Attachmentless Aligners, Single Arch Treatments, and Using Them

Ever wondered about attachmentless aligners and how to use them? Custom aligners can offer numerous benefits, but it’s important to consider whether attachmentless aligners really work for your needs. Luckily, our experts at Straight Smile Solutions can help you learn more about using aligners for the best results.
What are Attachmentless Aligners?
Attachmentless aligners, as the name suggests, are custom aligners that don’t have attachments like regular aligners. Usually, aligners serve as handles to guide complicated movements.
If you go for attachmentless aligners, high trim can work better and may be more aesthetically pleasing. However, some clients may find these more uncomfortable.
Should I Use Attachmentless Aligners?
Generally speaking, attachmentless aligners won’t be as effective as regular aligners. However, in a handful of cases, clients may refuse to accept regular aligners; if this is the case, you may need to consider whether it’s worth a go.
Make it clear to the client that they may not get the results they want from an attachmentless case; if you don’t begin to notice changes after several goes, you may need to then upgrade the client to a comprehensive case or otherwise leave the case unfinished. As such, this could be a risk. Ensuring you have a good consent form is vital to ensure the client knows and acknowledges the risk in writing.
What About Single Arch Treatments?
Single arch treatments are possible, but they usually don’t work out, as they can cause unexpected results with the bite. These are generally only useful in very straightforward cases, and if you do go ahead with this, make sure you again provide a very clear consent form so that the client knows the likely results.
Get Case Selection Support First
If you’re just starting out with custom aligners and ortho work, always partner with a professional orthodontist – such as our team here at Straight Smile Solutions – to get guidance. This is especially handy if you’re starting your first one hundred or so cases, so make sure that you get support to develop your career effectively.