What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a
thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Smilealign treatment plan, look
similar to
teeth-whitening trays. A series of Smilealign aligners are custom-made for you, to move
your
teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
How do the aligners straighten teeth?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with
a series
of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that
is
mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners
are
placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current
position. After
approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will
continue the
teeth straightening process.
How will Smilealign effectively move my teeth?
Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design,
Smilealign
aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main
difference is that Smilealign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the
force
application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements
are
determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Smilealign treatment
plan.
What are the primary benefits of Smilealign?
Smilealign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may
even
notice that you're wearing them, making Smilealign a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Smilealign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners
should be
worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility
to remove
your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove
the
aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral
hygiene. There
are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage
over
traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal
or wire
adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair. Smilealign allows you
to view
your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your
straightened
teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it
can be,
you'll be able to see it for yourself.
How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your
case and
can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months
for
adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined
by your
doctor.
How do I get started with Smilealign?
It's simple — first take our Smile Assessment to see if
Smilealign is right for you. Next make an appointment with an Smilealign Provider. Many
doctors
offer free initial consultations. For the best experience, take the time to find the
"right"
doctor, one whom you feel comfortable with, and who has experience treating cases like
yours. As
with other important medical decisions, sometimes it is worthwhile to seek out a second
or even
third opinion. Use our Find A Doctor feature to find the most experienced
Smilealign-trained
Provider near you. Make sure you trust your smile to an experienced doctor who uses the
latest
techniques.
Can I go to any dentist to be treated with Smilealign?
All dentists interested in treating patients with
Smilealign
must attend and complete specialized instructional sessions to become trained Smilealign
Providers. In addition, doctors must regularly submit treatment results for review and
complete
ongoing clinical training classes to earn the designation "Preferred Provider." Use our
Find A
Doctor feature to find the most experienced Smilealign Provider near you. Doctors
designated as
Premier Preferred Providers have a greater level of case experience. Those labeled Elite
Preferred Provider have the highest level of case experience.
How often must I see my Smilealign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually
about
once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment
is
progressing as planned.
My provider mentioned "attachments". What are they and
why would
I need them for my Smilealign treatment?
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the
movements may
require either "attachments" or "ridges" to help the aligner grip the teeth. These
bumps, or
wells, are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth. The
attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite the doctor affixes to
your
teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations
in your
aligners. Your doctor will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the
desired
tooth movement.
What are the primary benefits of Smilealign?
Smilealign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may
even
notice that you're wearing them, making Smilealign a seamless fit with your lifestyle.
Smilealign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners
should be
worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility
to remove
your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove
the
aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral
hygiene. There
are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage
over
traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal
or wire
adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair. Smilealign allows you
to view
your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your
straightened
teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it
can be,
you'll be able to see it for yourself.
Will Smilealign treatment be painful?
While Smilealign moves your teeth without the pain and
anxiety
metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at
the
beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a
feeling
of pressure. It's also a sign that Smilealign is working, as it moves your teeth to
their final
destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
How long will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your
case and
can only be determined by your doctor; however, the average case takes about 12 months
for
adults. The length of time necessary for a teen patient may vary and can be determined
by your
doctor.
Will wearing Smilealign aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Smilealign
aligners may
temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day
or two.
However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by
the
aligners should disappear.
Are there restrictions as to what I can eat while in
treatment?
No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you
can eat
and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you're required to remove your
aligners
to eat and drink. So, unlike when undergoing traditional treatment using wires and
brackets,
there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks
unless
you are instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your
teeth
after each meal and prior to reinserting your aligners to maintain fresh breath and
proper
hygiene.
Can I drink alcohol with the aligners in?
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate
amount
would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners
soon
after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary
beverage.
How often must I see my Smilealign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments usually
about
once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits is to ensure that your treatment
is
progressing as planned.
Can the aligners slip off while I'm asleep?
It is very unlikely that your aligners would ever fall
out, no
matter what you were doing at the time: sleeping, talking, laughing, etc. The aligners
are
designed to fit firmly on the teeth, so this should not be a cause for concern.
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made
of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Smilealign treatment plan,
look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Smilealign aligners are custom-made for
you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
Do Smilealign aligners contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?
No. Smilealign aligners and do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers.
These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical-grade, high molecular weight,
polyurethane resins, PET-G. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these
materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and
thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult
with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.
I currently have bridgework on several teeth. Will
Smilealign still work?
Because bridgework involves the connection of a tooth to
surrounding teeth, it would be difficult for the aligners to work effectively. The
aligners are
designed to move each tooth separately, following the exact movements that your
orthodontist
will map out for you when creating your custom-made aligners.