Transparent dental plaque, also known as "Invisalign", consists of the words "invisible" meaning invisible and "aligner" meaning corrective. The clear aligner method is used in cases where orthodontic treatment is required, where there are milder tooth crowding and jaw disorders. Brackets and wires are not available in this app like other apps. For the patient's tooth structure and the desired correction, the patient is subjected to special 3D measurements. In the light of the measurements made, patient-specific transparent plaques are prepared and the treatment is carried out in this way.

Transparent plaque treatment is also called invisalign treatment. Invisalign treatment has become a frequently used orthodontic treatment method in our country in recent years.

How Do Transparent Plaques Work?

First of all, your dentist takes measurements from your mouth to produce clear aligners. Then the digital transfer process, which is necessary for the production of transparent plaques, begins. These measurements are transferred to the computer with the 3D scanning method called the CAD-CAM system. In this way, the teeth transferred to the virtual environment are moved with the help of simulation and the image to be achieved as a result of the treatment is obtained.

Transparent plaque is produced according to the position of the teeth to move in order to obtain a smooth dental arch. Each clear plate provides 0.5mm or 1mm of travel. Each transparent plate is changed every 15 days and then a new plate is passed.

Clear plates are produced serially according to the desired position for the teeth to move. Each plate creates 0.5mm or 1mm of movement. Plates are attached for 15 days. Then it is passed to the other plate.

The Advantages of Transparent Plaque Treatment

Transparent plaque treatment is much more advantageous in terms of aesthetics compared to other orthodontic treatment methods. For this reason, clear plaque treatment has become the most preferred method by patients with aesthetic concerns. The advantages of this treatment are;

• Transparent plaques are almost invisible and cannot be seen from the outside.
• The treatment with transparent plaques is more comfortable than the conventional wire treatment method and it is very easy to use. Since no wires or metal brackets are used in the treatment, disturbing factors such as stinging and scar formation are eliminated.
• Although there may be problems during the adaptation process, it does not cause any problems after getting used to it and does not affect speech.
• When you want the plates You can remove it, eat and drink whatever you want, remove it when you need to talk a lot, and then re-insert your plate and continue your treatment.
• Transparent plaques are hygienic and can be easily cleaned with the help of a toothbrush.
• It is a quick treatment method. . Compared to classical orthodontic treatment methods, crowding in the teeth is corrected faster.
• The image that will emerge as a result of the treatment can be seen before the treatment starts.

Transparent Plaque Treatment Stages

Transparent plaque treatment begins with an examination. After the examination, it is decided whether the patient is suitable for clear plaque treatment. If the patient is suitable for treatment, the teeth should be transferred to digital media with the measurements taken from the mouth. Thanks to the dimensions of the teeth transferred to the digital environment, it is possible to see the final state of the teeth that the patient will reach at the end of the treatment. The process of transferring to digital media takes approximately 1-2 weeks.

Transparent aligner treatment is an orthodontic treatment performed with the help of transparent plaques made of personalized hard plastic. These custom-made plaques are changed every 2 weeks. With these changes, the teeth are moved in the desired direction. When the last of the plates that are changed every 2 weeks is reached and the teeth are in the desired position, an invisible wire called a “retainer” is attached to the back of the teeth and the treatment is terminated. Plaque-free watches should be used for eating and brushing teeth. For the treatment to be successful, the patient must use their plates consistently. Failure to attach the plaques for the desired hours negatively affects the progress of the treatment.

Disadvantages of Transparent Plaque Treatment

Although transparent plaque treatment has many advantages in terms of aesthetics, it is not without its disadvantages. Disadvantages of clear plaque treatment;

• The biggest disadvantage of transparent plaque treatment is that the treatment is in the hands of the patient, not the physician. In other words, the patient's time to wear the clear aligner should be between 20-22 hours at least, and it is up to the patient to comply or not. Transparent plaques worn for 12 hours a day do not create the desired effect on the teeth.
• Transparent plaque treatment, like classical orthodontic treatment, is not applied to everyone.
• Transparent plaque treatment is not applied to patients with small tooth structure.