In this podcast, Dr Diane Tay interviews orthodontist Dr Andrew Chang on the differences between clear removable aligners compared with braces. The differences between the different clear removable aligner products are discussed as well as the "do-it-yourself" aligner solutions.
Highlights are:
Which works better? Aligners or Braces? Generally speaking, the larger the gaps or the more crowded the teeth, braces still outperform aligners. Aligners are easier to keep the teeth clean for patients who have difficulty cleaning their teeth ie: Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy or where manual dexterity with hands is more challenging.
The idea of braces or aligners to fix crooked teeth should not be thought of as a zero sum, as for moderate to severe crooked teeth, combining braces and aligners provides the benefits of aligners and the predictability of braces with difficult movements. A new bathroom renovation applies the same concepts. It is the diversity of the tiles, their designs, tile sizes ie: border & main tiles, underlying waterproofing and use of grout and silicon that provides the attractiveness and functionality of the bathroom renovation.
Different aligners have different features. Certain features are important for certain movement types. They are slightly different aligner materials and have different treatment planning softwares. Our experience has been their comfort levels are similar and some aligners work better with certain types of bites.
Combine snacks with main meals helps to reduce the time that aligners are out of the mouth. Vary the aligner duration based upon the presence of springiness or gaps between the aligner and teeth
If in doubt, send the practice photos of your teeth and aligners so they can advise before you change to each new aligner.
Wear elastics well as advised.
26:45: Are all aligners the same?
