Overview The predictability and success of clear aligner treatment is dependent upon a number of factors: A proper diagnosis and treatment plan Optimal patient compliance (wearing aligners as directed) Diligent monitoring of the treatment progress by the doctor Knowing what to do when things don’t go as planned, a.k.a. “troubleshooting” Because there are variables that […]
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Definition When there is not enough pressure on the teeth or tooth to get the desired movement needed in effort to align it’s position. See also insufficient space. Causes Most teeth will move with a little bit of consistent pressure on them. However, some types of teeth, some movement, and some other factors are more prone […]
Definition Insufficient space is when there is not enough room in the arch to align the teeth. For further information, also refer to insufficient pressure. Causes When you prescribe your case, you can plan to create space with extraction, arch expansion, proclination or IPR, depending on how much space is required. However, despite prediction and planning, there may […]
Definition Maxillary Lateral Incisors have been proven to be specifically difficult with adult cases, most of the time its rotations, extrusion, and intrusions that laterals have issues with. Sometimes laterals can remain out of alignment even after revisions and despite compliance not being an issue, nor tight contacts. Causes The most significant challenge with maxillary lateral incisors […]
Overview Non-compliant patients are patients who are not following their recommended wear schedule (at least 22-hours a day). Compliance is the most common reason things go off track during treatment. If you break down the subject of non-compliant patients a bit further, you can see there are two main types: The deliberately non-compliant patient The inadvertent […]
Tooth & gum pain is a common side effect of most orthodontic treatments, and clear aligners are no exception. The discomfort can be particularly intense when a patient first puts on a brand-new aligner. Over-the-counter pain medications can help, but did you know that some pain relievers can inhibit the successful movement of teeth? In […]
Definition Tight contacts exist when there is compression between two teeth and it is undetected by impressions and 3D models. Here’s an example of tight contacts: 0.3mm of IPR is requested between teeth 8 & 9, but there is compression (hidden pressure) between 9 &10. When space was created with 0.3mm of IPR, the pressure was released between […]
Definition When teeth are moving on schedule, as planned in the treatment setup, we say that treatment is “tracking“. However, even if aligners appear to fit properly and comfortably, that doesn’t guarantee that the teeth are actually moving as intended. Causes Some common causes for tracking issues are: Non-compliant patients Insufficient space Insufficient pressure Solution Here are some tips […]
Definition Unintended or residual spacing refers to the unintended spaces that occur during or remain at the completion of treatment. Causes Unintended or residual spacing can be caused by any of the following: Patient is non-compliant and has not followed the recommended wear schedule of at least 22 hours per day. Too much IPR was done and not properly or […]
Definition An ankylosed tooth means the root of a tooth is permanently connected to the jaw. It cannot move because the tooth no longer has the protective periodontal ligament around it. The root of the tooth will then become permanently attached to the jaw bone. An ankylosed tooth looks exactly like a regular tooth, except […]