Teeth aligners are orthodontic devices designed to reposition misaligned teeth by applying consistent, controlled pressure to move teeth into their optimal dental alignment. Cosmetic dentists can provide aligner options to address your teeth straightening goals. Here are seven different types of aligners:
Clear Aligners
Clear plastic aligners are custom-designed for your teeth and move them into position over a set timeline, guided by your treatment plan. It is likely that your dentist will advise you to wear each set of removable aligning trays for a few weeks. Aligners do not use wires or braces, allowing discreet, comfortable wear. While using clear aligners, it is advisable to eat, brush, and floss with ease after taking out aligners. Clear aligners straighten mild to moderate dental misalignment issues like spacing, crowding, and underbites.
Metal Aligners
Metal aligners are a recognized orthodontic solution offered by some dentists. They may address bite irregularities, jaw growth issues, and misaligned teeth. Tough metal brackets utilize wires to guide tooth movement into the right positioning. Patients should visit their dentist or orthodontist regularly for adjustments. Metal braces are known for noticeable brackets and bands that provide reliable, stable alignment for people who have permanent teeth.
Ceramic Aligners
Ceramic aligners use clear or tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet appearance. They provide similar stabilization and reliable tooth movement as metal aligners. Cosmetic dentists recommend ceramic aligners for front and upper teeth where metal may impact aesthetics. The clear ceramic material is known for stain resistance from pigmented foods and drinks and offers bite correction for moderate cases.
Lingual Aligners
Lingual aligners are attached to the backside of the teeth, preserving front enamel views. Hidden wires move teeth into placement for total occlusion and alignment when biting. Lingual aligners suit those needing correction without visible braces on their smile line. These braces may take longer to apply, and patients may need to adapt their speech during the first weeks of lingual aligner wear.
Self-Ligating Aligners
Self-ligating aligners use brackets to lessen the friction on archwires that work to shift the teeth. Small metal clips known as ligatures hold these wires for lower resistance. Self-ligating braces reduce treatment timeframes by providing constant movement. They also eliminate elastic bands that may stain over time. These types of aligners can correct bites and are an option for young adolescents and adults.
Hybrid Aligners
Hybrid systems may combine clear aligners and braces treatment. They address tooth movements requiring the precision of chairside metal braces while accommodating the aesthetic needs of removable clear aligners. Patients sometimes spend less time wearing visible metal braces, and dentists can develop a custom hybrid treatment timeline that alternates between system use. Hybrid aligners suit patients with multidimensional needs.
Removable Aligners
Removable aligners are clear plastic trays custom-formed to teeth and modified to shift tooth positions. Dentists scan your teeth and mouth to design each aligning tray used to create each set digitally. Patients should remove trays for eating, brushing, and flossing. The removable aligner choice lets you enjoy foods banned with braces.
Consult Cosmetic Dentists Today
Cosmetic dentists offer aligning solutions to address your bite correction needs. Clear plastic aligners fit many lifestyles with easy removability and low visibility, and self-ligating systems cut treatment time while providing repositioning. Ceramic aligners blend brackets with enamel for a discreet option. Contact a dentist today to learn more about cosmetic alignment treatments that suit your smile.
