As demand for improvement in dental and facial aesthetics is increasing the number of adult patients presenting for orthodontic treatment is also increasing.

A recent survey carried out for the British Orthodontic Society found that 45% of UK adults were unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and that 2O% would consider having some form of orthodontic treatment to improve the alignment and appearance of their teeth. Of those patients that would consider treatment their reasons were an improvement in appearance, self-esteem and health and oral function. However adults are often put of by the appearance of traditional metal braces.

Aligners are clear plastic gumshield type appliances that fit on over the surfaces of the teeth. They are made as a series of removable appliances that gradually move the teeth into line. These appliances appeal to the patients looking for minimal visual impact. There are various manufactures of aligners.

Clearstep is one of these systems.

Advantages of Clearstep

• Virtually invisible
• Comfortable to wear
• Minimal restrictions on diet as they are removed for eating
• Can also be removed for special occasions
• Impressions can be taken at any stage to alter the progression of treatment
• Little interference with speech as the plastic does not cover the palate
• Very good for mild to moderate irregularity of the teeth or patients who have had fixed appliances in the past and have had some minor relapse

Click here to see a patient video on the Clearstep website

Limitations of Clearstep

• Like any removable appliance these appliances require good patient compliance.
• It can be difficult to close spaces, derotate teeth or intrude and extrude teeth.
• Not really suitable where large amounts of tooth movement are required.

How does the process work?

• Upper and lower silicone impressions and bite registration are taken
• The orthodontist plans the individual tooth movements and completes the Clearstep prescription form
• The models are cast in the lab
• The technicians gradually move the teeth and a series of gumshield appliances are constructed.
• These appliances are worn in sequence for 2 weeks
• Patients attend the orthodontist periodically to check the appliances and monitor the progress of tooth movement
• Retention when desired tooth movements are achieved

Clearstep can be a highly effective way of discretely moving teeth with only minimal impact on the patients’ daily life. As with any orthodontic treatment an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is essential and treatment with aligners is not always suitable for every patient.

Do you have any patients looking for a clear solution to a mild orthodontic problem? Contact the practice for more information  or to refer your patient.