Hello. This is the Sillim-dong branch of Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic near Sillim Station in Sillim-dong, Gwanak-gu.
Today, at Yonsei Uline Dental Clinic in Sillim-dong, we’d like to talk about clear aligners.



Everyone dreams of bright, straight teeth.
But dreaming about it does not mean everyone can take action.
In particular, until not long ago, orthodontic treatment was considered the preserve of teenagers and people in their 20s,
so people in their 30s and older often hesitated.


In addition, with traditional orthodontics, the appliances are noticeable
and the treatment period is long,
so many people in their 30s and 40s tended to think about orthodontics for their children first rather than for themselves.


But these days, the atmosphere has changed a lot.
People in their 30s to 50s who are active in social and professional life are also showing a lot of interest in orthodontics.


Since they have to meet people often,
many prefer orthodontic methods that are not easily noticeable.
That is why clear aligners are especially getting attention these days.


As the name suggests, this is a method that moves teeth using transparent appliances,
and it is designed so that patients can put the appliances in and take them out themselves.

Many people think “Invisalign” is the same as clear aligners,
but in fact, Invisalign is only one of many clear aligner brands.

Just as refrigerators are made by various companies such as Samsung, LG, and Winia,
clear aligner appliances also come in many brands and products.


The treatment process is as follows.
First, an oral scanner precisely scans the current position of the teeth,
and the orthodontist simulates tooth movement on a computer.


Based on that data, when the appliance manufacturer produces and sends the clear aligners according to the treatment period,
the patient wears them while replacing them step by step.
In other words, the aligners guide the teeth to move gradually as planned through the computer simulation.


The biggest advantage of clear aligners is definitely aesthetics.
The appliance is hardly visible, so there is less burden on appearance,
and if you have an important event, you can temporarily take it out.
Because there are no brackets, the lips or cheeks are not irritated,
and since it is removable, brushing and oral care are much easier.


Of course, there are also drawbacks.
With traditional braces, the appliances are fixed to the teeth,
so a constant force is applied 24 hours a day,
but with clear aligners, the orthodontic force works only while they are being worn.



So, except during meals or brushing,
it is important to wear them for at least 22 hours a day.
If the wearing time is insufficient, tooth movement can slow down
or even stop.


Usually, when you consider that orthodontic treatment takes about two years,
wearing the appliance diligently every day is not as easy as it sounds.
That is why clear aligners are especially well-suited for people who feel they can manage them consistently.

There is no single right answer when it comes to orthodontics.
What is an advantage for one person
can be a drawback for another.
So if you have decided to get orthodontic treatment,
it is most important to consult thoroughly with a specialist
and find the method that suits you best.
Taking your individual dental condition and lifestyle into account,
you should plan the most appropriate orthodontic direction together.