The dental industry is not often seen as a trend-setting sector, but demand for Invisalign orthodontic treatment is one of the first treatments to gain cult status. This innovative treatment plan opens up the possibility for orthodontic treatment at any stage in your life, without the need to wear traditional fixed metal braces.
Clear plastic aligners are used to help apply pressure to the teeth in the same way that fixed braces would. The difference is that these aligners are removable and nearly invisible, which makes it a popular choice for patients looking for a more discreet treatment.
If you’re curious about Invisalign but not sure how this treatment would work for you, read on. This guide contains everything you need to know about this virtually invisible teeth straightening system.
How does Invisalign work?
The treatment plan starts with a consultation to determine if the teeth are healthy enough to undergo orthodontic treatment. The teeth are then scanned with an intra-oral scanner called iTero. This allows your dentist to create a 3D rendering of the teeth and to plot the treatment plan. Every tooth is isolated and the ideal path of movement is determined.
This information is used to create the clear plastic aligners. This specialist type of plastic is very strong but very thin. When you start treatment, you receive a case of aligners that will take you from start to finish.
Each aligner will apply strategic pressure to your teeth, either pushing, pulling or rotating them into the correct alignment. Small, incremental movements are achieved by simply wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day.
You can remove them to eat your meals, brush your teeth and to drink anything other than water. It’s essential to remember to take them out before enjoying hot drinks, as the heat will warp the aligners and make them ineffective.
How long does Invisalign take?
Like all orthodontic treatments, the final treatment time will depend entirely on the severity of your alignment issues. Mild cases can be addressed in as little as 6 months, whereas more complex cases involving both arches could take up to 2 years.
The important thing to remember about Invisalign is that the treatment time isn’t as relevant for many patients, since the treatment is very discreet. When very few people know that you are wearing aligners, it becomes less important to get the treatment done quickly.
Your dentist can give you an indication of how long you can expect treatment to take during your initial consultation. As with all orthodontic treatment, it is essential to remain flexible, as things could change that might mean your treatment takes a little bit longer.
Are the results permanent?
Like all orthodontic treatment, the results will only last for as long as you continue to wear a retainer at night time. At the end of the treatment, when your teeth have reached the desired alignment, you can switch to wearing an aligner at night time.
Your teeth will naturally want to move into the alignment that is the easiest, and this isn’t always perfect alignment. You prevent this, you wear a retainer at night to prevent your teeth from shifting.
If you had braces as a teenager and stopped wearing your retainer when you reached adulthood, you might find that your teeth are starting to drift out of alignment. You can revisit orthodontic treatment later in life to achieve your perfect smile once again.
Are the aligners really invisible?
The aligners are as close to invisible as you can hope to get. They are made of a special clear plastic that is moulded to perfectly fit your teeth and gum line. By keeping your aligners clean and free from stains, you can make your treatment more discreet.
Your aligners may be visible when someone is standing next to you, but they are unlikely to be visible from a distance. They often give the teeth a slightly glossy appearance. You might also notice a slight change to your speech as you adjust to wearing the aligners.
You might need to make adjustments to your routine as you’ll need to remove the aligners before you eat and then rinse them before you put them back in.
Besides these small adjustments to your routine, it is a very discreet treatment plan that is popular with both adults and teens. If you have always wanted to have braces but you are self-conscious about how you will look, then Invisalign could offer the ideal solution.
Is there anything Invisalign can’t treat?
There may be some alignment problems that would be better addressed with traditional fixed braces. This would include issues such as extreme rotations, as the aligners will struggle to hold on to the tooth. This treatment plan would also be unsuited for patients with intrusions or extrusions, which is when the teeth need to move up or down in the jaw. Some jaw alignment problems may also be better approached using traditional fixed braces.
How is Invisalign an improvement on fixed braces?
Invisalign offers a number of benefits over wearing traditional fixed braces. From a purely aesthetic perspective, many patients prefer the clear plastic aligners as they are very discreet and make it possible to start treatment at any time of year. You don’t have to worry about your braces being visible for special occasions such as a wedding, milestone birthday or graduation.
Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can remove them while you eat. This means you don’t have to restrict your food choices while you are undergoing treatment. Missing out on your favourite foods like crusty bread or sticky sauces can be quite upsetting if you have a long treatment plan with traditional braces.
Another benefit of Invisalign treatment is that you get to see the anticipated results before you even start treatment. This makes it much easier to stick to the treatment plan, as you’ll be fully invested in the results. Seeing how incredible your smile could look at the end of your treatment plan can be the motivation you need to make sure you follow the plan carefully.