Somerville Orthodontics

Aligners and Braces

Aligners are great….for "ALIGNING" the teeth. While they can resolve other minor alignment problems, such as simple crossbites, they sometimes need a little help from other orthodontic auxiliaries.

Orthodontic Auxiliaries for Aligners can range from merely elastics to full-blown braces for a short period of time. The need for these auxiliaries is usually apparent before the start of aligner treatment, though sometimes it only becomes apparent in mid-treatment. For this reason, it is usually important to receive aligner treatment from an orthodontist, as dentists generally shy away from Orthodontic Auxiliary Treatments. For minor aligner treatments, however, your dentist will likely be able to create a terrific result.

The Myths of Aligners

There are many myths associated with these "end-all-be-all" aligners. Don't believe them! Aligners are great at certain things, fair at certain things, quite poor at certain things, and simply disastrous at certain things.

Illustration: In my consultations with my patients, I often compare an aligner to a Porche. A PORSCHE is a GREAT car. Handles well, smooth ride, very esthetic…..great on a date with your significant other. But if you are a soccer mom needing to take your kids AND your neighbor's kids to soccer practice……"Porsche" is probably not the car of choice.

The point: The concept of an "end-all-be-all" is itself a myth. Neither a "Porsche" nor an "aligner" can serve as an "end-all-be-all," though they are terrific at CERTAIN THINGS.

When Aligners are not Enough

Sometimes aligners CAN DO MOST of the work, but NOT ALL of it. What then? A period of Orthodontic Auxiliaries may be the solution. Does that mean braces? Maybe, but not my first choice for my patients.

Having worked with different aligners for some time now, and having created my own aligner system (Simple Aligner™), I have utilized a number of different Orthodontic Auxiliaries to resolve a variety of problems that can't be resolved with aligners alone.

The goal of Orthodontic Auxiliaries for Aligners is to use SOMETHING THAT IS NOT VISIBLE! Who wants clear aligners, just to end up in braces? Though this does occasionally happen, most Orthodontic Auxiliaries for Aligners can be hidden behind the teeth.

Some of the most effective Orthodontic Auxiliaries include Hidden-Expanders and Hidden-Braces, both of which are located BEHIND the teeth. Other Auxiliaries include elastics, buttons, and miniscrews.

Summary

If you are aversed to braces, and in love with the "aligner" concept, but not a candidate for "aligners" ALONE, see a board-certified orthodontist about the concept of "Orthodontic Auxiliaries for Aligners."

Boston Arlington Medford Cambridge Middlesex Service Area