1) How does the procedure work?

Aesthetic CAD CAM Aligners are a series of thermoplastic acrylic sheets contoured to overlay the dentition, and serve to bring about tooth movement in a gradual and sequential manner, determined by a pre ordained diagnostic set-up, which is prepared by virtual (CAD CAM) procedures.

The procedure involves:

• Impressions of teeth made using a special material
• Impressions are digitally scanned using a special software
• A virtual set up of teeth is prepared on the software
• A planned treatment programme is executed on the virtual set up
• The patient is shown the number of steps involved, is counselled on time taken, and is shown the predicted tooth movement video images
• Technology is used to calibrate sequential movement and fabricate models of expected movement of teeth at various stages
• Plastic / Transparent Aligner sheets are fabricated based on the various stages
• Patient wears these trays as directed by the doctor, that sequentially and gradually exert mild pressure on teeth, causing them to move as per the virtual set up
• Accuracy of movement can always be assessed by comparing actual movement with prediction virtual images

2) Who are eligible for this treatment?

Most people who are eligible for conventional braces can go in for this procedure. A dentist takes the final call based on dental health. Possible candidates include adults, teenagers, and busy professionals, who would like to get teeth straightened, yet do not want visible and / or fixed braces.

3) What are the benefits and how long does the whole procedure take?

Patient benefits incude:

• Aesthetics – Aligners are clear, comfortable, and removable. They are comparable to lingual appliances in aesthetic appeal but offer greater comfort to the wearer and the clinician. Ceramic brackets cannot compare aesthetically to aligners and should be the appliance of choice for patients who are in the public eye.
• Removable – This allows the patient to maintain their oral hygiene regimen.
• There are no food restrictions as with fixed appliances. The patient can remove the aligners for a short duration, making it ideal for social occasions as well.

• International research and a clinical study at Breach Candy Hospital, recently presented at the World Federation of orthodontics Congress at Sydney ,comprehensively proved that aligners reported less negative effects on quality of life with respect to fixed appliances in all stages of treatment.

  Comfort – Aligners do not cause irritation to the mucosa and surrounding tissues as can happen with brackets, wires, or ligatures. CAD CAM aligner treatment allows slow programmed tooth movement with each aligner. This means less discomfort and pain for the patient.
• Speech – The aligners do not cover the palate and thus produce minimal speech impediments.
• Visualization of planned treatment – The virtual set up in CAD CAM aligners offer the patient an informed course of treatment effects ensuring more confidence in the process.
• Accuracy of tooth movement thanks to the digital technology used
• Patients on the move can carry their aligners for upto 3–4 months without needing a check up, thus aiding patient convenience.

Duration:

Depends on condition being treated and can only be assessed on evaluation of the condition. (Can vary from 4 months – 1 year)

4) What is the cost involved?

This procedure cost about as much as any other form of invisible braces. It is more expensive than regular braces because of the customisation and CAD-CAM technology involved. The final cost depends on the number of aligners required for a particular case.

5) What can this procedure be used for?

It is recommended for patients with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, buck teeth, flared front teeth, collapsed bites, spaces between teeth, deep bites, grinding of teeth and frequent pains in the jaw joint.
Good gum and bone support of teeth is mandatory for any tooth movement procedure. A comprehensive consultation and x rays of the teeth are important before planning any sort of orthodontic treatment.