What Are Clear Aligners Made Of In Columbia?

Many people want to straighten their teeth without the pain and visibility of traditional braces and clear aligners are the way to go. More and more people in Columbia are asking what these aligners are made of and why that matters. At Level Orthodontics we think knowing what clear aligners are made of will make you feel better about your treatment.

Thermoplastic material is a type of medical grade plastic used to make clear aligners. Polyurethane or other polymer mixes specifically designed for orthodontic use are the most common materials. There are several reasons why these materials were chosen. They need to be strong enough to put constant pressure on your teeth, flexible enough to fit comfortably in your mouth and clear enough so you can’t see them when you wear them. These properties make thermoplastic materials perfect for making orthodontic appliances that work and are hard to see. Minor orthodontic issues can often be managed at home with simple steps. Applying orthodontic wax can ease irritation, and gently adjusting a loose wire can improve comfort until your visit. These quick actions help maintain progress while keeping you comfortable. 

When it comes to things that go in your mouth for a long time, safety is the number one issue. The plastic used to make clear aligners does not contain bisphenol A, a substance some people are worried about in some plastics. Before they can be used in production the materials are put through many tests to make sure they meet medical and dental safety standards. You can be sure the material in your aligners is safe and approved for long term contact with your teeth and gums when you wear them.

One of the best things about the thermoplastic used in clear aligners is that it can be moulded very precisely. The plastic is heated until it’s soft and flexible during the production process. We then mould it to the exact shape of your teeth based on the digital scans or imprints we take during your appointment. The aligners work well because they fit your teeth perfectly. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth a little bit and the snug fit ensures the pressure is applied to the right spot.

The thickness of the plastic is also important to how well the aligners work. Most transparent aligners are between 0.75 and 1 millimetre thick. This is thin enough to be comfortable but thick enough to apply the force needed to move your teeth. This balance of strength and comfort is why clear aligners are so popular in Columbia and other places. The material is strong enough to last 20 to 22 hours a day without breaking or changing shape.

The smooth surface of the thermoplastic material is another good thing about it. Clear aligners don’t have sharp edges like metal braces do. The brackets and wires on metal braces can hurt the inside of your mouth. The smooth plastic fits over your teeth without hurting them and is less likely to hurt your gums and cheeks or give you sores. We want our patients to be comfortable during their treatment at Level Orthodontics and the clear aligners help with that.

The material used in clear aligners doesn’t stain easily but it’s not stain proof. We recommend patients take out their aligners whenever they eat or drink anything other than water. Over time, foods and drinks especially those that are black or acidic may change the colour of the plastic. You can keep your aligners looking clear and new during your treatment by taking them out between meals and cleaning them often. Before and after photos help patients see the meaningful changes that orthodontic treatment can achieve. These visuals highlight how small adjustments can create a confident and healthy smile. They also give patients a clear understanding of what successful outcomes look like.

Another important quality of the material is how long it lasts. Clear aligners need to keep their shape and work well when you wear them for weeks at a time. The thermoplastic material is meant to be sturdy and last long so each pair of aligners works for the one to two weeks you wear them before you transition to the next set. Knowing what clear aligners are made of will make you feel better as you start your journey to a straighter smile.