Straightening crooked teeth is a dental treatment treated by an Orthodontist. A patient usually does not know who an Orthodontist is. If we go by Wikipedia Orthodontics is “a dentistry specialty that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, as well as misaligned bite patterns” and an Orthodontist is the one who is formally qualified in Orthodontics A normal person associates teeth straightening with metal wires and braces, however, over the years this science has greatly evolved and now many more treatment options are available to an Orthodontist. With a significant transformation and notable shift from traditional treatment options, more convenient, effective as well as more reliable treatment options are now available. “Clear aligner is one such technology which now is becoming highly popular among orthodontists as well as patients as a treatment of choice. This is due to increased convenience, enhanced aesthetics, reduced lifestyle restrictions for patients, and the ability to effectively address even the most severe cases of malocclusion.” In the past few years, this treatment has gained significant visibility due to it being promoted as an easy aesthetic, DIY product by D2C companies that can be used at the convenience of their homes.
“This surge in popularity of clear aligners and positioning done by DIY companies, raises a big risk to the very science on which this appliance works as teeth straightening is a medical treatment and not a DIY treatment which can be addressed by clear aligners.”
This surge in the popularity of clear aligners is good as it creates more awareness and makes it accessible to more patients. However, its wrong positioning as a DIY product raises a big risk to the very science on which this appliance works. Teeth straightening is a medical treatment and not a DIY treatment that can always be addressed by clear aligners and may need more intervention by experts.
The Necessity of treatment of misaligned teeth:
Correcting misaligned teeth transcends mere cosmetic considerations. It is integral to the functional well-being and overall health of an individual. Misaligned teeth can lead to various issues, like teeth grinding, jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, reduced nasal airways, unpleasant breath, weak teeth, and also periodontal problems. Therefore, addressing teeth misalignment is essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
The Right Approach
“While Clear aligners are patient-friendly, it is crucial to remember that they are a medical device that necessitates specialized care and use under expert supervision only.” Orthodontists are dentists who undergo three years of specialized and intensive training, and they are the experts who know what is the best method to treat misaligned teeth. When considering treatment of crooked teeth or malocclusion, physical examination by a specialist is indispensable. A proper treatment planning may also require, other diagnostic tests like X-rays and clinical assessments to assess the condition of one’s jaw and the patient’s periodontal health. While cost can be an important consideration it is only a specialist who can decide what appliance is the best to ensure that the treatment is tailored to the specific needs of individual patients and if clear aligners are best suited or should be used alone or with other appliances.
Sustainability in Clear Aligners:
The clear aligner industry is experiencing a welcome sustainability transformation, for example the KiyoClear brand of aligners from SheepMedical, Japan is leading the way by offering unique benefits. An important part of using Clear aligners is how the treatment is planned. Unfortunately, many companies do not pay enough attention to this step, leading to the need for many adjustments after the treatment. Many times, softwares is used by technicians with limited clinical knowledge and experience to create treatment plans. This can be problematic because each person’s treatment requirements are unique. A treatment plan made solely in this way can make them less predictable and lead to need for multiple refinements. This is challenging for patients due to increased time to complete treatment and also if not treated properly it may lead to future issues of relapse or even loss of teeth. This also can result in loss of trust in this treatment methodology in general.
“The era of clear aligners signifies a revolution in orthodontics, offering both aesthetic appeal and convenience. Yet, their success hinges on the crucial partnership between expert supervision and sustainable practices, ensuring not just better smiles but also a healthier, eco-conscious future.”
Improper treatment planning could also result in wastage of aligners. This is when the treatment does not progress as planned it becomes essential to add or change aligners during the treatment. This leads to unused aligners, added plastic waste and increased carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and disposing of these surplus aligners. However, the Japanese philosophy adopts a unique approach of implementing phase-wise aligner production and treatment planning done under the supervision of highly qualified Japanese technicians and Orthodontists. This results in a highly predictable outcome. This approach significantly reduces the production of extra aligners and also minimizes the need for refinement. In fact, Because of this approach treatments using this technology typically require over 50% less refinements as compared to other products. This reduction in refinement not only contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic waste but also results in a considerable reduction in the carbon footprint associated with clear aligner treatment. offering a more environmentally responsible approach to clear aligner treatment and ensuring that the patient’s journey towards a straighter smile is effective and is also eco-friendly.