What Are Aligners and How Do They Work for Teeth Straightening?
Now, the invention of aligners has taken the world of dentistry by storm. If you’re looking for a painless, stylish, and affordable way to fix the alignment of your teeth, clear and removable aligners are the way to go.
The best part? Bagging aligners have become as easy as getting your groceries. With digitized processes at your fingertips, you can get your aligners delivered to your doorstep and consult an orthodontist virtually.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligners are a series of transparent and customized mouthpieces tightly fitted over your teeth. The purpose of these orthodontic devices is to apply constant yet gentle force to shift your teeth to a perfect position.
How Do Aligners Work?
Aligners work by gently shifting your teeth into the right position over time. They’re clear, custom-fit plastic trays designed to fit snugly over your teeth. You’ll wear a series of these trays, and each new set moves your teeth just a little bit closer to where they should be. The process is smooth and gradual, and because the trays are nearly invisible, it’s a low-key way to straighten your smile without metal braces getting in the way.
Here’s how the process works at Dezy:
Step 1: 3D Scanning
It all starts with a free 3D scan of your teeth. A trained professional visits you at home or you walk into a nearby Dezy clinic. The scan captures every detail of your mouth, giving a clear picture of your current alignment.
Step 2: Analysis and Report
After the scan, Dezy’s expert orthodontists review your case and create a personalised treatment plan. You’ll receive a digital report that shows how your teeth will shift during the treatment, along with an estimated timeline.
Step 3: Confirmation and Payment
Once you're happy with the plan, you confirm it and complete the payment. There are flexible payment options to make the process smooth and affordable.
Step 4: Delivery
Your custom aligners are made and delivered straight to your doorstep. Every set is designed to move your teeth a little more with each stage of the plan.
Step 5: Remote Monitoring
You don’t have to keep visiting the clinic. Dezy monitors your progress remotely through regular photo updates and check-ins. If anything needs to be adjusted, their team guides you instantly, making your journey convenient and stress-free.
Ready to begin your journey toward a perfect smile?
Book Your Free Consultation Today!Dental Issues Treated by Clear Aligners
1. Crowded Teeth
If your teeth are too close together or overlap each other, clear aligners can help straighten them out. Crowded teeth often make brushing and flossing harder, which can lead to plaque buildup and gum issues. Aligners work by gently moving each tooth into its proper place over time, giving you a more even smile and making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
2. Teeth Gap
Spaces or gaps between teeth are quite common and can affect both appearance and oral health. Clear aligners gradually close these gaps by shifting your teeth closer together. This not only improves your smile but also prevents food from getting trapped between teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum problems.
3. Overbite or Forwardly Placed Teeth
An overbite happens when your upper front teeth stick out more than they should. This can affect your bite and even cause wear on your lower teeth. Clear aligners are designed to apply gentle pressure that moves both upper and lower teeth into a better position, improving how your teeth fit together and how your smile looks.
4. Deep Bite
A deep bite occurs when your upper front teeth cover too much of your lower teeth when you bite down. Over time, this can cause uneven wear or even damage to your lower teeth. Clear aligners help move your teeth into a balanced position, improving both your bite and your overall dental health.
5. Open Bite
If your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, you may have an open bite. This can make it difficult to bite or chew food properly. Clear aligners can help fix this by guiding your teeth to meet naturally. As the bite improves, eating and speaking also become much easier.
6. Crossbite
A crossbite happens when some of your upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. This misalignment can lead to uneven wear, gum recession, and even jaw discomfort. Clear aligners work to bring your teeth into their correct positions, balancing your bite and reducing strain on your jaw.
What is the Difference Between Traditional Braces & Clear Aligners?
Feature / Aspect | Traditional Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
Material Used | Made of metal or ceramic brackets that are attached to each tooth and connected with a wire. | Made of transparent, medical-grade plastic trays that fit over the teeth. |
Appearance | Very noticeable because of the metal wires and brackets, though ceramic options are slightly less visible. | Nearly invisible, giving a more natural look. Ideal for those who prefer a discreet treatment. |
Comfort Level | Can cause discomfort, especially after tightening sessions. The metal parts may irritate the gums or cheeks. | Smooth and comfortable since there are no brackets or wires. Easier on the gums and inner cheeks. |
Removability | Fixed in place by the orthodontist and cannot be removed until the treatment is complete. | Fully removable, allowing you to take them out while eating, brushing, or for short breaks. |
Eating and Drinking | Certain foods must be avoided, especially hard, sticky, or chewy items that may damage the braces. | You can eat whatever you like after removing the aligners, but you must wear them again after cleaning your teeth. |
Cleaning and Maintenance | Brushing around brackets and wires can be time-consuming. Extra care is needed to avoid plaque build-up. | Easy to clean using a soft brush or aligner cleaner. Oral hygiene is easier to maintain. |
Dental Visits | Requires regular orthodontic visits for tightening and adjustments every few weeks. | Fewer in-clinic visits. Most check-ups focus on progress and receiving the next set of trays. |
Treatment Duration | Typically lasts between 18 to 24 months, depending on how complex the dental correction is. | Average treatment lasts around 12 to 18 months, though it varies from person to person. |
Effectiveness for Complex Cases | Works well for severe misalignment, rotated teeth, or major bite corrections. | Best suited for mild to moderate alignment issues. Complex cases may still need braces. |
Speech Adjustment | May slightly affect speech at first, but most people adjust within a few days. | Might cause a slight lisp during the first few days, but it fades as you get used to wearing them. |
Follow-up and Monitoring | Orthodontist handles all tightening and wire adjustments manually. | Progress is often tracked digitally, and new trays are provided as teeth gradually shift. |
Cost | Usually more affordable than aligners, but costs vary with material and treatment duration. | Generally higher in cost because of the technology and convenience involved. |
Aesthetic Appeal | Less appealing due to visible metal parts. | Highly aesthetic since they are nearly invisible. Suitable for working professionals and adults. |
Daily Routine Impact | May require lifestyle changes, especially in diet and oral care. | Easy to fit into daily routines since they can be removed and cleaned easily. |
Choose comfort, convenience, and confidence with Dezy Clear Aligners.
Book Your Free Consultation Today!How to Take Care of Your Aligners?
Taking proper care of your aligners keeps them clean, clear, and working the way they should. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:
Dos with Aligners
- Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day to keep your treatment on track.
- Always remove them before eating or drinking anything other than plain, cold water.
- Brush and floss your teeth after every meal before putting your aligners back in.
- Rinse your aligners every time you take them out to get rid of saliva and food bits.
- Use a soft toothbrush and mild, clear soap or an aligner cleaning solution to clean them gently.
- Soak them in a specialised cleaning solution for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
- Keep your aligners in their case whenever you’re not wearing them.
- Avoid hot water or leaving them in warm places since heat can warp them.
- Stay away from toothpaste or abrasive cleaners because they can scratch the surface.
- Keep your aligners out of reach of pets and small children.
Don'ts with Aligners
- Never eat or chew gum while your aligners are in.
- Don’t drink hot or sugary drinks without taking them out first.
- Avoid using denture cleaners that have harsh chemicals, alcohol, or bleach, as they can damage the aligners.
- Don’t wrap them in a napkin or stuff them in your pocket, since they can easily get lost or broken.
Things to Keep in Mind After Your Aligner Treatment
1. Retainers Are a Must to Keep That Smile in Place
Your aligner journey doesn't end once your teeth are straight. You’ll need to wear retainers to make sure your teeth stay right where they are. Without them, your teeth can slowly shift back to their old positions. Follow your dentist’s instructions about when and how long to wear them, especially in the first few months.
2. Be Mindful of What You Eat
Now that your teeth are aligned, you want to keep them healthy. Avoid biting into super hard or sticky foods that can strain your teeth or affect your retainers. Try to stick to a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Good food habits can go a long way in maintaining both your oral health and that new smile.
3. Don’t Slack on Brushing
Even after aligners, brushing and flossing twice a day is non-negotiable. Plaque and food buildup can undo all the hard work your aligners have done. Make oral hygiene a daily habit so your teeth not only stay straight but also strong and clean.
4. Keep Up With Dental Check-Ups
Make it a point to visit your dentist regularly. These visits help spot any small issues before they turn into bigger problems. Your dentist can also make sure your retainers are still doing their job and make adjustments if needed.
Book a Consultation and Begin Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
Ready to take the first step toward a confident, aligned smile? Booking a consultation is simple and this is where your journey truly begins.
Here’s how it works at Dezy:
1. Share your Details
Start by filling in basic info like your name and phone number. Your number is used only for important updates and communication. Book here
2. Choose your City
Pick the Dezy clinic location closest to you so your consultation and treatment stay convenient.
3. Complete the Final Step
Submit your request. Dezy’s team will contact you to confirm your appointment and guide you through what to expect next.
The best part is that your consultation is completely free. During this appointment, your clinician will evaluate your smile, answer any questions you may have, and suggest a treatment plan made just for you.
Don't wait. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.
Your smile transformation starts here.
Book Your Free Consultation Today!Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are invisible aligners as good as braces?
Yes, for most mild to moderate alignment issues, invisible aligners work just as well as traditional braces. They’re great for correcting crowding, gaps, and minor bite issues without the wires. But if your case is complex, your dentist might still suggest braces for better control.
2. Can anyone get teeth aligners?
Aligners work well for most teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment problems. But they’re not for everyone. Your dentist will check your teeth and let you know if aligners are the right fit for your smile.
3. How long does the aligner treatment take?
It depends on your case, but most treatments take anywhere between 4 to 12 months. Some people notice changes in just a few weeks. Your dentist will give you a custom timeline based on your needs.
4. Are the results permanent?
Yes, but only if you wear your retainers as advised after the treatment. Just like with braces, your teeth can shift back if you skip this step. Retainers help lock in your new smile.
5. Are there any side effects of the treatment?
You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort when you switch to a new set of aligners. That’s normal and means the aligners are working. Major side effects are rare, but if something feels off, it’s best to contact your dentist.
6. Do I still need to visit the dentist during treatment?
Yes, but not as often as with braces. Regular check-ins help the dentist track your progress.
