What is the Inman Aligner used for in Dentistry

The Inman aligner is often referred to as a "wonder brace" for misaligned teeth, flared anterior problems, and instances of cross bite, because it is an excellent treatment to move the lower and upper front teeth to a desired position within 8 to12 weeks (much faster than comparable brace systems). The Inman Aligner uses constant gentle pressure to help ease the teeth into line for a nice smile.



The inman aligner has tiny nickel titanium springs called a lingual coil spring that places pressure on the inside section of the teeth. This pressure is countered by the labial bar, a thin plastic bar which sits across the front of the teeth and pushes against it to create a squeezing effect on the front section of the teeth, the pushing and pulling forces lead to a desired alignment of the front teeth over time. Although the device does create a squeezing effect on teeth, any dental movement that occurs remains within the tooth’s potential field of movement.



There are four versions of the inman aligner available including the standard inman aligner, a white bow inman aligner, with white colouring (hard clear acrylic) which disguises its presence. The clear bow inman aligner does not have the thin plastic bar running across the front of the teeth, whilst the invisible inman aligner combines an transparent retainer with lingual active component to strong effect, the clear bow and invisible inman aligner provide a more aesthetic look.



Advantages:



Inman aligners represent one of the most practical orthodontic treatment available, the device is removable, making it ideal for when you want to eat or when you want to clean them.



The inman aligner can also be used in conjunction with veneer treatment. In instances where there are discoloured and uneven teeth, patients can use the inman aligner to correct their teeth prior to the installation of veneers.



The inman aligner can take between 6 to 16 weeks of treatment, a faster treatment time than comparable brace systems. The treatment time is also dependent upon how often a patient uses the inman aligner during the course of the treatment. It is recommended that the inman aligner be worn for approximately 20 hours a day over the course of the treatment for optimal results.



The inman aligner treatment requires fortnightly fifteen-minute check ups, compared to regularly sessions of a more involved nature that required to tighten standard braces, it is a more convenient treatment.



Disadvantages:



Inman aligners cannot be used on a patient who has heavily crowded teeth and its use is restricted to aligning the front teeth only.



When the inman aligner is first used the patient may feel some minor discomfort, with speech being affected. Speech may remain irregular for up to two weeks after initial use with uncontrolled salivation or dribbling. Minor discomfort will begin to subside a few days after use and after a week what little pain there may have been, should have subsided. The mild and regular orthodontic forces created through its use should be relatively trouble free. Your dentist may recommend mild painkillers like paracetamol during the initial period of use if necessary.



The range of movement that can be achieved through use of the inman aligner remains limited.



The inman aligner offers a cheaper and more practical alternative to comparable brace treatment systems and there are a few dentists who have the necessary expertise to carry out the treatment.



The Time Dental team are a group of dental professionals working in Farnham, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnborough and the surrounding areas, providing high quality dental care for new and existing patients. The Inman Aligner, tooth whitening service and dental implants are just a few of the treatments they specialise in.