Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about Clear Image Aligners. If you need further information, please contact us.
- How much movement can I expect?
- How many Aligners can be made for a patient?
- What do I need to send to the lab to submit a case?
- What if I am not sure my patient's case is suitable for Clear Image Aligners?
- Can the lab provide a diagnostic set-up prior to fabricating the aligners?
- How often should patients change to the next Aligner?
- What happens if an Aligner does not fit?
- How many Aligners are delivered at one time?
- What happens if a patient breaks or loses an Aligner?
- Is a new impression (or model) required for a second series of aligners?
- What types of retention are used after Aligner treatment?
- Do you guarantee results of Clear Image Aligners?
|
|
How much movement can I expect?
The current general statement is 0.5mm of tooth movement per tray equals a total of 2.5mm of movement in the treated arch using a series up to 5 aligners. However, the answer actually lies in how many teeth are being repositioned...A rule of thumb is 0.5mm of movement per tooth per aligner. It is important to understand that the maximum amount of movement allotted to any one tooth is 2.5mm of movement and cuspid movement is about 1/2 of the movement we can achieve with incisors. For examples of appropriate Clear Image Aligner cases, visit Case Selection.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
How many Aligners can be made for a patient?
Up to 5 Clear Image Aligners may be fabricated in a series from a single work model. If more aligners are required to treat the mal-alignment, new work models or impressions would be submitted after the final aligner in the first series has expressed itself completely. The patient will continue to wear the final aligner until the next aligner or series of aligners are returned. The second series of aligners will be invoiced according to the number of aligners fabricated.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
What do I need to send to the lab to submit a case?
The process requires a set of high quality work models poured in stone and void of any distortions. Kromopan or 100 hour-Algimax impressions may be submitted and we will pour them in stone. These impressions must also be perfect in every aspect. Alginate impressions may be taken if they are perfect in every aspect and poured immediately in stone. For best aligner results it is recommended to include the opposing arch when requesting single arch treatment. This way the lab can detect during the re-set process possible interferences from the opposing arch.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
What if I am not sure my patient's case is suitable for Clear Image Aligners?
Specialty provides for review a wide variety of cases that are appropriate for Clear Image Aligner therapy under the case selection section. You may also send your work models to Specialty and request on the prescription form to evaluate the case and give you a call to discuss options before processing.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
Can the lab provide a diagnostic set-up prior to fabricating the aligners?
Yes, a diagnostic set up can be fabricated for review before the aligners are made. Specialty can return the diagnostic set up to you or email photos. There is a fee for this service.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
How often should patients change to the next Aligner?
Patients generally wear each aligner in the series for 3-4 weeks. If an aligner seems not to be moving a certain tooth check for contact interference with the teeth mesial and distal to the tooth in question as well as with a tooth in the opposing arch. In some cases the interference can be below the gingival margin. To ensure aligner therapy is progressing on schedule many clinicians will re-appoint patients at 4-8 week intervals.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
What happens if an Aligner does not fit?
Due to the material's properties, aligners tend to initially fit tightly. If an aligner does not seat properly, place it in hot tap water for 10-15 seconds, but no longer. This warming effect should ease seating by making the material more flexible. Note: Do not use extremely hot water as such temperatures will distort aligners. For whatever reason when a new aligner is indicated, a new set of impressions or work models will need to be submitted to the lab. Specialty will also request return of the original control models and set-up along with the aligner in question and all remaining aligners in the series for evaluation. At this point a determination will be made concerning cause and if remake charges are applicable.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
How many Aligners are delivered at one time?
The number of aligners given directly to the patient is determined by the type of case and whether or not IPR , if required, is performed all at once at the first appointment or prior to fabrication of the aligners. Many clinicians prefer to see the patient for delivery of each aligner to review progress to date. Some cases such as space closure accommodate multiple aligner changes without supervision better than cases presenting with rotations and crowding.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
What happens if a patient breaks or loses an Aligner?
An impression needs to be taken and new work models submitted. It is helpful to return the original set up, but not necessary. New aligners will need to be made replacing the original aligners remaining in the series. It is important to make an invisible type retainer to hold the teeth in their current position. When the patient breaks (their fault) or loses an appliance each aligner re-made is charged at full price.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
Is a new impression (or model) required for a second series of aligners?
Yes, new impressions/models will need to be submitted to make a second series of aligners. The patient will need to continue to wear the final aligner or an invisible retainer should be made to hold the teeth in their existing position. It is paramount to hold these teeth in position until the next series is delivered.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
What types of retention are used after Aligner treatment?
Removable Clear Retention: Clear retainers made from .040 ACE plastic are ideal to maintain the results from active treatment. This material lasts up to 1 year and is typically worn only at night. This type of retainer can be requested as an addition and will be made from the final set-up in the series. However, because of the many factors involved in tooth movement, many clinicians will wait until the case has expressed to it's best position and send in a new model reflecting the actual alignment achieved.
Fixed Lingual Retainers (FLR's): Specialty Appliances offers several Fixed Lingual Retainer designs for the upper and lower arch. These retainers are very comfortable for patients and require no cooperation as they are bonded to the teeth. Visit www.specialtyappliances.com for more info.
[ Back to Top ]
|
|
Do you guarantee results of Clear Image Aligners?
Aligners are not as efficient as braces to move teeth. Patient cooperation in wearing aligners, biological factors and clinical protocol can also affect aligner therapy results. Specialty Appliances guarantees quality of materials and evaluates issues on an individual basis. Our goal is always to meet reasonable expectations.
[ Back to Top ]
|
