Clear aligners have changed the face of orthodontic treatment, making it possible for patients to obtain perfectly aligned and beautiful teeth easily, comfortably and quickly – and without the need for painful and inconvenient traditional braces.

There are various clear aligner options to choose from with two of the most popular being MTM clear aligners and Invisalign. Here’s what you need to know about both of these effective orthodontic treatments.

MTM Clear Aligners Overview

The MTM in MTM clear aligners stands for minor tooth movement, which describes the way in which this popular orthodontic treatment works. MTM aligners are designed to help patients with mild to moderate misalignment issues to enjoy a straighter and more attractive smile. Better still, it does this at just a fraction of the overall cost of traditional orthodontic braces.

How do MTM clear aligners work?

MTM clear aligners work in the same way as other clear aligner solutions. The aligners, which are custom-designed for each patient, are worn over the top of the teeth where they place gentle but consistent pressure onto them which gradually changes their position so that they are in better alignment than before. Each aligner provided must be worn in order, and regular appointments will be provided so that your orthodontist can check on the progress of your treatment.

The aligners must be worn for the recommended 22 hours each day for the treatment to be successful. However, they can be briefly removed for short periods providing that they are replaced immediately after. For example, you can take them out for eating, brushing your teeth and even for a photograph. This helps patients who wear clear aligners to overcome many of the negatives associated with orthodontic braces.

What sets MTM aligners apart from Invisalign?

One of the key things that makes MTM aligners different to other solutions is that the average treatment time for a patient who chooses MTM aligners is 4 to 8 months, although this varies on a case by case basis. The reason for this shorter treatment time is because MTM aligners target making an improvement to the 6 upper and 6 lower teeth that are most visible at the front of your mouth. As a result of this shorter treatment, fewer aligners are needed which also brings the overall cost of the process down too.

Invisalign Overview

Invisalign is arguably the best known of all clear aligner solutions with a proven track record and sterling reputation. Invisalign is recommended for patients who have anything from mild to severe misalignment issues and can even be used to correct problems with the position of a patient’s bite, which is the way that their teeth come together when they close their mouth. It is often considered to deliver the closest results to orthodontic braces, but with inconveniences associated with the traditional treatment.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign works in exactly the same way at MTM aligners do – by gradually changing the position of teeth using gentle and consistent pressure. The aligners created for Invisalign treatment are also transparent and virtually impossible to see once in place over your teeth. Again, aligners should be worn exactly as directed, only being removed for cleaning and eating, and worn in the order provided.

What makes Invisalign different from MTM aligners?

Invisalign is different from MTM aligners in a number of ways. These include the following:

-        The aligners themselves are made from patented SmartTrak material which is considered to make them more comfortable than any other type of clear aligner.

-        Invisalign can be used to correct severe dental misalignment issues as well as problems with your bite, which cannot be rectified using MTMÒ aligners.

-        Invisalign treats all of your teeth, not just the ones at the front of the mouth.

-        Since it can be used for more significant orthodontic issues, it typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete Invisalign treatment.

-        Again, the depth of treatment means that Invisalign is usually more expensive than MTM aligners, but many patients may be able to take advantage of payment plans to make the treatment affordable.

We are delighted to be able to offer both MTM clear aligners and Invisalign right here at our offices. To find out more about either of these orthodontic treatments or to schedule a consultation, please contact our offices.