If you haven’t come across clear aligners yet, you’re in for a treat. These nearly invisible trays have quickly become a favourite for many people who want to straighten their teeth without the metal brackets and wires. But how exactly do these clear aligners work their magic, and what kinds of dental issues can they fix?
Let’s dive deeper into the process, explore the different types of aligners available, and see how they stack up in terms of cost. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of whether clear aligners are the right fit for you.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are a modern alternative to traditional braces. Think of them as custom-made, invisible trays that fit perfectly over your teeth, gently nudging them into place. Unlike metal braces, which are pretty hard to miss, clear aligners are made from smooth, see-through plastic, so they’re super discreet.
You can pop them out whenever you need to—whether it’s for a meal or just to brush your teeth. They’re perfect if you’re looking to straighten your teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. Plus, they’re super easy to clean and keep your smile looking its best!
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners work their magic by gently guiding your teeth into better positions. Here’s how they do it:
- Custom Design: It all starts with a detailed 3D scan of your teeth. This scan is used to create a digital model, which helps design a personalised treatment plan. Your plan shows exactly how your teeth will move throughout the process.
- Gradual Movement: You’ll receive a series of clear aligners, each with a slightly different shape. These aligners apply gentle, consistent pressure on your teeth, moving them little by little into their new positions.
- Precise Shifts: Each set of aligners is worn for about 1-2 weeks. As you switch to the next set, the aligners continue to nudge your teeth in the right direction. The gradual changes ensure that the movement is smooth and effective.
- Comfortable Fit: Because they’re custom-made, aligners fit snugly over your teeth. This helps ensure that the pressure is applied precisely where it’s needed, making the process both efficient and comfortable.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ins with your dentist or orthodontist will help track how well your teeth are moving and make any adjustments if necessary.
Zenyum clear aligners follow a simple 5-step journey which starts with a free virtual assessment of your teeth condition to check for eligibility.
What do clear aligners treat?
If you’re wondering whether clear aligners can fix your specific dental issue, you’re not alone. Clear aligners are designed to tackle a wide range of teeth conditions, but it’s important to know exactly what they can and can’t do.
Here’s a closer look at the types of issues clear aligners can treat:
- Crowded Teeth: When your teeth are too close together, they can overlap or twist. Clear aligners gradually shift them into a more orderly position, giving you a neater smile.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Whether your teeth are naturally spaced apart or have shifted over time, aligners can help close those gaps and bring your teeth closer together.
- Overbite: If your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth, aligners can correct this by gently moving them into better alignment.
- Underbite: When your lower teeth extend beyond your upper teeth, clear aligners can help realign your bite, making your smile more balanced.
- Crossbite: If some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you bite down, aligners can help correct this misalignment.
- Open Bite: If there’s a gap between your upper and lower teeth when your mouth is closed, clear aligners can work to close this gap, improving your bite.
Clear aligners, like Zenyum Invisible Braces, are a flexible solution that can handle a variety of teeth conditions, making them a great choice for many people.
If you’re considering clear aligners to address any of the conditions above, why not give Zenyum a try? You can have a read on the teeth conditions that are suitable for Zenyum Invisible Braces, or take our free Smile Check to see if they’re the right fit for you in just five minutes.
What types of clear aligners are there?
With the increasing popularity of clear aligners, you might find that there are several options to choose from. Each type of aligner is designed to meet different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to address significant alignment issues or simply need a touch-up, understanding the various types can help you find the perfect fit for your smile journey.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of clear aligners available, so you can see which one might work best for you.
Comprehensive Aligners
If you’re dealing with more complex orthodontic issues like significant misalignment, crowding, or bite problems, comprehensive aligners might be your best bet. These are designed for extensive treatment, usually over a period of 12 to 24 months or more, and involve several sets of aligners.
Limited Treatment Aligners
For those who need only minor adjustments or small tweaks, limited treatment aligners are perfect. They’re great if you have less severe issues or need a touch-up after previous treatment. These aligners come with fewer sets and a shorter treatment time.
Direct-to-Consumer Aligners
Direct-to-consumer aligners are a more convenient and budget-friendly option. These aligners let you handle the process from home, without frequent in-person visits. Simply take your own dental impressions and your custom aligners will be made for you.
While this option may be more convenient, it does not involve a dentist to oversee the process and this can risk incomplete or improper treatment.
Nighttime Aligners
Nighttime aligners offer flexibility by being worn only while you sleep. They’re ideal if you’d rather not have aligners on during the day, though they usually require a longer treatment period since they’re worn less often.
Additionally, due to inconsistent wear of the aligners, your teeth may not move as efficiently as you’d like. Speak to your dentist to understand if this is suitable for you.
What are the costs of clear aligners like in Singapore?
When considering clear aligners, understanding the cost is key to making an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for Zenyum aligners and the general price range of other options available in Singapore:
Type of braces | Suitability | Price range |
ZenyumClearTM | Straightforward cases, usually for those who have done orthodontic treatment previously and is experiencing relapse | $2,690 |
ZenyumClearTM Plus | Designed for more complex cases, offering enhanced features and a slightly higher price | $4,090 |
ZenyumClearTM Extra | For those needing extensive adjustments, this plan offers comprehensive treatment | $4,590 |
Other options for clear aligners | Varies based on the treatment complexity and provider | Usually between $3,000 – $8,000* |
*The listed prices are meant to be taken as a guide at the time of publication. Prices may be subject to prevailing GST and service charge (if any).
Clear aligners before and after
Clear aligners have revolutionised teeth alignment by offering a discreet and effective way to achieve a better smile. But what does this transformation really look like? Let’s look through a real before-and-after case who went through Zenyum clear aligner journey!
These results showcase the alignment of a Zenyum clear aligner user’s protruding teeth and gaps. User went through a 10-month treatment with 30 aligner sets in total and 4 clinical visits including fitting, 2 mid-treatment and 1 post-treatment appointments.
If you’re ready to experience your own smile transformation, there’s no better time to start. Take the first step today and discover how clear aligners can give you the confidence you’ve been waiting for. Click below to take a virtual assessment and begin your journey to a perfect smile!
Zenyum Invisible Braces
With a clear understanding of how clear aligners work and the benefits they offer, why not consider Zenyum Invisible Braces for your own smile journey? Designed to provide a discreet, comfortable, and effective teeth-straightening solution, Zenyum aligns with your goals of achieving a confident and beautiful smile.
How Zenyum Clear Aligners Work
- Start with a free Smile Check to see if Zenyum Invisible Braces are right for you. It’s a quick and easy way to get an initial assessment.
- If you’re a good fit, we’ll schedule a dental appointment for you with our partner dentists for a 3D scan, X-ray scans and a detailed assessment of your teeth.
- The 3D scan and X-rays will be used to design a customised treatment plan for you, which you and your treating dentist will review and approve.
- Once approved, we will send your aligners for production and you will head to the clinic for the fitting and collection of your custom-made clear aligners.
- Wear each set of aligners for 10 days before switching to the next set. Monitor your treatment progress and schedule follow-up appointments as directed by your treating dentist, directly on the Zenyum app.
- During your final appointment, your dentist will carefully evaluate the alignment of your teeth and determine the overall success of your treatment. Once your treatment is complete, enjoy your newly aligned smile!
Clear aligners: Your path to a confident smile
Clear aligners offer a modern, discreet way to straighten your teeth, suitable for various dental conditions. Whether you’re looking into comprehensive or limited treatments, or simply want to explore the benefits, clear aligners could be your answer to a straighter, more confident smile.
Understanding how these aligners work and exploring the options can help you choose the best path for your smile transformation.
