The orthodontist told about contraindications for the use of eliners

Eliners - transparent mouth guards for bite correction - are becoming increasingly popular due to their aesthetics and convenience. However, this method of orthodontic treatment is not suitable for everyone. Andrei Zhuk, orthodontist of the highest category, owner and chief doctor of the Ortholike clinic chain, told Izvestia on December 10 in which cases wearing eliners is contraindicated and why.

"Eliners are ineffective in complex forms of skeletal bite anomalies - for example, a deep or open bite that requires surgical correction, congenital defects such as cleft palate," the expert said.

According to him, in such situations requires complex treatment, including surgery and fixed bracket systems.

He also noted contraindications in case of poor oral hygiene. As the doctor explained, patients who can not provide a high level of hygiene face the risks of increased caries, gum inflammation, enamel demineralization.

The orthodontist emphasized that eliners require regular maintenance, as well as thorough brushing after every meal. Failure to comply with these rules makes the treatment dangerous to health.

"Polymeric materials from which eliners are made rarely cause allergies. However, in case of individual intolerance, it is impossible to wear such mouthguards. It is important to note that now the technology of manufacturing eliners in-house is progressing, i.e. manufacturing takes place in local laboratories at clinics," Zhuk said.

He specified that it is very important that the polymer was certified under the current legislation, and the laboratory had a license. Otherwise, patients may get chemical poisoning from unsuitable plastic.

At the same time, eliners are suitable for most age groups, but in children under 12 years of age, the bone tissue is in the active growth stage, which makes the treatment ineffective. In addition, in elderly patients with severe bone resorption - a decrease in bone density - and periodontitis, eliners are simply ineffective and can lead to tooth loss.

In addition, patients who are not willing to wear mouthguards for at least 20-22 hours a day and forget to change their eliners on schedule may experience a lack of results or worsening of their condition, the expert pointed out.

"Although pregnancy is not a direct contraindication, treatment can be complicated by: changes in the hormonal background, which affect the condition of the gums; increased sensitivity of the teeth; the impossibility of X-ray diagnostics. Doctors often recommend postponing treatment until the end of pregnancy," he added.

At the same time, the orthodontist noted that patients with a habit of teeth grinding - bruxism - expose eliners to increased wear. This is not a strict contraindication, but requires increased monitoring by the doctor.

"If the periodontal tissues are inflamed, it is possible: aggravation of the disease; loss of teeth due to overload. Treatment of periodontitis should be carried out before using eliners," Zhuk emphasized.

In addition, he explained that the presence of crowns, bridges and implants requires an individualized approach. Eliners may be contraindicated if the tooth row does not allow for an even distribution of the load.

"Eliners are an effective and aesthetic method of bite correction, but their use has limitations. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full examination by an orthodontist, as well as take into account the recommendations of specialists from other areas of dentistry. The right approach to the choice of treatment method is the key to your health and beautiful smile", - concluded the doctor.

Earlier, on November 29, the orthodontist-dentist of "SM-Stomatology" Natalia Yurchenko told "Izvestia" that improper growth of wisdom teeth can lead to serious oral health problems, including displacement of the tooth row and the development of infection. According to her, one of the most common problems is pain and discomfort.