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By Guest Author - Meryllyn Tan
Has this ever happened to you?
You finally find a seat amidst the sweltering heat and the haze of the office lunchtime crowd; Ready to dig into your long-awaited meal, when the sight of something makes you freeze. It is your colleague with his fingers in his mouth. “I need to remove my aligners.” He mumbles sheepishly gesturing to a transparent piece of plastic stringy with saliva.
This scene has become increasingly common as more people opt for this new treatment option. I shrugged nonchalantly, unfazed as he tucked the dental device on a bed of tissue. My best friend, my younger sister, and now a colleague- everyone, young or old seems to be sporting a pair these days. Then it hit me.
What actually are Clear Aligners?
Like you, my research on the matter starts with a quick Google search that would tell you that clear aligners, like Invisalign or Clear Correct are a type of orthodontic treatment device that straightens teeth and corrects bite misalignment. An alternative to braces, clear aligners are metal and ceramic braces’ removable and nearly invisible cousin. Crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, diastema (space between teeth) or open bites, this customised thermoplastic promises to fix them within months, all without the discomfort of wires and brackets. Unlike traditional fixed treatment, you can just pop these plastic trays out, so you won't have to say goodbye to the sugary, hard and sticky food you love.
But of course, cementing stainless steel braces on your teeth is not necessarily any less effective or more painful than specialised plastic. Varying from case to case, sometimes, the good ol’ archwire is better than hooks and buttons of the clear aligners. So let's leave it to the professionals to decide on the best course of treatment.
It sounds too good to be true, so how does it work?
Through the wonders of technology, it all begins with a digital scan of your teeth. A consultation can look like a scene from your favourite sci-fi TV show. You no longer have to twiddle your thumbs, suspended in the dentist's chair waiting for the dental impression putty to set. A scanner can accurately make a digital 3D model of your teeth and gums with a few clicks of a button. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can predict the teeth' movement and preplan the treatment to create a far more efficient experience. Rest assured, AI won't take over the world just yet — This technology is meant to complement, not replace your orthodontist. A professional perspective will still be given to determine a patient’s suitability for treatment. During this consultation, your trusted orthodontist will guide you during this vital decision making process of planning your teeth movements. For example, if you are experiencing bone loss or require a tooth extraction, your doctor will take all these considerations to ensure a smooth procedure.
From there, a medical-grade clear plastic is manufactured specially just for you by a technician according to the doctor’s prescription to address your unique condition. After that, all you have to do is slip on your set of aligners and swap it for a new set every now and then according to the prescription. But of course, should you be experiencing any discomfort, a conversation is to be had with your Orthodontist who will adjust your treatment plan. No difference is too small when it comes to your comfort — that 0.1mm shift can transform your experience.
Eyeing my colleague’s aligners and travel toothbrush set, I ask, “What’s the maintenance like?”
Without missing a beat, he laughs as he recounts stories about caring for clear aligners; Yellow stained teeth from a turmeric-heavy Indian cuisine, gallantly dumpster diving to save his misplaced aligners, and accidentally sitting on his now tragically cracked aligners, it is not unheard of for people to make the expensive mistake of mishandling their clear aligners. Another common issue is forgetting to wear your clear aligners, costing unnecessary delay in your treatment time. So light, thin, and virtually invisible, my colleague concludes that clear aligners greatest selling point is also its weakness.
Being transparent and lightweight, clear aligners are unfortunately prone to cracking and staining. Brushing your aligners (but never with abrasive toothpaste) and its tray- is all part of the meticulous maintenance. With the way it closely wraps around your teeth, your appliance can quickly become a reservoir of sugar, pooling in its crevices placing your pearly whites at the risk of decay. But fret not caring for your clear aligners quickly becomes a thoughtless habit ingrained in your busy lifestyle my colleague confirms leaving to brush and floss his teeth again.
‘Cost of Clear Aligners in Singapore’, I key into my search engine as I wait.
A cascade of advertisements flood onto my screen. Invisalign, Zenyum, Smile Direct Club, WonderSmile, Clear Correct, all these different brands compete for my attention as I scroll down the page in my research pursuit. Costing anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000 the myriad of options are overwhelming. A happy problem is being afforded too many choices. So I did the next best thing, I asked my Orthodontist for her expert opinion on my next visit.
“Do your research...” she begins slicking off her blue latex gloves with a satisfying snap. As the new fad in oral care, companies have hopped on the beauty trend disregarding ethics. Some brands claim to be able to give you an accurate assessment of your orthodontic condition from selfies, while others use unsophisticated AI and untrained personnel to cut on labour cost. Clear Aligners have been well marketed and heavily commercialised, as such, it comes as no surprise that this procedure has not been well regulated. Therefore, consider a trustworthy brand with a good track record or one that offers interdisciplinary care, specialising in other treatments like implants. Such holistic approaches toward orthodontic problems often offer greater success with extensive care.
Admittedly, the price point is an important consideration but it should not be the decisive factor. Don't let a steep number deter you. When choosing a clinic, you may want to consider a specialist. Though more expensive, you are not only paying for those few extra years in school, but the experience that comes with it. Orthodontists are dental specialists who have received intensive study and are trained in proper, safe tooth movement and dental, jaw, and facial development, to create a custom treatment for each patient. So don't skimp out on your health and go for the best outcome by a skilled and experienced doctor. Do it once, do it well.
Personally, I have never worn clear aligners, simply because I was not a suitable candidate for it. While the allure of retaining the aesthetics of pearly whites had initially attracted me to the clinic, it was quickly revealed to me that bite could be solved within half the time and lesser the cost of with half metal braces.
Ending my visit with my Orthodontist, she remarked how each of my siblings had undergone different dental devices- my sister with clear aligners, my brother with an expanding retainer. Everyone is different and so are their lifestyles and orthodontic problems. So dear reader, talk to an established, experienced doctor and with their bag of tricks, let them guide you on your journey of achieving your most dazzling smile.
