A common issue during clear aligner treatment involves the aligners not fitting as closely to the teeth as intended, creating spaces. These spaces often occur when the aligner is not fully seated against the tooth surface. A soft, pliable cylinder, typically made of a medical-grade polymer, is used to help seat the aligners properly and eliminate these spaces. For example, a patient might notice that their aligner doesn’t feel snug on a particular tooth; using these cylinders involves biting down repeatedly to encourage a more secure fit.
Proper aligner seating is crucial for effective tooth movement and achieving the desired orthodontic outcome. When aligners don’t fit well, the intended force on the teeth is not delivered efficiently, potentially prolonging treatment time or reducing its effectiveness. Historically, orthodontists relied on patient compliance and regular check-ups to address fit issues. However, these seating aids empower patients to actively improve aligner adaptation between appointments, leading to more predictable and timely results.
