What are Aligners ?
Aligners are medical grade polyurethane “trays” that are custom made. They do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. The aligners straighten teeth through a series of custom generated plastic trays with the expertise of Dr. Olson, an orthodontist, for treatment.
Introducing Olson Aligners
The future of orthodontics has arrived! Olson Orthodontics has embraced the latest technology with the generation of customized clear aligners for your perfect smile. Popularized by Invisalign starting in the late 90’s, aligners have become an integral method of orthodontic treatment. Now, the technology to digitally move teeth AND to produce clear aligners is in our hands! So, what are the benefits when your orthodontist can design and manufacture your aligners directly? Convenience, Cost Savings, and Efficiency.
Olson Aligners are produced in our office, right here in YORK PA! It all starts with a digital scan of your teeth using the iTero intraoral scanner to immediately visualize your treatment outcome. Dr. Olson can take direct control of your treatment plan, digitally orchestrating tooth alignment to fit your needs, all within a matter of minutes. Dr. Olson does not need to communicate with a technician to generate a plan, which can take days. Our 3D printing capability allows us to print digital models of your teeth, which are then used to produce your aligners. There is no wait for aligners to be shipped from facilities in other countries such as Mexico. We can deliver your first set of aligners in as little as a day!
We have eliminated the large lab/marketing fees associated with commercial facilities and have taken control of aligner production, without any sacrifice in quality of product or care. We simply put the cost of your aligners into manufacturing your aligners. You may be surprised at how much you can save when you’re not paying for advertising. We are proud to pass that cost savings to you.
Efficiency of your treatment works best when it is closely monitored. We do not produce all of your aligners at once, and we WANT to see you in the clinic more than 2-3 times per year. We regularly check your progression and perform steps to ensure proper tooth movement. If we observe teeth that are not tracking as expected, we can re-scan, and correct this immediately. With third party aligner companies, ALL of your aligners are manufactured at once. If a tooth runs off course and doesn’t move as planned, you may be asked to finish your entire first round of aligners, just to have another round manufactured to pick up movement of a single tooth. This is known as a REFINEMENT. This reduction in efficiency can EXTEND the time in treatment. Plus, if you lose an aligner, we can manufacture a new one same day.
It all starts in our office with a 15-minute scan on an Itero intraoral imaging system. This process generates a 3D digital model of your teeth and is much easier and less messy than traditional impressions. After your scan, Dr. Tom Olson digitally orchestrates tooth alignment software offering you a 3D visualization of your future smile. Once the desired outcome is achieved digitally, your plan is initiate with the printing of a model of your current smile and the in-house generation of crystal-clear customized aligners.
One hundred percent doctor controlled and made in the USA, Olson Aligners allow for the benefit of excellent orthodontic treatment combined with the luxury and benefits of a customized aligner approach to achieve your perfect smile. You deserve it!
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is another method of clear aligner orthodontic correction. Like all clear aligners, they can be removed prior to eating or during special occasions. Also, brushing and flossing can occur normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
It all depends on the degree of correction needed. The more the teeth need to move, the longer it will take. Clear aligner cases are usually kept to those who may treat in about a year. Also, compliance is key! If you wear your aligners as prescribed, you can even speed up the process! At the conclusion of the last aligner, this aligner may be used as a retainer, however, we will usually make you a retainer that will last longer than an Invisalign aligner.
How do Clear Aligners Work ?
Your first aligner will fit your teeth as they are. You will wear this aligner for two weeks, then switch to the second aligner, which has a small degree of tooth movement built into it. The aligner fits tight at first, but after two weeks, it usually fits very well as your teeth have moved into a new position. This process continues through the remaining aligners until the teeth are straight.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Invisalign® & Olson Aligners clear aligner system advantages :
- Improved Oral Hygiene — Since aligners are removable, you can clean your teeth much more easily and thoroughly than if you were wearing metal braces.
- A Discreet Look — If you consider orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don’t fit with your self-image, the invisibility of clear liners may be right for you.
- More Dietary Choices — With traditional braces, some dietary modifications are necessary in order to protect the wires and brackets. Because you can remove your aligners, you can eat anything you like!
- Comfort — The soft, flexible material aligners are made of should not irritate the inside of your mouth like metal braces. Additionally, there is less need for adjustments.
- Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin night-guards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
