Clear aligners in Rabat
Clear, removable, custom-made trays move the teeth gradually. They suit many situations, but not all of them: the examination will tell.
Dr Morabit sees patients by appointment at the practice in Rabat.
How does it work?
A series of trays is made from an impression of your teeth. Each tray is worn for one to two weeks before moving on to the next, according to the plan.
For treatment to progress, the trays are worn for most of the day and night: you only take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water and to brush your teeth.
Who is it for?
- Teeth that are slightly or moderately out of line or crowded.
- Gaps between the teeth.
- Teeth that have moved back after a previous brace.
Some situations call for a fixed brace or another treatment: the dentist tells you after the examination and refers you on if needed.
What you can expect day to day
Discreet
The trays are clear and hard to notice, but they are not invisible.
Removable
You take them out to eat and to brush your teeth, which makes hygiene easier.
Demanding
The result depends on your consistency: a tray left in its case does not move teeth.
Gradual
Pressure or discomfort is common in the first days of each new tray, then it eases.
The steps
- Consultation. An examination, photos and an X-ray if needed; your expectations.
- Impression and plan. An impression of your teeth is used to prepare the plan for moving them.
- Written plan and estimate. The estimated duration, the check-ups and the cost, before any decision.
- Fitting the first trays. The first trays are tried in and the dentist explains how to wear them.
- Follow-up. Regular check-ups monitor progress; adjustments are sometimes needed.
- Retention. At the end, a retainer tray or a bonded retainer wire holds the teeth in their new position.
The duration varies from case to case, from a few months to more than a year.
The alternatives
- A fixed brace, for certain movements that trays handle less well.
- Veneers, when the problem is mainly one of shape or shade and the position of the teeth is acceptable.
- Doing nothing, if the alignment does not bother you and causes no health problem.
Limits and precautions
- The result depends on wearing the trays: without regular wear, the teeth do not move as planned.
- Discomfort is common in the first days of each tray.
- Without retention, the teeth tend to move back towards their starting position.
- Cavities and gum problems must be treated before starting.
- The expected plan may need adjustments or additional trays along the way.
Care and follow-up
- Rinse and clean the trays every day, without hot water, which could warp them.
- Brush your teeth before putting them back in, so that no food is trapped against the teeth.
- Keep them in their case when you take them out.
- Come to the planned check-ups: they confirm that the teeth are following the plan.
Cost
It depends on the complexity and length of treatment, and on retention. It is given to you in writing after the consultation and the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can people see the trays?
They are clear and discreet, but not invisible. Small tooth-coloured bumps bonded to some teeth may be needed to hold them in place.
How many hours a day?
Most of the day and night, following the dentist’s instructions; you take them out to eat and to brush your teeth.
How often do I need to come to the practice?
Regular check-ups at the practice are needed to monitor progress. How often is set out in the plan.
What happens after treatment?
Retention is essential to keep the result. How long it lasts is explained to you.
Do the trays affect speech?
Slight difficulty is possible in the first few days, while you get used to them. It generally passes quickly.
A clinical consultation is needed to determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Read also
Can your teeth be straightened with aligners?
Only an examination can tell. Ask for a consultation appointment.