How Clear Aligner Therapy Uses Pressure to Teeth

The use of clear aligners is becoming more popular among many patients. You might even personally know someone who is using it as a treatment option. If you need to have your teeth treated, you might have questions about your different options. For example, you might be wondering how it will work to move your own teeth. Keep reading to find out more about aligners.

About clear aligners

This kind of treatment uses a set of clear aligners that are worn for at least 22 hours each day. That will guide the teeth to the new locations. One benefit is that these are both comfortable and can come out. These work differently than braces.

The aligners apply controlled and direct pressure on the teeth, moving them to the new spots. Each set is calibrated to achieve the right movement. By the time the treatment ends, the teeth will all be in a new spot. There is a key difference between how clear aligners and braces work, however.

Braces have wires and brackets. That applies a pulling force to move the teeth. On the other hand, the aligners have a pushing force to move the teeth. Like braces, a notable difference might be seen in as little as 24 hours. But this does not mean that it is time to get rid of the current set yet.

Understanding the tooth structure

The roots of the teeth have a covering known as cementum. The cementum is attached to the socket of the tooth by the PDL, or the periodontal ligament. The PDL is an anchor that holds the tooth in the socket. To move the teeth, the PDL must be worked at gently. That will guide it through the jawbone, helping the tooth to move.

When there is pressure applied on the tooth, the ligament is compressed on one side. But it is stretched on the other side. This creates new types of bone cells. On the compressed side of the ligament, osteoclasts will break down some of the bone. On the stretched side of the ligament, the osteoblasts will make new bone cells.

That is why even though the tooth has moved, the aligner needs to stay in place. The PDL is not ready to support it yet. The ligament needs to become accustomed to the new position. Then the bone needs to be built up. Of course, the tissues and other gums also need time to properly adjust. This will take close to two weeks, which is how often the aligners are changed.

Visit a dentist for clear aligners today

With a fully customized treatment plan, you can use this process to have your teeth moved gently. The aligners can move your teeth more aesthetically and conveniently than braces can. You will not have any wires that need to be adjusted every few weeks. Making a consultation today will help you decide if clear aligners are a good option for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.

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