The Biomechanical Process of Teeth Movement

Here’s something that might surprise you: Your teeth aren’t fused to your jawbone. Instead, they sit in sockets, held in by a network of adaptable fibers and specialized tissue.

Clear aligners work by tapping into this adaptability to remodel your bone tissue. They consistently apply controlled pressure to your teeth, and your body responds by rebuilding the supporting bone structure. This process allows teeth to move safely and predictably into their new positions over time.

Application of Controlled Force

Each custom-designed aligner tray applies varying amounts of pressure depending on how much each tooth needs to move, targeting only those specific teeth that require adjustment during that stage. 

The pressure difference and the application of controlled force cause teeth to rotate or tip into the desired position. So, some teeth might get a light nudge while others receive more direct force to rotate or tip into place. 

Bone Remodeling

Here’s another interesting fact: Your jaw continuously breaks down old bone and rebuilds itself through bone remodeling. This is how it works:

• The pressure on the teeth activates special cells called osteoclasts. 

• During a process called resorption, the osteoclasts break down the bone tissue and release calcium into the bloodstream, allowing the bone to change size and shape.

• Cells called osteoblasts build new bone tissue to replace the old, forming a new bone structure where your tooth needs to move. 

• When aligners apply pressure to teeth, this process accelerates in specific areas, creating space for teeth to move into. 

This bone remodeling process typically takes about two weeks to move a tooth for each stage, so most aligner treatments involve changing to a new tray every other week.

Sequential Movement of Teeth

Rather than attempting a dramatic shift all at once, aligners work incrementally. Each new tray builds on the progress already made by the previous one, keeping you comfortable while allowing your supporting tissues time to adapt appropriately. 

The first aligner in your treatment might move your teeth fractions of a millimeter, but these small steps can gradually build up to move all of your teeth into your desired position. 

Precision and Attachments in Clear Aligners

Sometimes, a tooth may need a little extra encouragement to move in a specific direction. This is where attachments come in. These small, tooth-colored structures bond to certain teeth, giving your aligners extra grip and leverage for more complex movements.

Attachments for Complex Movements

Attachments act like handles that allow aligners to grab onto teeth more effectively. When combined with custom aligners, these additions enable movements that are difficult to accomplish with only your aligners:

• Rotations – Spinning teeth rather than sliding from side to side

• Root movements – Adjusting the positioning of the root structure

• Intrusion and extrusion – Moving teeth up or down within the jawbone  

The Role of Clear Aligners in Smile Correction

Clear aligners work because the biological response caused by the steady pressure on your teeth allows them to move safely. This gentler approach gives the supporting tissues more time to adapt and offers greater comfort to address various alignment issues, like crowding. For a closer look, discover how aligners can fix crowded teeth.

While you might experience some initial pressure when starting a new aligner, any discomfort is typically mild and brief.

SmileSet: Clear Aligners for Your Dream Smile

We've come a long way since ancient Egypt’s wire and catgut (thank goodness for that), and SmileSet represents the cutting-edge of at-home dental and orthodontic care. Our doctor-approved teeth aligners, clear retainers, and night guards are designed for achieving a lasting, healthier smile. 

Why Choose SmileSet?

With SmileSet, you don’t clear your day for a dental office visit. The impression kit delivered right to your door makes the entire process convenient from start to finish, providing professional results with an orthodontist-backed plan from the comfort of your own home. If you are interested in seeing your professional in person, we also offer in-person Smile Studio appointments to help you get started. Discover which option is right for you between in-office vs. at-home clear aligners.

Instead of traditional braces and aligner treatments, the SmileSet clear aligners are lightweight, durable, and so comfortable you’ll barely notice them while they’re on. There are no metal or wires involved, which translates to a more pleasant aligning experience. For evening wear, we offer nighttime aligners to ensure that you are wearing it at least 20-22 hours per day. Plus, you can change your aligners at home while receiving professional oversight from a licensed orthodontist without the cost of multiple office visits. 

Whether you’re addressing crowding, spacing, or general alignment concerns, schedule a free consultation with our Smile Experts today to learn how you can achieve your dream smile with SmileSet. 

Sources: 

Today’s RDH. The History of Orthodontics from Ancient Egyptians to Modern Times. https://www.todaysrdh.com/the-history-of-orthodontics-from-ancient-egyptians-to-modern-times/ 

InformedHealth.org. In brief: How our teeth and jaws work together.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553376/#:~:text=The%20structure%20of%20our%20set,);%205%20on%20each%20side  

International Seven Journal of Multidisciplinary. Advances in Bone Remodeling and Clear Aligners in Orthodontics. https://sevenpublicacoes.com.br/ISJM/article/download/6007/10992/24072 

American Association of Orthodontics. Clear Aligner Therapy: The Discreet Way to Straighten Teeth. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/clear-aligner-therapy/ 

Cleveland Clinic. Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24871-osteoblasts-and-osteoclasts 

The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences. Orthodontic tooth movement: The biology and clinical implications. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1607551X17307647