Power Ridges: Its Use in Clear Aligner Treatment

The Power of Ridges

Consider the power ridges as a hack designed to provide certain teeth a given amount of pressure or movement, such as tipping backward or forward. The rectangular or circular indent on the transparent aligner serves as a potent instrument to exert pressure or torque control on the tooth and move it inwards or outwards.

There are two simple ways of placing these indentations on the aligners:

3D Printing Integration

Utilizing treatment planning software, an imprint is formed on the digital anatomy of the tooth. The resulting plastic foil keeps the shape of the 3d printed dental anatomy together with the indents when a clear aligner is thermoformed on a 3d-printed model with such an indent. The torque required to cure malocclusion will be provided by these indents, as desired.

Precision Tool

An appliance/precision tool is used to make indents on the aligners as needed and recommended by the treating Orthodontist. The tool which looks like a plier, squeezes an aligner at the intended location to leave an indent.

Power-ridge Tool

The usual location of these power ridges is on the upper or lower incisors on the labial and lingual sides. Keep in mind that, it is natural for the aligner to have a minor gap between the aligner and the tooth due to this indent. This space is due to the ridge that is placed intentionally.

It is definitely recommended that the patient is made aware of this stage of treatment when handing over the aligner. They should be strongly advised to use chewies for the recommended duration to maximize the results of the intent with which such a power ridge is placed on the clear aligner. Advise the patient about the expected pain and discomfort for the first few days due to the added pressure given by the indents.


As a manufacturer, Quiteclear understands the need for facilitating custom requests such as the manufacturing of clear aligners with power ridges. Feel free to give us a call to discuss your needs and ask us to know more about its use!

www.quiteclear.io | +91 990 997 3333 | connect@quiteclear.io

 

Arti Amin

Through their articles, Arti Amin aims to demystify the sourcing of clear aligners, address common concerns involving decision-making of production vs outsourcing, and provide practical tips for navigating the orthodontic journey. Their writing not only informs readers but also inspires them to take control of their clear aligner business and provide crucial information on the nitty-gritty of the emerging clear-aligner trend that is taking over how Orthodontic treatments will be performed in the oncoming years.

About Quiteclear

Quiteclear is a leading manufacturer of clear aligners, committed to providing high-quality, innovative orthodontic solutions. Our mission is to make orthodontic treatment accessible to those who wish to outsource their manufacturing needs to a white-label manufacturer without getting into the messy production but at the same time be able to offer such advancement in Orthodontics at their practice. With state-of-the-art technology and a time-centric approach, we are transforming smiles worldwide.

Recent Posts

Clear aligner manufacturing facility with aligners on a production line and a warning symbol, highlighting red flags when an aligner supplier cannot scale with business growth.

What Happens If Your Aligner Supplier Can’t Scale With You? Red Flags to Watch For Early

Imagine your clear aligner business has just landed a major order. Patient demand is increasing, your production team is ready, and your business is finally moving into its next phase of growth. But there's one problem: your aligner supplier can't keep up. Orders are delayed. Material availability becomes unpredictable. Quality…

Read More
Woman discussing clear aligner treatment with a dentist in a dental clinic, with transparent aligners and a digital treatment preview visible.

Why Patients Choose Invisalign Over Other Aligners — and How to Compete Without the Brand Premium

Imagine a patient walking into a dental clinic and saying, “I want Invisalign.” They haven't compared every clear aligner brand or explored all their treatment options. They already have a name in mind. For dental clinics and alternative aligner manufacturers, this presents a challenge. Invisalign has strong brand recognition, while…

Read More
Clear Aligner Movement Limits & Staging Explained

Staging and Movement Limits: What Clear Aligners Can (and Can’t) Predictably Correct

Clear aligners can move teeth—but not every movement is equally predictable. A digital treatment plan may show the ideal result, yet factors like staging, attachments, tooth movement type, and biomechanics determine how closely that plan translates into clinical reality. Understanding what clear aligners can and can’t predictably correct is key…

Read More

Back To Top

Linkedin