Dr. Veselinović’s dental clinic consists of a team of dedicated, diligent and passionate professionals, educated to work in various areas of dentistry.
Clear aligners for straightening teeth (Invisalign) are an effective corrective tool in orthodontic therapy. In certain cases, these transparent aligners provide an alternative to traditional metal fixed braces.
What are clear aligners (Invisalign)?
Clear aligners for straightening teeth, also known as Invisalign aligners or simply aligners, provide a discreet method for correcting mild and moderate irregularities of the dental arch.
Manufacturers make them from high-quality, biocompatible thermoplastic materials (most commonly medical-grade polyurethane or polyester). These materials are completely transparent and safe for oral use because they do not contain harmful bisphenol A (BPA). Their main properties include exceptional flexibility and the ability to adapt closely to the teeth, while maintaining sufficient strength and durability. Thanks to this controlled level of rigidity, the aligners apply gentle forces that gradually improve tooth position.
Because they are transparent, thin, and smooth, clear aligners are much less noticeable than fixed braces, and this is one of the main reasons for their enormous popularity.
Fabrication and treatment with „invisibleˮ clear aligners
The innovative Invisalign system begins during the first visit to the dentist, when the orthodontist takes an impression of the teeth and creates a digital panoramic X-ray in the radiology department of Dr Veselinović Dental clinic. We can also create the digital record using a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner, which allows us to simulate both the treatment process and the expected outcome. Based on these records, the orthodontists at our clinic, in cooperation with the dental laboratory, create a 3D model of the aligners within just a few days. After that, the laboratory manufactures a complete set of aligners that the patient will use throughout the treatment.
The set of clear aligners is fully personalized—designed according to the shape and position of the individual patient’s teeth and the patient’s digital treatment plan.
Using specialized software, the orthodontist calculates how much each tooth needs to move in order to achieve the ideal position. Based on this analysis, the orthodontist determines the number of aligners required, which usually does not exceed 10. Each aligner moves the tooth to a specific position, with a movement range of 0.25–0.5 mm per aligner. For that reason, patients replace the aligners approximately every two weeks, and they can do this easily at home.
Patients usually come for follow-up visits every one to one and a half months. During these appointments, the orthodontist checks how the teeth are moving, polishes them if necessary, and provides the next set of aligners. Working together, the orthodontist and the patient continuously monitor the treatment progress and make any necessary adjustments so that the teeth continue moving in the desired direction. The first results become visible after only three months.
How long should clear aligners be worn and how should they be maintained?
The duration of treatment with clear aligners (transparent aligners) varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity and type of irregularity, as well as on the number of aligners required. On average, treatment lasts 6 to 18 months. Mild aesthetic corrections (small gaps or slight rotations of the front teeth) usually require 3–6 months. Moderate and more complex cases (more significant tooth movements and bite corrections) usually require 6–24 months.
Patients wear each aligner for about one month, every day and for most of the day (20–22 hours). Otherwise, the treatment will not produce the expected results.
Patients should remove clear aligners only while eating and brushing their teeth.
When they are not wearing them, they should store them in protective cases, because the aligners can easily become contaminated with microorganisms, get damaged, or be lost.
Maintaining them is very simple: clean them with an ultra-soft toothbrush, lukewarm water, and a mild antibacterial soap or a small amount of non-abrasive toothpaste. Never clean the aligners with hot water, because heat can deform the plastic and destroy its shape. Also, avoid abrasive toothpastes, because they can scratch the transparent surface. Clean the aligners regularly and thoroughly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and plaque, unpleasant odors, and tartar formation.
What should you avoid consuming while wearing clear aligners?
While the clear aligners are in the mouth, patients should avoid hot beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), because heat can deform the plastic. It is also advisable to avoid colored drinks such as coffee, black tea, and red wine. It’s because dark pigments can stain the aligners and make them visible and aesthetically unappealing. Carbonated and sugary drinks are not recommended either. It’s because sugars and acids can remain trapped between the aligners and the teeth. That can lead to tooth decay and damage to the enamel and dentin.
In practice, the only completely safe drink while wearing clear aligners is cold or lukewarm still water. Before drinking any other beverage, the patient should remove the aligners. Then brush the teeth, and place the aligners back onto completely clean teeth.
When it comes to aligner care, special attention should be paid to:
hard and sticky foods (they can damage or even break the aligners);
smoking (it is strictly prohibited because smoke will discolor the aligners, giving them an unpleasant yellow-brown shade).
Clear aligners vs. fixed braces – Advantages and limitations
Manufacturers design clear aligners to correct tooth position effectively while providing maximum comfort and discretion during treatment.
As mentioned earlier, their most important feature – the transparent surface – is the main reason why millions of patients around the world choose them. They are barely noticeable, easy to maintain, and they do not compromise comfort or self-confidence. Food does not get trapped under brackets and elastics. Patients can clean them more quickly and easily. And, they can change the aligners themselves according to the treatment plan. In other words, clear aligners offer a simpler and more elegant solution than fixed braces.
However, clear aligners are not suitable for more complex orthodontic irregularities. Which require treatment with fixed braces or other orthodontic appliances and methods.
The smile of your dreams and the confidence you deserve!
Clear aligners are smooth and transparent, fit snugly against the teeth, and can be removed easily when necessary. Most people will not notice them. But, you can take them out in just a few seconds if you prefer not to wear them during an important meeting or a formal event. Of course, you should put them back in as soon as possible. Because only consistent and regular wear will lead you to the smile of your dreams.
Whether you achieve proper dental alignment with clear aligners or with another orthodontic method can only be determined during a specialist examination. Schedule your appointment today and consult Dr Jasna Veselinović, one of the most experienced orthodontists in Montenegro.
