Orthodontic overlays, or what are aligners

Orthodontic overlays, or what are aligners

On 2 June 202225 June 2024In Orthodontic treatment, Polish Dentist in the UK

Aligners are aesthetically pleasing, transparent overlays orthodontic on teeth. They are used to correct malocclusion and are an alternative to fixed and removable orthodontic appliances.. They come in the form of colourless trays that can be removed and fitted independently at any time. They are manufactured from a special, certified thermoplastic material that allows the trays to be individually adapted to the patient's teeth, taking into account their displacement. 

This is an innovative and least invasive method of correcting malocclusion available on the market. Recently, it has enjoyed unflagging popularity among patients wishing to improve the appearance of their teeth, thanks to the substantial list of advantages of this solution and its narrow spectrum of disadvantages.

You can read about why you should undertake orthodontic treatment at all and the causes and consequences of malocclusion here: "Malocclusion in adults - causes, consequences and treatment", and you can read about other options in the text „Types of braces in the UK - what to choose„.

The painting depicts a smiling young woman wearing glasses and holding two models of dentition. The woman has light-coloured, loose hair. In the background, a blurred sea or ocean can be seen. The image appears to promote dental services.

Orthodontic overlays - what are their advantages?

The first advantage cited by patients opting for aligners most often is their subtle appearance, or to put it more simply: their invisibility. Thanks to the fact that aligners are transparent, it is difficult to notice at first contact that they are on the teeth at all.

Seemingly such a trivial argument as aesthetic value turns out to be a often a factor in deciding whether or not to undertake treatment. If appearance and self-confidence are key to you, as well as not having to worry about whether or not there is any leftover food between the braces, then orthodontic trays may be a good choice.

Another plus point of them is the convenience and comfort of speaking. Aligners, although they are a foreign body in the mouth, do not cause seplenia. After a few days of wearing them, you will get used to them. You also don't have to limit yourself when it comes to your food choices, but remember to remove the trays before meals.

Above all, the non-invasiveness of aligners is invaluable and the lack of discomfort that occurs with fixed braces. As they are completely smooth and have no protruding metal parts, they are comfortable to wear. In addition, the use of brackets is associated with a shorter treatment time than with traditional braces.

The image shows a close-up on the mouth of a person putting on a transparent cap over the teeth. Visible are the white, even teeth and the hands gently holding the cap to the mouth. The background is light grey, so that the whole image is well lit and focused on the mouth itself.

What are the disadvantages of using orthodontic trays?

One potential impediment to bite correction through the use of orthodontic overlays is the reliance on patient self-discipline. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the intensity of overlay use.

Therefore, if you opt for aligners be systematic. The more hours per day you wear the orthodontic trays, the shorter the treatment period.

IMPORTANT: During the use of aligners, transient pain in individual teeth, initial short-lived difficulty in speaking clearly, which disappears after a few days, and aphthae may occur. A very rare side effect is disruption of saliva secretion during treatment and complications in the temporomandibular joints.

The biggest disadvantage of overlays is that their use has its limitations - they cannot be used for every malocclusion.

For whom is bite correction with aligners advisable?

Whether a patient's malocclusion qualifies for correction with overlays is decided by the orthodontist during the consultation and thorough, in-depth diagnostics. It is not always possible to implement this method.

It is most often recommended for diastema, severe crowding of teeth and in the correction of open, deep and crossbites. It is also often recommended for the treatment of recurrent malocclusion after previous traditional orthodontic treatment.

In addition, the implementation of this method is limited by the patient's age. He must be at least 16 years old to qualify for aligner treatment. He must also be disciplined, otherwise the desired effect can hardly be expected. 

The image shows hands wearing blue medical gloves, holding transparent caps over teeth. The background is out of focus, but it is clear that the photograph was taken in a dental practice. The photograph illustrates the tools and equipment used by dentists in the UK when treating patients.

How much do orthodontic trays cost?

Each patient individually should attend an orthodontic consultation. During it, you will learn not only the price, but also the best orthodontic treatment option for you.

And if you're struggling with malocclusion or crooked teeth - the Report come to us.

We would like to remind you that in our office, the cost of the treatment, as well as the braces themselves, can be spread into instalments convenient for you. What is important, the first 12 months mean zero interest rate. Thus, you repay only the amount you have spent. You can read more about our instalment system in the text "Teeth on credit: dental treatment on hire purchase".

Our installment system is 100% secure and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).