying pressure to specific parts of the teeth to move them into their desired position.
#2
A series of aligners are created for each patient, with each one designed to make slight adjustments to the teeth's position.
#3
The patient usually changes to a new set of aligners every 7 to 10 days.
5. Advancements and technology
Advancements in 3D imaging and printing technology, made aligners a success in the orthodontic world. Digital scanning of the mouth and computer-aided design allowed for precise, individualized treatment plans. These technologies enabled the creation of custom-made aligners for each patient, ensuring a better fit and more effective treatment.
6. Benefits and challenges
Aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces:
Aesthetics
They are almost invisible, making them a popular choice for adults.
Hygiene
They can be removed for eating and cleaning. Patient compliance is crucial, as aligners need to be worn about 22 hours a day for effectiveness.
Comfort
Without metal brackets or wires, they can be more comfortable.
7. Expansion of the market
Many companies entered the market with their clear aligner solutions, further advancing the technology and making it more accessible to a larger number of people. Today, there are numerous brands and treatment options available. What makes a brand different than the other is the laboratory expertise in orthodontics, its software technology and its ability to provide smooth communication with the doctors.
8. Direct-to-consumers aligners
With technological advancements, some companies started offering direct-to-consumer aligner kits, where a patient can take an impression of their teeth at home and send it to a lab. While this approach has made aligners more accessible and affordable, it has also sparked debates about the importance of in-person dental supervision during orthodontic treatment. As an orthodontic base laboratory for aligners, we firmly believe and act on following up with the doctors indirectly to complete their patient's treatments.
