One of several options for dental realignment, the Inman Aligner may be something that you're considering. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the Inman Aligner:
What is an Inman Aligner? How does it work?
An Inman Aligner is a removable dental aligner. It works in a similar way to clear plastic aligners but is constructed a little differently.
The aligner includes spring-loaded metal bars. One of these bars sits in front of your teeth, whilst the other sits behind. Both bars push simultaneously, working against one another. In between the two bars, your teeth will shift until they're all properly aligned. Essentially, it's like your teeth are the filling in a sandwich and you're pressing on both slices of bread.
Clear aligners can't adjust on their own, which means that new aligners must be used every 2-3 weeks. Once the teeth have moved to fit one aligner, you'll replace it with a slightly different set. If you use Inman Aligners, you will only need one set. The springs ensure that as your teeth move, the bars continue to press them.
The Inman Aligner will shift your front 4 teeth, working on those that will be noticed when you smile. Inman Aligners don't usually adjust the teeth further back in your mouth.
How much does an Inman Aligner cost?
Inman Aligners will vary in price, depending on your chosen provider. The total cost of treatment may be anywhere between £1000-£1600. In rare cases, treatment may cost slightly more.
How long does Inman Aligner treatment take?
Usually, treatment with an Inman Aligner takes from 6-18 weeks. The fast treatment time is one of the main reasons that people choose Inman Aligners.
Other types of aligner treatment may cost an average of 6 months. Inman aligners are not invisible but are unlikely to be needed for more than a few months.
Is an Inman Aligner suitable for me?
An Inman Aligner may be suitable if you have mild to moderate dental issues, such as overcrowding and protrusion.
Inman Aligners may be suitable even if you have bridges, implants, fillings or dental crowns. Your provider should be able to evaluate whether they’re right for you. You might be suitable for Inman Aligners even if you haven't been approved for other treatments.
Does an Inman Aligner really work?
An Inman Aligner works quickly, with results that you should notice within a week or two.
How many hours a day should you wear an Inman Aligner?
The more you wear your Inman Aligner, the quicker you'll see good results. As it's removable, you are in control of how much you wear the aligner. It's recommended that you should wear for 20 hours a day, removing your Inman Aligner only for brushing and eating.
Some people choose to wear their aligners only when they're at home. Inman Aligners aren't invisible, so people will see that you're receiving dental treatment. If you choose not to wear your aligners in public, the results of your treatment take longer. This isn't recommended but is an option if you are particularly concerned about wearing your aligners around other people.
Can you get an Inman Aligner on the NHS?
An Inman aligner is a private cosmetic treatment. Aligners aren't available on the NHS, though you may be able to spread the cost of your treatment.
How are Inman Aligners cleaned?
A denture cleaner, or retainer cleaner, can be used to keep your Inman Aligners in top condition. As the aligner has springs and fiddly metal fixings, it can't thoroughly be cleaned by a toothbrush and toothpaste.
You should remove your aligners when eating, and when brushing your teeth. Keeping your aligner away from food and drink can make it stay cleaner for longer.
Do Inman Aligners hurt?
An Inman Aligner offers faster results than many other types of dental aligner. As a result, your teeth will be pressed to move quickly.
It is normal for an Inman Aligner to feel uncomfortable for the first week or two. This discomfort should settle after a couple of weeks, though you will likely still feel some pressure until the end of your treatment.
Does an Inman Aligner provide long-term results?
All dental alignment treatments come with a risk of an orthodontic relapse. This happens when you stop using your aligners or braces, and the teeth start to shift back to their original position.
Once you've finished your treatment, wearing a retainer can keep your teeth where you want them. The retainer is likely to be included in the cost of your treatment, though it's worth checking with your chosen provider to see if the retainer is provided.
Retainers may need to be replaced once or twice a year, as they start to break down over time. This will be an ongoing cost after your treatment is complete.
Are regular check-ups needed?
You will need regular check-ups, to make sure that your Inman Aligners are working. You should have a check-up every 2-3 weeks. As treatment can take as little as 6 weeks, you may only need a few check-ups before your treatment is complete.
Is an Inman Aligner safe?
An Inman Aligner is considered to be a safe treatment. There have been no reported issues with Inman Aligners so far, with tens of thousands of patients.
The Inman Aligner is safe to use even if you have used other braces in the past and does not need to be fixed to your teeth in order to bring good results.