A beautiful and straight smile is no longer a dream in modern times, but a reality. Many people used to hesitate to get their teeth straightened due to the discomfort and visibility of the metal wires and brackets of traditional dental braces. But the advent of dental aligners (also called clear aligners or invisible aligners) has completely changed this picture.
In this guide, we will discuss dental aligners in depth. We will tell you what these aligners are, how they work, what their benefits are, who they are suitable for, and what is their average cost in India. According to our experienced dental professionals, these aligners are a revolutionary and highly effective solution to straighten your teeth.
What Are Dental Aligners?
Dental aligners are custom-made, clear, and removable plastic trays that are designed to slowly and precisely move your teeth into their desired position. They are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic materials, making them completely safe and biocompatible.
Each aligner set is slightly different from the previous set and is designed to apply gentle, controlled pressure to the teeth. This pressure gradually aligns the teeth, resulting in a straight and beautiful smile. As invisible aligners, they are so discreet that hardly anyone will know that you are getting dental treatment.
How Do Aligners Work?
The mechanism of action of aligners is highly precise and technology-based. It differs significantly from traditional aligner braces. Let's understand the process step-by-step:
Initial consultation and 3D scan
Your aligner journey begins with a consultation with our certified orthodontist. During this visit, your teeth and oral health are thoroughly assessed.
Using modern imaging technology, such as the iTero scanner, a highly accurate 3D digital scan of your teeth and mouth is taken. This scan creates an accurate virtual model of your teeth, which is the foundation of the aligners dental treatment.
Creation of a personalized treatment plan
Based on the 3D scan, a complete treatment plan is digitally designed using specialized software from the current state of your teeth to the final, straight alignment.
This digital plan shows every stage of your aligner journey, and you can also see a virtual preview of your new smile. This transparency helps you clearly understand what to expect during treatment.
Custom Aligner Sets Production
A series of custom-made, clear aligner sets (usually 15 to 30 or more sets) is created based on your treatment plan.
These clear aligners are made from high-quality, BPA-free, medical-grade plastic using 3D printing technology, making them completely safe and biocompatible.
Regular Aligner Replacement
You wear each aligner set for a set period, usually 1 to 2 weeks, 20-22 hours a day. They only need to be removed for eating and drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
As you move from one set to the next, the aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure to your teeth. This pressure gradually pushes the teeth into a new position.
Progress Monitoring and Final Results
During treatment, you will need to visit our orthodontist periodically. They will monitor your progress and make sure the aligners are working as planned.
After treatment is complete, it is recommended to wear retainers to stabilize your new smile and keep your teeth in their new position. These aligners help maintain the long-term results of your dental treatment.
Key Benefits of Dental Aligners
There are many benefits to aligners that make them a popular and preferred option for straightening teeth:
Invisible Aesthetics
Clear aligners are nearly invisible. This means that you can smile confidently even during your treatment, without any embarrassment. This is a huge advantage, especially for adults.
Comfort
Unlike the sharp edges of metal wires and brackets that can rub against your mouth and gums, aligners are made of smooth plastic, making them extremely comfortable to wear.
Removable
You can easily remove your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. This means there are no food restrictions, and maintaining oral hygiene is much easier than with traditional dental braces.
Precise and Predictable Results
Advanced 3D planning software accurately depicts each stage of treatment. This gives you a complete map of your aligner journey and a clear idea of what the final result will be.
Fewer Clinic Visits
Aligner treatment requires fewer and shorter clinic visits than traditional braces, which fits your busy schedule.
High Biocompatibility
Made from BPA-free and allergy-free materials, these aligners are completely safe for your mouth and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Who Are Dental Aligners Suitable For?
Dental aligner treatment is an excellent option for many people, but each case is unique. After an accurate diagnosis by our experienced orthodontists, these clear aligners prove to be the best option for the following patients:
- Crowded or Crooked Teeth: If your teeth are crooked or crowded, aligners help to gradually realign them and bring them into an even line.
- Gaps or Spacing: Aligners provide an aesthetic and functional solution to fill unwanted spaces between teeth.
- Mild to Moderate Bite Issues: These aligners are effective in correcting mild cases of overbite (upper teeth too far forward), underbite (lower teeth too far forward), or crossbite (upper teeth inward).
- Adults and teens who prefer beauty and privacy: These invisible aligners are ideal for those who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal braces.
- Individuals with good oral hygiene: Regular wearing and proper teeth cleaning are essential for aligners to be effective.
- Individuals with busy lifestyles: The convenience of aligners and fewer clinic visits make them a good option for those with busy schedules.
If you have any concerns about your tooth alignment, contact our experts today. We will assess your needs and help you determine if dental clear aligner treatment is the right solution for you.
Cost of Dental Aligners in India
The cost of dental aligner treatment in India depends on several factors. These include the complexity of the case (how crooked the teeth are), the duration of the treatment, the number of aligner sets required, the location of the clinic, the experience of the orthodontist, and which aligner brand you choose.
Typically, the cost of clear aligners in India can range from ₹60,000 to ₹3,50,000 or more.
- Minor Cases: ₹60,000 to ₹1,50,000
- Moderate Cases: ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,50,000
- Complex Cases: ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,50,000+
We believe that high-quality dental treatment should be accessible to everyone. At our clinic, we provide a complete cost estimate before starting the treatment and transparent pricing without any hidden charges. We also offer easy EMI options for your convenience.
Dental Aligners: Potential Complications & Maintenance
Aligners are generally very safe, but like any medical treatment, there are some potential complications:
- Tooth sensitivity: Initially, you may experience some sensitivity after wearing a new set of aligners, which usually subsides within a few days.
- Fitting issues: If the aligners are not fitted properly, tooth movement may be affected.
- Not wearing them for the prescribed time: If the aligners are not worn for 20-22 hours a day, the treatment period may be extended or the results may not be as effective.
Maintenance:
- Regular cleaning: Your clear aligners should be cleaned daily with a brush and water.
- Diet: Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking (except water).
- Storage: Always keep your aligners in their case when not wearing them to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
- Retainers: After treatment is complete, it is essential to wear retainers to maintain your new smile.
Conclusion
Dental aligners have revolutionized the way teeth are straightened, offering the perfect combination of invisibility, comfort, and functionality. If you are concerned about your crooked teeth or smile, a dental clear aligner system like the Advanced Aligner may be the best solution for you. Explore Advance Dental Export for more precise dental solutions.