WhatClinic.com Experts Blog

Dr. Michael McManus from the Gentle Dental Clinic in Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland discuses the pros and cons of using Inman Aligners to straighten your teeth.

Inman Aligners are a type of orthodontic appliance that can straighten or move your teeth to the desired position. The Aligners are restricted to the level of movement that they can achieve and generally work better on misalignments of the upper and lower front teeth. Patients have been treated with Inman Aligners since 2000. In the United States approximately 450 to 500 new patients are prescribed treatment with Inman Aligners every month.

They are not suitable for cases where the teeth are heavily crowded for example. After a consultation, your dentist will be able to determine if you are suitable for treatment with the Inman Aligner.

How does the Aligner work?

Similar to the Invisalign system, the Inman Aligner is a removable appliance used to move the teeth over time. It relies on forces created by a coiled spring on the lingual side of the aligner (that on the inside or back of the teeth), and a bar that sits across the front of the teeth to “squeeze” the teeth into position by “pushing” and “pulling” them into position.

Length of treatment

Inman Aligner treatment typically takes 6-16 weeks. Simple cases can complete in a little over 1 month and more complex cases might take 4 months or so. Your Inman Aligner Dentist will give you a realistic guide of what to expect. Normally lower front teeth move a little faster than uppers.

However, because the Inman Aligner is so highly efficient, when a case is suitable, it works much faster than alternative orthodontics techniques. This is what makes it so revolutionary and moves the Inman Aligner into the realms of cutting edge Cosmetic Dentistry

Comfort

Like any orthodontic appliance, the Aligner can feel a little uncomfortable for the first few days.After a week most patients are used to their Aligner and have no problems wearing it and it will quickly feel like it belongs in your mouth.Your speech will be affected for the first few days but it will get better! Just like any new appliance in your mouth, it may feel uncomfortable at first and will take some getting used to. Many patients say that it initially affects their speech and causes them to salivate more, but after about a week or so you should become accustomed to wearing the Aligner.

Will I need to visit the practice frequently for adjustments?

The Inman Aligners are pre-programmed to reduce the need numerous visits to the practice, unlike other orthodontic treatments. We will prescribe a treatment tailored to your individual needs. The Inman Aligner utilises a lingual coil spring that puts pressure on the teeth that need repositioning and a labial bar that reverses the same pressure. These components work together to “squeeze” teeth together by pushing and pulling them into alignment (see the animation above).

Daily Use

Compliance is paramount. The Aligner will only work if you wear it every day for the treatment time. Ideally patients should wear the Aligner for 20 hours a day maximum. Any less and the treatment could take longer to complete. It should always be removed before eating and you should clean your teeth and your aligner before you refit it back into your mouth. It is ok to take your aligner out for photos, special occasions and eating as long as this is not for longer than a few hours.

Before (Patient 1)

After (Patient 1)

Wont my teeth move back after my treatment is completed?

Retention (using or wearing an orthodontic retainer) is a very important part of any orthodontic treatment as your teeth have a natural tendancy to move back to their natural position over time. You will be given the choice of a removable or fixed retainer. A removable retainer is worn overnight for 4-5 nights a week and then phased down over time to 2-3 nights a week. A fixed retainer can be bonded to the back of the front teeth to retain the result. This orthodontic wire is very thin and cannot be seen from the front.

Before (Patient 2)

After (Patient 2)

Cost

The cost of Inman Aligner treatment is typically much less expensive than traditional braces or invisible braces with which treatments times are also typically longer. The cost of treatment may vary depending on the number of visits required and complexity of the case. Following a consultation with your Inman Aligner doctor you will be given an indication of costs and treatment time

Other Advantages

• Is an alternative to expensive “Invisible Braces”.
• Allows you to achieve great results using just one appliance.
• Can give you a wonderful smile with less hassle and expense in a shorter period of time.
• Can be removed and inserted as easily as a retainer.
• Shorter treatment times than invisible braces.
• Removable, so that you can eat and clean your teeth easily during treatment.
• Cheaper than invisible braces.
• Only one Aligner is needed for the entire treatment

Disadvantages ?

• It is not as discreet as the Invisalign system.
• The level of movement that can be achieved with this system is limited.
• There are currently not as many clinics offering this treatment as Invisalign, so it is harder to find a local practitioner.

Laser tubes – the sign of authentic aligners

Starting in the spring of 2008 If your Inman Aligner does not have the laser etched wording on the stainless steel tubes chances are it is not a true Inman Aligner. Only certified Inman Aligner Laboratories understand the fabrication techniques that are necessary for this complex appliance to function properly. Please don’t accept imitations as they could waste your time and money.

To contact Dr. McManus about Inman Aligners or other dental treatments, visit the Gentle Dental Clinic on WhatClinic.com today, or leave a comment here on the blog.