Why Dr Neil Simkin advocates the ClearCorrect clear aligner system with ClearQuartz
Dr Neil Simkin from the Advanced oral health centre, {my}dentist, in Newtown, is a keen advocate for the ClearCorrect clear aligner system, available from the Straumann Group. Here he explores the latest material innovations to the system.
The ClearCorrect aligners are now fabricated from an innovative new material – ClearQuartz™ – which is a third generation, tri-layer material designed to optimise the patient and practitioner experience. The new material is a very clear upgrade from the previous material in every sense. The first thing you notice is how much clearer it is.
The previous material had a matt appearance, but the aligners are now much more transparent. It also has the look and feel of a premium product and it maintains the appropriate rigidity – necessary to engage with the teeth and achieve required movements – but doesn't feel brittle.
The layered design of the ClearQuartz aligners provides a flexible middle layer that makes aligner fitting much easier in the early stages, which allows us to consider cases where previously aligners simply would not fit due to moderate to severe crowding. The strength doesn't feel compromised in any way and the flexibility significantly reduces any concerns over cracking.
The fit of the aligners is excellent and there is now much less concern about the aligners engaging with undercuts and divergent teeth, where previously this may have made it very hard to remove the aligner. There also seems to be a reduced need for refinements since ClearQuartz was introduced, suggesting a much more reliable treatment outcome.
In addition, I am seeing previously less predictable teeth such as canines and molars respond to planned movements. What’s more, patients absolutely love the appearance of the new ClearQuartz aligners, combining the ClearCorrect design that extends the aligners over the gingival margin with the transparency of the aligners really does make for a great aesthetic.
This is many patients’ key concern about orthodontic treatment and a benefit that drives a desire for aligner treatment. Many of my patients work in people-facing jobs and don't want to be seen wearing braces. Their relief when they look in the mirror at the fit appointment that they will be able to carry on with their lives without making any significant lifestyle adjustments is very evident.
More than this, there seem to be far fewer issues for patients coping with the day-to-day wear of the aligners. The ability of the new material to flex just that bit more allows better engagement and fit from day one, ensuring treatments get off to the best possible start. Removing aligners also appears to be easier, which improves patient co-operation.
The smoother polished feel of the ClearQuartz material significantly improves the lifespan of the aligners. The matt textured surface of the previous material made it prone to staining, despite a patients’ best efforts. The new aligners just don't seem to pick up stains and, even when a patient has to wear aligners for periods longer than expected, the material is up to the job and keeps looking fresh. This allows patients to keep on smiling and showing off their new smile.
The new ClearQuartz material along with other continued enhancements of the ClearCorrect brand reassures us as clinicians that the Straumann Group will continue to invest in and develop this product, enabling us to continue making people smile.
For more information, visit: https://www.straumann.com/clearcorrect/en/home.html