Invisalign:
A Detailed Guide
If you’ve got some misaligned teeth but don’t want to go through years of braces, Invisalign may be a great solution to you. It’s an extremely reliable and aesthetically pleasing alternative for teeth alignment that has become very popular.
From this new guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Invisalign procedure including:
• What Invisalign are
• How Invisalign works
• The advantages of the Invisalign procedure
• Who is a candidate for Invisalign
• Steps involved in the Invisalign treatment procedure
• Lots more
If you want to learn more about Invisalign procedure, this guide is for you!
Read on to discover more.
Contents
Part 1
What Is Invisalign?
Introduction
A lovely smile can open doors and break down many barriers. In addition to showing people that you are happy and welcoming, a straight clear smile is seen as a sign of status, success, and beauty. These are some of the major reasons many people want better smiles.
Giving a smile is pretty easy; we all smile in good times. Giving a straight, clear smile is a problem for some people. No matter how you may feel about it, giving a great smile takes more than happiness. The nature of the teeth and facial expression contribute to how good a smile will be.
People with great-looking teeth don’t bother about smiling. If, on the other hand, you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you will have to correct them before hoping for a great smile. Though it is best done during childhood or teenage, orthodontics is available for people of all ages.
In the past, metal braces were generally used for correcting misaligned teeth. Even though they are subtler and far more comfortable these days, people don’t fancy wearing braces anymore. Invisalign has become the ultimate aligner system for correcting misaligned teeth and improving smiles.
Do you want to learn more about Invisalign and determine if it is the thing for you? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the procedure. We hope to answer all the questions you have in your mind about the aligners and procedure right here.
About Invisalign
Invisalign treatment can best be defined as a virtually invisible, non-invasive orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gradually and discreetly straighten teeth. This treatment procedure is carried out slowly, with the patients expected to wear the Invisalign for about 12 to 18 months, depending on the individual’s needs.
As stated above, the Invisalign treatment involves wearing Invisalign. The Invisalign is a clear aligner system that offers an easy and unobtrusive alternative to traditional braces. It serves the same purpose as the traditional braces but offers more comfort and aesthetic appeal since it is virtually invisible. The transparent portion of the tree is created with BPA-free plastic.
Invisalign is fast becoming the ultimate orthodontic treatment option because of some of the benefits it offers. It is an effective aligner system that will correct most teeth alignment issues without all the metal, wires, and brackets. During orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, patients will be able to maintain their lifestyle as no one can tell they are wearing braces.
In addition to the aesthetic advantage offered by Invisalign, this treatment option is more subtle and versatile. Invisalign is painless and far more comfortable than braces. Invisalign offers several benefits and a few possible risks. Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about it.
Part 2
How Does Invisalign Work?
The primary purpose of Invisalign is to straighten teeth. This is achieved over time as the patients wear the aligners for months. Invisalign pushes teeth into alignment, using gentle pressure. The pressure is just enough to get the teeth to adjust to an optimal position without causing any pain.
Aligners are removable. However, to get them to work optimally, patients are expected to wear their recommended aligners at least 20 hours a day. Unlike metal braces and traditional aligners, you can take Invisalign trays out, wash, floss, and take better care of them. This is one cool advantage they have over conventional braces.
Invisalign offers a shorter treatment period when compared to other orthodontic treatments. Depending on your teeth and bite, it may take between 6 to 12 months of wearing Invisalign to get your teeth in alignment. Complex orthodontic issues may require patients to wear Invisalign trays for as much as 18 months.
Invisalign is a highly-effective orthodontic treatment option. One factor that will affect the effectiveness, as well as the duration of treatment, is the patient’s commitment to the treatment. As mentioned already, patients are expected to wear their aligners for up to 20 hours a day to get the best result.
Part 3
What Are The Advantages Of Invisalign?
We have alluded to the fact that Invisalign is better than metal braces. This is not just based on theoretical terms but practical evidence too. Patients who used Invisalign tend to have better gums and bites at the end of orthodontic treatments that patients who used metal braces. Invisalign patients are generally less prone to tooth decay and poor breath, also.
We have also stressed that Invisalign is a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing solution than metal braces and traditional aligners. To make it easier for you to appreciate the benefits, we will discuss the advantages it has over the others:
Discreet teeth alignment
You don’t have to announce to everyone that you are trying to get your teeth into alignment. Unfortunately, that is exactly what traditional braces do. Invisalign, on the other hand, is transparently discreet. No one will know that you are wearing aligners even when you smile at them. This way, you can smile confidently throughout the period of treatment. This is super-beneficial to teenagers, as well as adults who are self-conscious.
Removable and improves dental hygiene
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign is removable. They will actually work perfectly if you wear them 20 hours a day. This means you can take them off when you want to eat and drink, as well as when you want to brush and floss your teeth. You can also use the opportunity to wash the aligners. Overall, aligners help orthodontic patients maintain optimal dental hygiene throughout the period of treatment.
Effective for a wide range of alignment issues
Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment option. It can be effectively used to treat a wide range of teeth alignment issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites/underbites, as well as moderate bracket issues. There are cases that may require other treatments prior to the use of Invisalign trays.
Suitable for teenagers and adults
Invisalign is the orthodontic treatment option that has been embraced by teenagers as well as adults of all ages. Considering the advantages it has over the other options, this is understandable. Again, Invisalign is super-versatile. The trays are custom-made to fit the need of the patient. Regardless of your age and the severity of your alignment issue, you will get custom-made aligners that will work for you.
Comfortable to wear
Compared to metal braces, Invisalign is very comfortable to wear. Patients wearing traditional braces report several issues bordering on comfort. Invisalign wearers, on the other hand, report fewer issues. Invisalign is painless. Wearers may feel a little discomfort, which is actually how the aligner pushes the teeth into optimal positions. Overall, Invisalign trays are generally comfortable.
Easy to monitor progress
With Invisalign, monitoring the progress of teeth alignment is easy. This is partly due to the fact that the procedure is almost fool-proof. Dentists, orthodontists, and patients are pretty confident in the treatment option. Dental practices with the requisite technology can easily monitor the progress of the treatment and relay the information to the dentist overseeing the treatment through an app. This way, the number of visits to the dentist can be reduced, lowering costs at the same time.
Doesn't disrupt daily life as much as braces
The Invisalign procedure is straightforward. It will not disrupt the life of the patient in any way. After the initial examinations and first set of appointments, it is basically about wearing the right invisible aligners that will let you smile confidently. As mentioned earlier, the aligners are removable. You can take them off when you need to eat/drink, as well as when you want to brush and floss your teeth. If you are involved in any kind of sports, you can comfortably play while wearing your Invisalign. You can also take out the trays when you want to play contact sports. Since the game will not last up to 4 hours, no harm can come out of it.
Part 4
Who Is A Candidate For Invisalign?
A good candidate for Invisalign is anyone with crooked or misaligned teeth. The procedure is effectively used to correct a wide range of teeth alignment issues but may not be recommended for severe cases of crowding or spacing. There may be a need to perform a few more dental procedures before Invisalign is recommended for a dental patient.
In terms of age, adults and teenagers can use Invisalign. Children who are yet to lose all baby teeth are not candidates for this treatment option, however.
The health status of the patient, as well as the state of his/her oral health, is another big determining factor for qualification as a candidate for Invisalign. Patients suffering from periodontal disease and gum disease may not be considered for Invisalign until the underlying problem is taken care of. Invisalign is also not recommended for those fitted with dentures or other false teeth, as well as patients fitted with a bridge, joining the teeth in an area.
The dentist or orthodontist may also investigate further to see if a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign. The medical history of the patient is normally considered while making the decision. Dentists and orthodontists also try to ascertain that patients have not had a recent X-ray of the head and neck. Though X-rays hardly expose patients to a disturbing level of radiation, medical practitioners are always too careful.
Part 5
The Typical Invisalign Treatment Procedure
As we have maintained here, Invisalign is painless and far more comfortable than traditional braces. This means living with them will be pretty easy. You may experience temporary discomfort, especially during the first few days of wearing aligners. This is completely normal and will disappear in a few days.
Depending on the nature of your problem, you may need more than the typical custom-made aligner to achieve the desired result. Attachments and rubber bands may be needed to support the Invisalign aligners:
Attachments
Attachments are small lumps of plastic material, called a composite, which can be attached to some of your teeth in order for the Invisalign aligners to click into place and achieve the desired result. In addition to helping the aligners to stay in place, attachments help to exert the right amount of pressure on your teeth in order to achieve the desired result in time. Attachments are not necessary for every aligner, but many utilise them.
Rubber Bands
You may be required to wear rubber bands with your Invisalign aligner. They are normally used on one aligner and to rotate an individual tooth. In order to help correct some bites, rubber bands may be used on both upper and lower aligners. They are used the same way they are used with conventional orthodontic braces, but they may not be necessary for most Invisalign treatments.
Teeth Straightening Process
This is the actual process of wearing Invisalign aligners to straighten your teeth and correct alignment issues. It follows the production of your custom-made Invisalign trays. You will be given the first installment of aligners, and the dental professional will instruct you on how to use and care for them. Ideally, the first aligners are expected to be worn up to 22 hours a day.
Depending on the nature of your alignment issue, the treatment can last between 6 and 24 months. The number of aligners you will have to wear to achieve the desired outcome will also depend on the severity of your issues.
Part 6
Possible Side-Effects of Invisalign Treatment
Undoubtedly, Invisalign is the ultimate treatment option for teeth alignment issues, but it is not flawless. Though the use of these near-invisible aligners doesn’t come with any meaningful risks, there are possible side-effects you should know about. Here are the most common ones,
Mild discomfort
As much as you may hate the positioning of your teeth, the truth is that they don’t want to be moved. The Invisalign treatment is targeted at moving them into optimal position gently, so you should expect some level of discomfort. Due to the way the treatment is designed to apply gentle pressure over time, the discomfort will be mild. It can come in the form of tenderness or mild soreness in both teeth and gums.
A slight change in speech
Your speech may change a little when you start wearing Invisalign aligners. This is due to the obvious fact that aligners add a small layer of plastic over your teeth. This, in turn, will create a slight lisp as you adjust.
Allergic reactions
Some patients have allergic reactions to clear aligners. However, this only happens on rare occasions. When it is detected, dentists normally advise that patients switch to conventional braces.
Part 7
FAQs
Q: What is Invisalign made of?
Invisalign is made of non-toxic, flexible plastic. Actually, there is a patented thermoplastic material known as SmartTrack® that is created exclusively for Invisalign treatment.
Q: Does Invisalign straighten teeth better than metal braces?
The simple answer is yes, Invisalign treatment straightens teeth better than metal braces. They take lesser time to achieve the desired result also.
Q: Is Invisalign really invisible?
Invisalign clear aligners are nearly invisible. A casual observer will not notice that you are wearing trays. Unless you tell someone about your treatment, people will never find out.
Q: Is Invisalign really painless?
Yes, Invisalign is a painless treatment. You may experience a little discomfort the first time you wear your aligners, but that will be it. You will feel better with time and will not deal with any pain at all.
Q: How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
It all depends on your teeth alignment issue and severity. On average, the treatment time is 12 to 18 months. Simple issues will take shorter, while complex issues will take longer. The commitment of the patient to the treatment will also influence treatment time.
Q: Does Invisalign really cause dry mouth?
A: Yes, Invisalign aligners can trap saliva and cause dry mouth. It doesn’t happen all the time, however.
Q: Does Invisalign really cause bad breath?
Like other fixtures you can wear in your mouth, Invisalign can cause bad breath. This is normally the case when you don’t follow recommended oral hygiene routines like cleaning your Invisalign. If you diligently clean your Invisalign at least twice per day you should have no problem with bad breath.
Q: Will I need a retainer after Invisalign?
Yes, you will need to wear retainers to keep your straightened teeth from relapsing. However, you won’t have to wear them permanently. Your dental professional will guide you accordingly.
Part 8
Booking Your Appointment
Request An Appointment
Do you live in Calgary and think you need Invisalign treatment? Discover how our team at Glenbrook Dental can guide you along your dental health path. When you request an appointment, our receptionist will return your message within 1 business day. Her name is Marj.
Part 9
Further Readings
