Aligner Therapy
The clear aligners (from to align align ') is an orthodontic treatment method for substantially invisible treatment of lighter to severe malocclusions with a sequence of individually crafted thin and transparent plastic rails (, English aligner ) operates.
With the help of a special computer graphics process, based on the actual condition of the rows of teeth, which is recorded in jaw models, a previously determined treatment goal is displayed in three dimensions and divided into individual treatment phases. For each of these phases, the individual splints are then produced, which are worn for around two weeks. During this time, the teeth are continuously moved in the previously calculated direction by applying pressure. Then the next splint follows until the desired treatment goal is achieved. The duration of the treatment is usually between approx. 6 and approx. 18 months, depending on the degree of the deformity.
advantages
- The plastic splints are transparent and therefore less noticeable than normal braces .
- The rails are removable. Thus, there are no problems with eating or with oral hygiene .
disadvantage
- Since the splints are removable, if they are not worn consistently, no continuous pressure is exerted on the teeth, which can prolong the treatment. Compliance with the wearing time of 22 hours a day by the patient is a decisive factor for the success of the treatment.
- The teeth should be cleaned before the splints are reinserted, as otherwise superficial discoloration of the teeth can occur.
- There may be a lisp at the beginning of the treatment until the patient has got used to the splints.
- Therapy is followed by a retention phase .
- The method is not subsidized by health insurances in Germany, but it is by private health insurers. In Switzerland, the basic insurance according to the KVG does not cover any treatment costs, whereas benefits can be insured by taking out private supplementary insurance.
requirements
The method is well suited for adolescents and adults (from around the age of 11). For treatment with transparent plastic aligners, the late mixed dentition at around 11 to 13 years of age is a good time to use the subsequent body growth to correct the misaligned teeth. The form of treatment is suitable for almost all misaligned teeth and can be combined with other methods.
Development history
The process of correcting misaligned teeth with transparent plastic splints goes back to the orthodontist Kesling in 1945. It is based on the therapeutic approach of gradually achieving the treatment goal with elastic devices. Different manufacturing processes have become established over the years. There are manufacturing processes in which the plastic splints are individually manufactured by dental technicians, as well as industrial mass production. The treatment method became more widely used and known through its combination with a computer-aided manufacturing process that was developed by various companies. There have been several aligner systems on the German market since 2004. Since around 40 Align Technology patents expired in 2017, various startups and small companies have also been pushing into the German-speaking market.
Web links
- German Society for Aligner Orthodontics
- Statement of the German Society for Orthodontics (DGKFO) on treatment with aligners (PDF; 10 kB), as of January 2010.
- International Society for Aligner Therapy
Individual evidence
- ↑ Out Of Silicon Valley, A Billion-Dollar Orthodontics Business Built With Plastic And Patents Forbes article in English. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
- ↑ Foryoufirst prints braces with a 3D printer. Notice on the Liechtenstein-Business portal. Retrieved December 13, 2018. PDF
- ↑ Beautiful teeth by post ZM online contribution. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
