Guidance Notes for ‘QSC’ Aligners

Ashford Orthodontics have been providing ‘QSC’ aligners for quite some years now, and it has become evident that there is some confusion amongst clients who are new to the system, as to when is the correct time to take a new impression for the next aligner. Also, there has been some issues with the ‘IPR’ or ‘Stripping’ not been carried out properly, and as such, this can affect the outcome of the treatment.

With these points in mind, we have decided to issue a guide addressing these points, in order to help clients overcome any issues which may arise.

When to Take New Impressions for the Next Aligner

A common fault amongst clients new to this system, is to take new impressions for the next aligners far too early. It seems that the trigger for the taking of the next impressions is when the patient says they can get the trays in and out easily. This is not the case and should not be confused with the tray fitting down ALL OF THE WAY. Quite often the tray clips in and out easily, but does not seat all of the way down on the teeth being moved. Quite often this shows up as space between the tips of the teeth and the tray. This tells us that there is still movement to be achieved before the next tray is made. The tray must fit all of the way down, through the patient continually pushing it home, until there is no more space to be seen. This is the correct time to take the new impressions, and the patient must continue to wear the existing trays until the new ones are available to swap over.

*** changing the trays too early will not achieve anything, other than using up the fixed price allowance too soon, and will thus incur an additional charge outside of the agreed costings***