Bridging the Gap

Created on 12th January 2009

Award-winning dentist Dr Thang Nghiem of UltraSmile* gives s the facts on the Inman Aligner which is changing the face of orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry

 Up and down the country there is a boom in cosmetic dentistry. Patients are becoming aware of how they can improve their appearance by enhancing their smiles, with makeover programmes promising fast changes using whitening and porcelain laminate technology.

Ultimately it is the patient’s decision as to which path they may choose when they want that life changing smile makeover, but I believe it is the responsibility of all dental professionals to ensure that we are offering viable alternatives.

The revolutionary Inman Aligner can totally change the orthodontic alternatives given to a patient considering veneers. This is because when patients with crowding are consideringtheir options, the orthodontic alternatives offered are often quoted as taking 12–24 months and perhaps costing more or less the same as veneers anyway. This must influence the patients’ choice, because many will not have the patience and,indeed, the finances to take this choice.

What if there was an alternative option where, in perhaps 6–16 weeks, they could have mild or moderate crowding in the anterior region corrected with an inexpensive removable appliance? How many patients would consider orthodontics of this type if they were going to get a result far more quickly and cheaply?

There has been a lot of talk about the Inman Aligner both in the national press and within he dental circuit. What is it?

The Inman Aligner is a new removable orthodontic appliance that is used to straighten the upper and lower front six teeth in a short period of time. It originates from the USA and approximately 450–500 new patients are treated with it every month.

Its popularity lies in the fact that it is less visible than traditional metal braces, works quicker than other types of orthodontic appliances, can be removed for better oral hygiene maintenance, requires only one aligner to complete the treatment and is more cost effective than other appliances. It gives patients who are considering veneers or orthodontics a real alternative in the right case, which I believe is highly cost effective for the patient.

How does it work?

Unlike other appliances, the Inman Aligner works by exerting a gentle, steady and continuous force on teeth from two different directions. It consists of two active components: the inner or lingual component sits against the back of the teeth and the outer component sits against the outer surfaces of the teeth. The forces exerted on these two components are derived from tiny nickel titanium coiled springs which are active at all times. These two components work together to ‘squeeze’ the teeth into the correct position. Both components are made of a clear acrylic and the aligner is held in place by two metal clasps which fit snugly around the back teeth.

Unlike other appliances, the Inman Aligner can only treat one arch at a time. It is also more restricted in its range of movements than other appliances, which means that it only works well in treating mildly crowded or rotated teeth. Heavily crowded teeth are best treated with other appliances.

How long and how often should it be worn?

The Inman Aligner is worn for a maximum of 20 hours a day and must be worn every day. Compliance is paramount. The advantage is that you can take out your aligner for special occasions like interviews and having your photos taken. It should be removed before eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. Your teeth and the aligner should be cleaned before you refit the aligner.

How long does treatment take?

The Inman Aligner takes, on average, 6–16 weeks to align teeth depending on the severity of the case and how long you wear the aligner for each day. Lower teeth tend to move a little faster than the uppers.

Two 30 minute appointments are needed to take impressions of the teeth and to fit the aligner. Progress is monitored every month through 15 minute check up appointments.

Is it comfortable?

The Inman Aligner is usually tell tolerated by most patients. Any initial discomfort can be alleviated with mild over-the-counter painkillers.

Will it affect speech?

Any foreign object placed in the mouth has the potential to affect speech and the Inman Aligners no exception. The effect on speech is usually short lasting, and normal speech will return in typically one or two weeks as ou learn to adapt to wearing the aligner. Increased saliva production may occur during the initial 24–48 hours.

What have the results been like?

The results have been quite remarkable. The speed at which a patient’s teeth align after these of the Inman Aligner is jaw dropping.

How much does it cost?

The cost of treatment with the Inman Aligner is significantly less than that with comparable treatment with other invisible braces. The price ranges from 1,000–£2,500 per arch.

Will my teeth move back again following treatment
with the Inman Aligner?

Teeth have a natural tendency to move back to their original position following treatment with any orthodontic appliance. For this reason, it is important that a retainer is used to keep them in their new position. Two examples of retainers are the Essix retainer and the fixed Lingual retainer. The former is a clear plastic tray worn over the entire arch every night for the first 18 months and then for two nights a week indefinitely; the latter is a very thin wire bonded permanently to the back of the front teeth. Both have the advantage of being relatively invisible.

Why do you believe in offering the Inman Aligner to your patients?

The Inman Aligner with its speed, cost and efficiency has the potential of changing the way cosmetic dentists approach cases. Crowding, protrusions and rotations in the anterior region can be dealt with rapidly and safely at less cost than traditional orthodontic techniques.

At UltraSmile*, we have found that patients have been so pleased with the fact that we are one of the first and few practitioners to offer this real
alternative for them to consider. The results have been fabulous and the response from our existing and new patients to groundbreaking echnology and techniques such as the Inman Aligner is what makes being a dentist such a wonderful profession.