The most appealing aspect of clear aligner treatment is that the result can be seen on screen before treatment begins. However, what this simulation means is frequently misunderstood. The clear aligner scanning process is not merely a visualization exercise; it is a plan built together with the biological limits of treatment. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, in Türkiye we prioritize planning this treatment with realistic goals.
How Does the Process Proceed?
Orthodontic Evaluation
First of all, it is evaluated whether clear aligners are suitable for your case. Gum health, caries status, the bite relationship and jaw relationships are examined. If there is gum disease or untreated caries, these are resolved first.
Taking Records
Digital scans, photographs and the necessary radiological images are taken. Here, the scan does not function merely as an impression; it is the basic data of the treatment plan.
Preparing the Plan
Your dentist determines in what order and by how much the teeth will move. Each aligner is designed to move the teeth by a limited amount; the sum of these movements creates the target alignment.
Sharing the Simulation
Before the plan is approved, it is shared with you. If there are points that do not match your expectations, they are discussed at this stage.
Production and Delivery
The aligners are produced, the first fit check is made and the instructions for use are explained.
Follow-Up
Check-ups are carried out at certain intervals; if necessary, an interim scan is taken and the plan is updated.
How Realistic Is the Simulation?
It is necessary to be clear about this. The simulation shows the planned goal; it is not a guaranteed result. Teeth can be moved as desired on the software screen, but in the mouth, movement is subject to biological rules. Bone structure, the shape of the tooth root, gum support and the amount of time the patient wears the aligners directly affect the result. For this reason, it is correct to regard the image seen on screen not as a contract but as the intended direction.
What Is an Attachment?
To achieve certain tooth movements, small composite bumps are placed on the teeth. These help the aligner grip the tooth and apply force in the correct direction. They are removed at the end of treatment. During planning, which teeth will need attachments is determined on the digital model.
The Aligner Change Schedule
Each aligner is replaced with the next one after being worn for a certain period. This change schedule is not determined randomly; it is planned according to the biological time needed for the tooth to move within the bone. Changing earlier does not speed up movement; on the contrary, it can cause the aligner not to grip the tooth fully and the treatment to deviate from the plan. For this reason, following the schedule set by your dentist is one of the basic rules of treatment.
The Most Important Factor Determining Success
In clear aligner treatment, the decisive factor is the patient’s wearing discipline. Because the aligners are removable, the system is not constantly in the mouth; when the daily wearing time specified by your dentist is not followed, tooth movements do not occur at the planned rate and treatment takes longer. At our clinic we share this fact from the start, because the treatment decision must be made consciously. If you have a busy schedule and find regular wear difficult, fixed orthodontic treatment may be a more suitable option for you.
Oral Care During Treatment
Because the aligners cover the teeth, if brushing is not done before they are put in, food residues and sugar remain in contact with the tooth surface for a long time. This significantly increases the risk of caries. For this reason, you need to brush your teeth after every meal and clean the aligners regularly. The fact that clear aligner treatment is invisible does not mean it does not require care.
Can Every Case Be Treated with Clear Aligners?
No. In complex root movements, pronounced skeletal discrepancies and some advanced cases, fixed orthodontic treatment or combined approaches may be more suitable. As a result of the evaluation, we clearly share which method is more appropriate for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It shows the targeted result; whether it is achieved depends on the biological response and wearing discipline.
The wearing time is specified by your dentist, and compliance with it is the basic condition of treatment.
Yes, they are removed while eating and drinking. However, every minute they are out is deducted from the wearing time.
Yes. As with fixed treatment, a retention phase is mandatory here as well.
To evaluate whether the movements are following the plan and to update the plan if necessary.
Let us evaluate together whether clear aligners are right for you.
Let us examine your case with a digital scan and create a realistic plan. Contact us to book an appointment; let us carry out your orthodontic evaluation at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. The treatment method and duration vary from person to person; the decision is made with the dentist’s evaluation.
