Bites, interferences and aligners: the differences

Many patients, during a Dental visit Aesthetics, they are faced with terms such as Bite, aligners, restraints o Whitening trays and they think they indicate the same thing.
In actual fact, these are very different devices, each with a specific function.
Understanding the difference is important for knowing which device you are using, what it is for, and how to maintain it correctly.

Bite: protection and relaxation

The Bite It's a rigid resin mask that is usually worn during the night.
To protect teeth from wear due to bruxism (grinding or clenching) and helps to relax the chewing muscles.
It can also relieve joint pain or jaw tension, improving the balance of the occlusion.
Its a passive appliance, so it doesn't move teeth: its purpose is to stabilise and protect.

Retainers: maintaining orthodontic treatment results

After finishing orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners, it is necessary to keep the teeth in their new position.
For this, restraints are used, which can be:

• Retainers, which are thin metal wires bonded to the inner surface of the front teeth.
• Furniture, similar to a transparent mask to wear for a few hours a day or at night.

Retainers do not move teeth, but prevent them from returning to their original position, preserving the result obtained over time.

Aligners: Gradually and invisibly move teeth

Aligners are transparent, removable mouthguards used in orthodontics to progressively move teeth until the desired alignment is achieved.
Each set of aligners exerts a slight, controlled force and is replaced every few days, according to the plan established by the dentist.
Aligners represent a valid alternative to traditional braces: they are discreet, comfortable, and removable for eating or brushing your teeth.
Once the treatment is complete, you move on to the retention phase to maintain the results.

Whitening masks: an aesthetic support

Whitening trays are transparent, custom-made devices into which a peroxide-based whitening gel is applied. They are used solely to keep the product in contact with the teeth for the time necessary to lighten the enamel colour.
They can also be used for the protected and precise application of various products: they help in applying mousses or gels to the teeth, including Fluoro, desensitising, protection against cavities, erosion and abrasion.

Nowadays these devices are designed, drawn and manufactured using digital processes: intraoral scanners, CAD software with artificial intelligence, and 3D printers.

👉 Are you unsure which device you're using or would you like more information?
Book an appointment at Absolute Health: our team will guide you in choosing what's best for your smile.

Practical guide: what each device is for