The Science Behind Moving Teeth
The Science Behind Moving Teeth
The teeth move when the aligner puts pressure on the teeth. Aligners exert constant pressure, which over time, move teeth into their desired positions. Your teeth are surrounded on top by gum tissue (gingiva). Under the gum tissue, the periodontal membrane (periodontal ligament or PDL) encases the bottom portion of the tooth. Next to that lies alveolar bone.
When aligners put pressure on your teeth, the periodontal membrane stretches on one side and is compressed on the other. This loosens the tooth. The bone then grows in to support the tooth in its new position. Technically, this is called bone remodelling.
How Bone Remodelling Happens
How Bone Remodelling Happens
Remodelling is a biomechanical process that strengthens bones as a response to sustained load-bearing activity. In the absence of a load to carry, bones become weaker. This is the reason why when the bone is made to carry increased loads, it creates osteoclasts that later break down as a response to the weightier load.
Once the load is removed osteoblasts are created, and in turn, produce new cells. Through repetitive motion, the bone’s density eventually increases.
Teeth are socketed in the bone (maxilla for the upper teeth and mandible for the lower teeth). Surrounding each tooth is a periodontal ligament (PDL) acting as a sort of messenger between the teeth and surrounding bony sockets. The pressure between the PDL and bone creates osteoclasts and causes breakdowns enabling the normal spacing to take place between the teeth and bone.
A series of aligners are needed with each aligner moving the teeth in increments until the desired movement is achieved. Simply put, clear aligners carefully apply controlled pressure to the teeth to move them into a straighter more aesthetic position.
It’s the same process with traditional metal braces, but with clear aligners, the treatment is more convenient as it is more pleasing to the eye. Aligners minimise discomfort and pain in comparison to conventional braces. Rather than the need for the wires of your braces to be tightened regularly, treatment simply requires you to wear a series of bespoke designed clear aligner trays. Over time, your teeth will gradually move into the desired position.
3D Printing
3D Printing
We use a cutting-edge stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer that prints clear-cut models with a much smoother and detailed surface finish than those produced by other plastic 3D printing technologies. This enables us to design crystal-clear aligners with less surface texture.
The machine is powered by an optical engine guided by custom-built galvanometers delivering big prints in vivid detail. At par with the accuracy of industrial-grade 3D printers, its high-precision laser draws parts with a whopping 25-100 micron resolution.
Aligners
Aligners
All aligners are created using thermoforming equipment using compressed air to create an optimal fitting aligner. The aligner material we use is clear-aligner-specific, ultrathin and highly flexible (with memory flexibility and added strength). Aligners are individually imprinted with a number to allow easy identification of each aligner of the series.