What happens with the plastic?
The plastic material used in clear aligners is designed to apply gentle pressure on the teeth to guide them into the correct position over time. As the aligners are worn, the plastic undergoes slight shifts and deformations, exerting pressure on the teeth at specific contact points. This pressure is essential for moving the teeth gradually and predictably, helping to achieve the desired results in orthodontic treatment.

What is hinge movement?
Hinge movement refers to a specific type of tooth movement that occurs when a tooth rotates around a fixed point, much like the hinge of a door. This movement is particularly important in clear aligners treatment for addressing rotational misalignments. Proper hinge movement ensures that the teeth align smoothly and correctly during treatment, allowing for effective realignment.

Overview of attachments
Attachments are small, tooth-colored components that are bonded to the teeth to help clear aligners grip the teeth more effectively. These attachments are strategically placed to enable more complex movements, such as rotations or extrusions, that may be difficult to achieve with the aligner alone. By using attachments, orthodontists can enhance the precision and effectiveness of aligner treatment.

Synergistic movements
Synergistic movements refer to the coordinated movements of multiple teeth to achieve optimal alignment. In clear aligners treatment, these movements are planned and executed in such a way that different teeth move in harmony with one another, improving the overall treatment outcome. The use of synergistic movements ensures that teeth align properly while minimizing unnecessary movements that could affect the stability of the treatment.

What is round tripping and how is it performed?
Round tripping refers to a situation where a tooth is moved in one direction and then returned to its original position after the desired change has been made. This can occur in clear aligners treatment when adjustments are needed, and the tooth moves too far or is temporarily shifted before being repositioned. Understanding round tripping is essential for effectively managing and optimizing the treatment process.

Sequential distalization in Class II, Division 1 and Class II, Division 2
Sequential distalization is a technique used to shift the back teeth backward in the mouth. This technique is often used in the treatment of Class II, Division 1 and Class II, Division 2 malocclusions. By gradually moving the molars and premolars into the correct position, sequential distalization helps correct bite problems and align the teeth for a healthier, more functional smile.

Expansion mechanics
Expansion mechanics are used in orthodontics to widen the dental arch, providing more space for teeth that may be overcrowded. In clear aligners treatment, expansion mechanics can be applied to help create sufficient space for proper tooth alignment. This is particularly useful for patients with narrow arches or those experiencing crowding in their smile.

Rotation mechanics
Rotation mechanics are essential for rotating teeth into their correct positions, particularly when teeth are tilted or misaligned. Clear aligners utilize specific forces and attachments to enable effective rotation of teeth, ensuring that each tooth is positioned correctly within the arch. Proper rotation mechanics are crucial for achieving optimal alignment and functional occlusion.

Deep bite mechanics: sequential intrusion and Frog Staging
Deep bite mechanics are used to correct cases where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Sequential intrusion is a technique used to gradually move the upper teeth downward, while Frog Staging is a method used to improve vertical alignment. These techniques are important in clear aligners treatment to address deep bite issues and improve overall occlusion.

Open bite mechanics
Open bite mechanics are used to address cases where there is a vertical gap between the upper and lower teeth, preventing them from making proper contact. In clear aligners treatment, these mechanics involve using specific forces to close the gap and align the bite properly. Correcting an open bite is essential for improving both function and aesthetics.

Extrusion mechanics
Extrusion mechanics are used to move a tooth outward from the gumline, a technique commonly employed when teeth are too short or need to be repositioned. In clear aligners, this technique is applied through carefully planned aligner movements and attachments, allowing for effective extrusion and better overall alignment.

Posterior intrusion sequence
The posterior intrusion sequence refers to a series of movements designed to intrude the back teeth (molars and premolars) into their correct position. This technique is often used to correct overbites or to improve the occlusion of the teeth in clear aligners treatment. By intruding the posterior teeth, the alignment of the bite can be improved, enhancing both function and appearance.

Premolar extractions
Premolar extractions may be necessary in cases of overcrowding or bite issues. When there is not enough space for the teeth to align properly, removing one or more premolars can help create the space needed for proper tooth movement. In clear aligners treatment, premolar extractions are carefully planned to ensure that the remaining teeth can be aligned efficiently and effectively.