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How Are Clear Aligners Made?

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Created For Patient Flexibility

When we go into a clinic to get that beautiful smile, different techniques are advised for achieving that perfect smile. One of them is clear aligners, we always notice this question from the patients by opting for a clear aligner; “How clear aligners are made?”Or” what is it made of?” It’s a question that’s frequently asked by most people. The transparent aligner is unique and innovative technology, with steady progress in this area. Clear aligners are virtually invisible, made from thermoplastic material produced to achieve desired results in such a fashion. They are custom-made trays, worn sequentially to ensure a successful outcome of the procedure.

An orthodontist begins by taking measurements, X-rays and photos of the patient’s teeth, and sending them to Align Technology. The observations are put through a computer program that generates a 3D model. Then technicians straighten the teeth on the computer-generated model and shift them to their final position.

Every Invisalign aligner slowly moves the teeth. A patient must normally wear an Invisalign aligner for 2 weeks. Thus the patient should know approximately when their procedure is done by taking the number of Invisalign aligners necessary to complete and dividing the straightening process by 2 weeks!

This is a great motivator to wear the Invisalign retainers! Sometimes the “attachments” are bonded to teeth that need to be “rotated” or shifted more than other teeth. The hooks are tooth-colored and made of a glass-like material, rendering them almost transparent. “Reproximation” is a process of filing down the contacts between the teeth to allow a better fit. This can be part of the treatment, too.

Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the total recovery period is about one year. Simple treatments (minor crowding, less spacing) can be as short as 20 weeks— this is known as the “Invisalign Express” program.

Although the aligners may be removed, they must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours a day to prevent disrupting the cycle of treatment. Treatment time will increase if they are not worn regularly. Normally retainers made of a similar plastic material are allowed to be worn, at least at night, after the daily Invisalign procedure is complete.

The patient has some versatility as with other orthodontic programs. The last aligner doesn’t fully determine the final location of the teeth. If the patient wants to change the end position because the actual position is not optimal, they must order new aligners, which will be included in the original costs.

Step by step Process on How Aligners are made/work?

The Clear Aligner works on the basic principles of orthodontics. It is used to rectify crooked teeth, holes or correction of rotation. Aligners work in an organized fashion to get the desired results. The customized trays are invisible and active in invisibly moving the tooth in the desired direction.

There are a few steps to fabricate the tool for that magical smile.

Clinical steps

  • Impressions

  • Images

  • X- rays

Laboratory steps

  • Scans

  • 3D models

  • Aligners

  • Quality check

Are You Looking for Clear Aligners or Invisalign to Straighten Your Teeth?

With over 30 years of professional experience helping patients renew and beautifying their smiles, Balfour Dental continues to be the preferred dental office for families in Brentwood California and the surrounding communities of Antioch, Oakley, Discovery Bay and beyond. Their dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in cosmetic dentistry treatments as well as in general dentistry. Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively.  If you are looking to renew your smile, contact Balfour Dental today!

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