The History, New 3D Digital Technology, Upsides and Downsides.

Smile technology has come a long way since removable orthodontic appliances were first used on the Egyptian Pharaohs.

Invisalign® is to clear tooth aligners what KleenexTM is to tissues – a brand. It is a testament to throwing a lot of money at research and development, but especially at marketing.

There are a number of different brands of clear aligners on the market including Clear CorrectTM, ClearPathTM, TrulineTM and SmileTRUTM, but the market leader by a significant margin is Invisalign®. Align Technology launched the Invisalign® product in the USA in 1999.

It took an idea patented by Harold Kesling in 1962 to do fine detailing of tooth positions after braces and to retain them. Teeth on dental moulds had to be cut off by technicians, lined up perfectly in wax, then injected with natural rubber to make a double mouthguard that the patient chewed into.

This process can now be done much more efficiently using 3D digital technology. A patient’s crooked teeth can be scanned, then virtually straightened using sophisticated software by computer technicians overseas. The orthodontic treatment plan is checked by your Orthodontist on a computer and once approved, robots using thermoplastic materials and lasers make a set of customised ‘clear aligners’ and shipped worldwide. These transparent pieces of custom-moulded plastic sit over the teeth and gradually shift the teeth. A typical patient uses 20–30 slightly different aligners during their treatment. It is a recycled idea using new materials and digital technology to help removable appliances to move teeth in most directions.

The Upside

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®, are one of the most popular alternatives to braces, but are generally best suited for adults with less complex orthodontic problems. There are obvious benefits of these so-called ‘invisible braces’, such as their subtle appearance and removability. They are also more hygienic because they can be removed when you eat and drink, minimising the risk of food getting stuck and making them easy to clean.

The Downside

Faithfully wearing your aligners is absolutely CRITICAL! If you do not wear them (at least 22 hours per day), you will still have crooked teeth and be the proud owner of some very expensive bits of plastic. For a realistic view of aligners, please read the article 18 Things, I Wish I Knew Before Invisalign. Unfortunately, not every patient is a good candidate for clear aligner treatment. Some types of bite problems and tooth positions are not easily fixed, despite the impressive digital technology. Your time, money and efforts may sometimes be better invested in a comprehensive braces treatment. Your Orthodontist is able to determine whether clear aligner treatment will provide you with a predictably good outcome.

The Important Fine Print

An Orthodontist is a registered specialist with both a dental degree and specialist degree (eight years of full-time university). Orthodontists can offer the full range of orthodontic treatment options. The digital treatment planning with any type of clear aligner treatment is extremely important.

If this is not done correctly from the outset, problems often result. Orthodontists have the training, expertise and experience to manage this sophisticated technology, avoid problems and achieve the best outcomes. Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners uses amazing 3D digital technology. However, the technology still requires a skilled Orthodontist who knows when to use it, and most importantly, how to use it for your individual case.

Disclaimer: Information and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors.

Dr Desmond Ong, Orthodontist
Townsville Orthodontic Specialists