These invisible gutters, called dental aligners, promise to restore a perfect smile. Operation, price, treatment process, here is everything you need to know.
Ultra-discreet and offering the promise of perfectly aligned teeth, gutters have been in vogue in recent years. But who are these new generation dental appliances really aimed at? What are the results ? How to choose them well? A Dr Smile expert answers the main questions about dental aligners.
Before you start, it is important to know that this type of accessory is for people who do not have no major orthodontic problems (too forward or too narrow jaw, dental overlap…) but to those who simply wish to align their teeth and who have a perfectly healthy mouth.
Where to buy dental aligners?
The first step is to make an appointment with a dentist, or go to a partner office of a brand of dental aligners. The dentist begins with perform an oral examination to ensure the perfect health of your teeth and your eligibility for treatment. He also assesses your expectations and needs to offer you the most suitable aligners.
The dentist then takes precise measurements of your teeth using a 3D scanner. He can also perform a panoramic X-ray if necessary. A few weeks after this first appointment, you will receive before and after treatment photos, which allow you to assess the appearance of the teeth after wearing the aligners. You also receive information about the duration of the treatment, the wearing of the aligners as well as a complete estimate. Once this estimate has been validated, you will receive your gutters and can begin your treatment.
The duration and specifics of a treatment with dental aligners
The duration of the treatment depends on the initial situation of the teeth. Weak dental malocclusions can be corrected within months if the clear aligner is worn consistently. Some brands of dental aligners offer aligners to be worn only overnight, which implies a longer treatment time.
In the case of a more complex dental malocclusion, more aligners are needed to bring the teeth into the desired position, which is why treatment can last from 4 to 12 months. Throughout the treatment, follow-up appointments are organized with the dentist or via an application that can assess the progress of the treatment and any changes to be made.
Constraints and benefits of dental aligners
Most treatments with dental aligners require wearing gutters 22 hours a day, which implies a certain rigor and discipline. You remove the aligners only to eat and drink and must thoroughly clean your teeth before replacing them. Dental aligners have the advantage of being much more discreet than conventional braces and not very painful. Their price, quite high, can also be dissuasive for some: count between 1500 € and 4000 € for a treatment (sometimes with the possibility of staggering the payment over several months). Be aware, however, that some mutuals can reimburse part of a treatment carried out with aligners.
3 brands of dental aligners
- For a light correction, with an appointment with the dentist and follow-up via an app, for complete support: DR Smile
- For those who want to opt for a night treatment: Smile Direct Club
- For further tooth correction: Invisalign