PATIENT EDUCATION
Our Aligner System is a removable, non-sterile device intended for single patient use. It is a series of clear plastic aligners that offer a solution for patients who want an aesthetic orthodontic treatment by utilizing removable aligners to correct tooth malocekusions without the use of conventional wire and bracket orthodontic technology.
PRECAUTIONS
Treatment of severe malocclusions (eg. open bite, severe overjet, mixed dentition, and/or skeletal narrow jaw, etc.) may require supplemental treatment (surgery / auxiliaries) beyond aligner treatment alone.
Skeletal expanders, bonded auxiliaries, elastics, and other fixed and /or removable orthodontic appliances may be required for more complicated treatment plans where aligners alone may not be sufficient to achieve the desired orthodontic outcome. These devices have to be ordered and designed by the practitioner.
Oral surgery maybe required to correct excessive crowding or jaw imbalances. If oral surgery is required, risks associated with anesthesia and proper healing must be considered before treatment.
Treatment time and result can vary due to missing, erupting or unusually shaped teeth. For instance, short clinical crowns can cause problems with aligner retention and slow teeth movement.
Existing dental restorations such as crowns or bridges, may require re-cementation or, in some instances, replacement. Patients should be instructed to consult with the doctor before any dental restorations are replaced or added, as they can affect the way the aligners fit.
Clear aligners are not effective in the movement of dental implants.
Patients should be advised that certain medical conditions may affect orthodontic treatment outcomes.
Tooth tenderness and sensitivity may be experienced during treatment.
The aligners may temporarily affect speech and may result in a lisp, which usually improves within one to two weeks.
Failure to wear the aligners for the prescribed number of hours per day and/or not using the aligners as per doctor's instructions can lengthen the treatment time and affect the quality of the end results.
Sores and irritation of the soft issues of the gums, cheeks, or lips may occur due to wearing the aligners.
Small bumps of composite material may be temporarily bonded to one or more teeth during the course of treatment to ease aligner retention and/or tooth movement.
Attachments should be replaced if they become loose.
All bumps of composite material should be removed upon completion of treatment.
Risks associated with interproximal reduction, which may be prescribed to create enough space for tooth movement as part of treatment must be taken into account.
Tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, or permanent markings from stains and decalcification may occur if patients do not maintain their oral hygiene properly during treatment.
The patient's bite may change throughout the course of treatment and may result in temporary patient discomfort.
At the end of treatment, the patients' occlusal contacts, dental morphology, and gingival tissue may require adjustments by the doctor.
To help prevent supra-eruption, the aligners should cover all teeth.
Temporary increase in salivation or dryness of the mouth may occur while wearing. Certain medications can increase this.
Wearing any oral appliances may aggravate teeth, particularly those previously traumatized. Though a rare occurrence, such teeth may require additional dental treatment (eg. Endodontic treatment), the useful life of teeth may be shortened, or the teeth may be lost completely.
The health of the bone and gums supporting the teeth may be adversely affected.
The length of the roots of the teeth may be shortened during orthodontic treatment, which may become a threat to the longevity of the teeth.
In rare instances, problems in the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ may result in joint discomfort, headaches, or other problems.
To avoid accidentally damaging the aligners, patients should be instructed to follow the guidance "Everyday Guide" when inserting and removing the aligners to avoid bending or cracking them.
In case of severe crowding or multiple missing teeth, it is more likely that the aligners may break or not fit completely over teeth. Patients should be instructed to contact their doctor immediately if this happens.
An ideal treatment outcome cannot be guaranteed. After delivering the last steps of aligners, some cases may require refinement with additional clear aligners, traditional orthodontic techniques, and/or cosmetic procedures like crowns or veneers to achieve ideal results.
Such procedures can result in additional costs to the patient and/or the doctor.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Each aligner should be worn for at least (20) hours per day.
Wear aligners with a specific sequence step of Soft (S) and Hard (H):
Each aligner should be changed every 7 days. Each step's changing time may change at the doctor's discretion, subjected to good compliance and fit as the patient progresses.
Clean your aligners prior to each insertion with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water or mild soap.
Insert the aligners over the front teeth first before working backwards, while applying gentle pressure over the back teeth. use chewies for at least (5) minutes each time you put on the aligners (Recommend total chewie time of 30 minutes per day.
Ensure that each aligner fits properly every time it is worn.
Do not bite the aligners in place, use finger pressure to fit the aligners in every time. If you experience sharp pain or significant discomfort, please contact the doctor immediately.
Rinse every aligner with cool water prior to using them.
If an extraction has been performed as a part of treatment, retain the space while the area is healing. Attachments should be bonded only after the extraction site has completely healed
After seating the aligners, visually inspect for the soft tissue impingement. If necessary, trim the aligners.
Add pontics to the aligners, if applicable
In cases of crowding, interproximal reduction (PR) maybe required to create enough space to allow teeth movement.
Instruct the patient to store aligners in the given aligner case to protect them from loss or damage.
At each appointment, check the patient's teeth for tight interproximal contacts and, if needed, perform IPR as prescribed. Check for appropriate aligner steps and their fit, and review the 3D clinical simulation to monitor treatment progress as needed.
The patient should be given enough aligners to wear until the next appointment.
If additional or replacement aligners are needed, new impressions may be required.
DAILY CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE ALIGNERS
Aligners should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water or mild soap.
Note: Be sure that each aligner is rinsed thoroughly with lukewarm water after each wearing.
Do not use toothpaste or denture cleanser or other chemical solvents such as bleach or rubbing alcohol to clean the aligners. These products can damage the surface of the aligner, causing it to become dull and more visible.
The aligners can also be cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning bath.
STORAGE
Avoid placing the aligners in places of high temperature and humidity.
Keep the aligners out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Store the aligners in a cool and dry place.
DISPOSAL OF USED ALIGNERS
Clear aligners and other such appliances naturally pick up a lot of oral bacteria, and sanitization is needed before disposal. In order to dispose of the appliances properly, you may check the local Waste Disposal Ordinance since waste management varies in different countries.
PROPER ORAL HYGIENE
Aligners should be removed when eating and drinking, except for cool water.
Patients should brush and floss their teeth before you put the aligners back in.
Regular dental checkups are recommended for your continued oral health.
WARNINGS
In rare cases, patients might be allergic to the plastic aligner material
In rare cases, patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a genetic disorder, may experience rapid local swelling of subcutaneous tissues including the larynx. HAE may be triggered by mild stimuli including dental procedures.
In both cases, discontinue use and consult a health care professional immediately.
Orthodontic aligners, in whole or in parts, may be accidentally swallowed or aspirated and may be harmful.