The power to choose: How 3M Oral Care is helping orthodontists take aligner treatment to the next level

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all. Each patient is unique and orthodontists must create a unique treatment plan to match patient needs. Often, orthodontists must strike a balance between two important goals: Achieve a straight, healthy smile and provide a great treatment experience along the way.

Enter 3M™ Clarity™ Aligners.

The removable, nearly invisible aligner trays are custom fit to each patient. Patients can eat foods they love and take advantage of aesthetically-pleasing treatment options while still achieving a straight smile. Aligners are designed to gradually move and guide the teeth into the ideal position. Typically, patients get a series of aligners to wear for about one to two weeks each, depending on the treatment plan.

As their names suggest, Clarity Aligners Flex + Force give orthodontists the opportunity to choose from two aligner materials – one that is more flexible, one that is more rigid.

“Flexibility makes it easy for patients to insert and remove [the aligner], which can encourage compliance with treatment,” explains Tahua Yu, product developer and materials scientist for 3M Oral Care.

Some orthodontists may want a more flexible material up front to help patients ease into aligner treatment, later switching to a more rigid material to finalize movement. Others may desire a force-first approach, finishing details and alignment with a flexible material. Ultimately, depending on their treatment philosophy, orthodontists can choose an aligner material combination that meets their needs, is esthetic and fits their patients well.