A straighter smile is a common goal, but the majority of us would rather avoid wearing metal braces for years. Fortunately, advances in dentistry have made it possible to achieve an even and attractive smile without bulky metal braces. Top Sudbury dentist Dr. Mia Fitzgerald is pleased to offer the Inman Aligner, a simple yet innovative removable appliance that shifts the front teeth to a straighter and more aligned position. Treatment takes only a few weeks to complete as opposed to months or years with other teeth straightening systems.
If you are self-conscious about crowded or protruded front teeth, contact the practice of Dr. Mia Fitzgerald to find out if the Inman Aligner is right for you.
How It Works
The Inman Aligner is a modern dental retainer-like device. It consists of two aligner bows, one which is placed directly behind the front teeth and the other in front of them. The bows are powered by nickel titanium coil springs, which apply constant and gentle pressure. The inner bow pushes forward, while the outer bow pulls back on the front teeth, guiding them into their new position. Most teeth straightening systems only apply pressure to the front side of the teeth. Since the Inman aligner applies pressure to both the front and back surfaces of the teeth, results are seen more quickly.
Am I a Candidate for the Inman Aligner?
The Inman Aligner is designed to straighten the upper and lower front teeth only. It can correct the following:
- Crowding
- Protusion
- Rotations
- Crossbites
The Inman Aligner can be performed as a standalone treatment or before a cosmetic dental procedure, like dental bonding or veneers, for more effective results. Keep in mind that the Inman Aligner can only treat mild to moderate orthodontic issues that affect the front teeth. If you have severe crookedness, or misalignment issues concerning the back teeth, Dr. Fitzgerald may recommend a more extensive orthodontic treatment. The Inman Aligner can also be used in conjunction with or after braces or other teeth straightening systems.
Benefits of the Inman Aligner
Patients love the Inman Aligner and can enjoy the following benefits:
- Fast treatment: Most patients see results six to 18 weeks after treatment.
- Cost effective: Compared to more extensive treatments like Invisalign and traditional braces, the Inman Aligner is more affordable.
- Comfortable to wear: Treatment is not painful. The Inman Aligner fits snugly in the mouth and applies gentle pressure to the teeth.
- Removable: You can remove your aligner at any time, so you can eat all of your favorite foods and maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. This also makes cleaning your aligner easy.
- Less Hours: For best results, you must wear your aligner for at least 16 hours a day as opposed to other teeth straitening systems that require up to 24/7 of usage.
Treatment Details
The first step towards a straighter and more aligned smile is to schedule an in-office evaluation with Dr. Fitzgerald. She will examine your bite, as well as take X-rays and measurements of your mouth and teeth. Using this information, she will design a treatment plan that best suits your needs and goals.
If she determines that you are an ideal candidate for the Inman Aligner, she will take impressions of your teeth and bite, which will be sent to a dental laboratory that will create your custom-made aligner.
Once your aligner is ready (which typically takes a few weeks), you will return to our office so Dr. Fitzgerald can perform an initial fitting. Because the aligner is created keeping your unique specifications in mind, it should fit snugly yet comfortably in your mouth. Once Dr. Fitzgerald determines the aligner is the right fit, it will be ready to use right away. For best results, you should wear your aligner for at least 16 hours a day. Dr. Fitzgerald will go over how to take care of your aligner. You will also return to her office for follow-up appointments (scheduled approximately every two to three weeks) so she can monitor your progress.
FAQs
Is treatment painful?
Treatment is not painful. However, it is normal to experience slight discomfort during the first few days of wearing your aligner. Most patients become used to wearing their aligner after a week and experience no problems afterward.
Will the aligner affect my speech?
Like other orthodontic treatments, the Inman Aligner may temporarily affect your speech. This should go away once you get more comfortable wearing your aligner.
How often should I wear my aligner?
For best results, you must wear your aligner 16-20 hours a day. Any less and treatment could take longer to complete.
When should I remove my aligner?
You should remove your aligner when eating and to clean it. One of the benefits of the Inman Aligner is that it does not interfere with your everyday life, meaning you can remove your aligner for photos or special events, as long as it is not for longer than a few hours.
How do I clean my aligner?
Cleaning your aligner is easy. Just remove it from your mouth and brush it at the end of the day. You should also rinse your aligner and your mouth before re-inserting the aligner after eating.
Will I need to wear a retainer?
As with all orthodontic treatments, you will need to wear a retainer at times after using the Inman Aligner. Doing so maintains your results and minimizes the risk of the teeth shifting after treatment.
How long does treatment take?
The exact length of treatment varies patient to patient, depending on the severity of each case. For most patients, treatment takes six to 18 weeks.
How do I obtain more information?
To learn more about the Inman Aligner, including whether it can help you achieve the picture-perfect smile you desire, schedule an appointment with Dr. Fitzgerald. You can contact our Sudbury practice by calling or emailing our Sudbury office today.
