Clear Aligners Terminology

Types of Aligners

• Clear Aligners: Transparent, removable orthodontic appliances that gradually straighten teeth.
• Invisalign: A popular brand of clear aligners.
• Attachments: Small, tooth-colored bumps that are bonded to teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth more effectively.
• Trays: (Also called “aligners”) A series of custom-made, removable appliances worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment.

Treatment Process

• Aligners: A series of custom-made aligners that are worn sequentially to move teeth into the desired position.
• ClinCheck: Invisalign’s software that creates a 3D simulation of the tooth movement plan.
• Compliance: Wearing the aligners for the recommended amount of time each day (typically 20-22 hours).
• Initial Consultation: The first appointment where the dentist or orthodontist evaluates your teeth and discusses treatment options.
• Impressions: A mold taken of the prepared tooth to create a custom-made aligner (trays).
• iTero: A brand of 3D intraoral scanner used to create digital impressions of teeth.
• Refinements: Additional aligners provided after the initial treatment to fine-tune tooth position.
• Retention: Wearing retainers after treatment to maintain the new tooth position.
• Scanning: Creating a digital 3D model of your teeth using an intraoral scanner.
• 3D Imaging: Technology used to create a three-dimensional model of the teeth and jaws for treatment planning.

Related Terms

• Crowding: When there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly.
• Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
• Open Bite: When the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed.
• Overbite: When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively.
• Overjet: When the upper front teeth protrude horizontally over the lower front teeth.
• Spacing: Gaps or spaces between teeth.
• Underbite: When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth.