Aligners for adults
Predictable outcome and imperceptibility of treatment 
Installation time — up to 2 monthsHow can adults correct their bite and get a beautiful smile? So far, the orthodontic market can give us only 2 proven and guaranteed tools to achieve this goal: braces and aligners. And if braces have been familiar to everyone for decades, then transparent mouthguards have appeared in Russia relatively recently and are only gaining the trust of patients and doctors. In this article, leading orthodontist and digital leader Nino Valerievna Sigua tells us why adult patients appreciate aligners and how to start treatment.
How do aligners correct an adult's bite?
Aligners are a pair of mouthguards made of clear plastic. They are modeled so that each mouth guard makes small movements of the teeth. One mouth guard works for an average of 7-10 days and is then replaced by the patient with a new one.
In addition to the aligners, attachments — small tooth-colored composite buttons are placed on the patient's teeth. These are necessary to move the tooth in the correct direction.
Some adult patients think that even braces can't handle their bite, and therefore don't trust «thin mouthguards». But they are definitely not to be underestimated — flexible, high-quality plastic combined with clear computer modeling gives predictable step-by-step tooth movement to a perfect result even in difficult cases. We have tested this on dozens of clinical cases.
Наши пациенты до и после процедуры
Who is suitable for adult aligners?
We answer this question from two points of view — the doctor and the patient: the doctor makes a decision based on clinical indications, and the patient, based on their lifestyle and perception of aesthetics.
Clinical Indications
Modern aligners have a very wide range of indications and their effectiveness is comparable to braces. Therefore, from a clinical point of view, aligners have virtually no restrictions on their use.
But since the mechanics of braces and aligners are different, some movements, such as backward movement of the teeth, are faster with aligners and some are the opposite. Therefore, we recommend appliances based on the treatment plan first and foremost. If we realize that in this clinical case braces will cope faster, we honestly inform the patient about it. And if, based on the results of diagnostics, the effectiveness of aligners and braces is the same, we leave the choice entirely to the patient.
Patient selection
Patients primarily evaluate their lifestyle. The following factors usually influence the final decision:
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Location of the patient. Aligners are suitable for those who are located in another city or country, so they cannot regularly visit their orthodontist. Visits to the orthodontist are needed on average once every 2-3 months, and sometimes, in agreement with the orthodontist, the break may be longer. With braces, the maximum break between activations should not exceed more than 3 months, it is optimal to visit a doctor once every 1.5 months.
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Profession or hobby. We had several complaints from patients who could not wear braces due to the requirements for appearance in the workplace: flight attendants, presenters. Also, aligners are preferred by athletes, because they lower the risk of injuring the mucous membrane when falling or hitting.
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Own strict requirements for the appearance of the equipment. In our experience, over the past 5-7 years, patients have long ceased to be shy about braces, associate them with teenagers and even consider them a stylish accessory. But there are still people who choose extremely inconspicuous treatment, because it is more comfortable for them.
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Discipline and willingness to follow the doctor's recommendations. Before deciding to put aligners, you need to clearly understand whether you can wear them 22 hours a day every day. If you do not follow the regimen, the effectiveness of the treatment will be extremely low, and the initial set of mouthguards will require additional correction — re-scanning and ordering new mouthguards.
The pros of aligners for adult patients
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Fast tooth alignment is possible. Mild crowding can be corrected in 6-8 months. Of course, large movements of teeth to correct the bite, will go almost as well as on braces. But if the patient needs cosmetic intervention, then aligners — the ideal choice.
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More predictable results through virtual planning. During your treatment plan discussion, we show you how your tooth position will change, so you know what to expect and your doctor — how to arrive at that result.
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Safe tooth root movements. Thanks to the possibilities of the planning software, not only tooth movements but also the position of the tooth roots can be planned so that recessions do not occur during treatment.
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Almost complete invisibility of treatment. Aligners give teeth a light shine, but are practically invisible to others.
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Simpler oral hygiene. There are no additional elements on the teeth except attachments, so it is much easier to thoroughly brush your teeth than with braces.
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Rare visits to the orthodontist, on average once every 2-3 months. Ideal for nonresident patients.
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Less painful sensations when changing caps than when activating braces. According to our patients who had experience with both braces and aligners, there were fewer pulling and aching sensations in the mouthpieces. But please note that this is a subjective assessment, since everyone's sensitivity is different.
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The mucous membrane is less injured, since the mouth guards are very smooth and have fewer protruding elements than braces.
Diagnosis before orthodontic treatment on aligners
Before any orthodontic treatment, we perform diagnostics according to our strict standards. It is after this stage that we can determine which will be more effective in the treatment of a clinical case: aligners or braces.
The diagnostics include:
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Complete photographic record: photos of teeth and face from different angles. We need dental photos to track tooth movement and progress. Facial photos — for planning changes to take into account the aesthetics of the soft tissues of the face. We strive for a harmonious treatment result, which includes not only straight teeth and correct bite, but also a beautiful profile, facial oval and harmonious lip position. It is not always possible to improve these parameters with orthodontics alone, but we strive to get the best possible result.
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CBCT image — is one of the most informative diagnostic tools. In the 3D volumetric image we can see: the position of the tooth roots, the state of the bone tissue, and the position of the joint. Based on this data, we can plan tooth movements and comprehensive work with other specialists.
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Digital tooth scanning. This is an alternative to analog impression taking using impression material and a spoon. The scanner allows you to get a three-dimensional 3D model of your teeth in 3-5 minutes. The digital image shows all sides of the teeth and the points where the teeth are over- or under-clenched. We send the scan results to the eliner lab for the next step — virtual treatment planning.
After analyzing the diagnostic data, we begin the virtual treatment planning phase — creating a set-up. 3D scans of the teeth are uploaded to a program from the manufacturer of the elainer system, where the tooth movement and the final result are modeled. The program calculates the number of mouthguards and treatment timeframe. The orthodontist needs to make sure that achieving the modeled result is possible and safe for the patient.
up to 1 monthWhen the set-up is agreed upon by the doctor and patient, it goes to the manufacturer's lab where the mouthpiece itself will be printed. The production and delivery of the aligners takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the manufacturer.
Up to 2 monthsWhen the aligners are delivered to the clinic, we invite the patient to a drop-off appointment. At this appointment, the doctor fixes the attachments — composite buttons, gives you a set of mouthguards, teaches you how to put them on and take them off, gives recommendations on wearing and care. The next appointment is scheduled after 2 months.
1,5 hoursAfter the mouth guards are dispensed, the patient must wear the aligners 22 hours a day and change them on their own every 7-10 days, depending on the recommended schedule. If for some reason the mouthguards are not on the teeth for the allotted time the next pair may not fit on the teeth. In this case, you should visit an orthodontist to determine what to do next.
1-2 yearsIf something has happened to your mouth guard and you cannot put it back on, we recommend wearing the next one on the schedule if it sits on your teeth and coming to the clinic for a follow-up exam.
When the mouth guards are finished and the desired result is achieved, the patient comes in for attachment removal and professional hygiene. To consolidate the result, a fixed retainer is placed on both rows of teeth and night retention mouthguards are given to maintain the width of the teeth.
2 hoursTypes of aligners for adults
Aligners can be categorized into types depending on the manufacturer and the principle of treatment preparation.
Aligners of major international and local brands
Aligner manufacturing companies undertake the full cycle of preparation and creation of caps for the patient:
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own unique software in which treatment setups are planned,
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a team of technicians who check the setups together with the attending physician,
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production of aligners
Usually, big brands invest heavily in research to find better solutions: better comfort material, artificial intelligence capabilities in planning programs. Their aligners are tested before being released to the general market.
The major international brands include: Invisalign, Spark, Flexiligner. Local Russian manufacturers include Eurokappa, Starsmile.
Aligners that are printed in clinics (In-office)
For minor cosmetic adjustments to teeth, some clinics make aligners in their own lab. This requires 3D motion modeling software such as Maestro, printing material, and a 3D printer.
These aligners are made in-house.
Aligners without a doctor's involvement
This type of aligners still exists only abroad. The mouthpiece manufacturer works directly with the patient: sends the patient an impression set by mail, prints the mouthpiece set and sends it to the patient. These aligners are only suitable for small movements.
Adult aligners in Konfidencia
We work with the major brands of aligners: Spark and Eurokappa. In terms of clinical efficacy, Spark aligners from the American manufacturer allow us to solve more complex clinical cases. And the main plus point of Eurokappa — is the very fast manufacturing and delivery. Patients can receive their mouthguards in as little as 2 weeks after the set-up has been discussed.
Also, we print mouthguards in our in-house lab if a patient is indicated for minor tooth movement. The science department tests different plastics and mouthguard fabrication equipment to improve the patient experience.
Starting treatment with aligners at Konfidencia is simple — a complete diagnosis can be completed in 1 day as part of a diagnostic consultation.
- A detailed treatment plan in 1.5 hours
- Planning according to the concept of accelerated treatment
- Personal curator's help
Orthodontists recommend
Cost of aligners
The best specialists to treat you
Answers to questions
