If you desire discreet orthodontic correction for misaligned teeth, Invisalign® offers you the right solution with invisible dental braces that don’t show. This clear alternative to braces is a recent orthodontics technique that allows you to transform your smile and show off a set of seemingly brace-free teeth. But how does Invisalign® work? Who can use it? How much does it cost? In this article, we want to answer these questions and more. Are you ready?
What Is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a fully custom-made aligner used in orthodontic treatments to align and straighten teeth. The Invisalign® aligner is clear and computer generated from a customized mold of the patient’s teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will take a digital impression of your teeth without using gooey impression materials and create an aligner that is unique to you and will guarantee you the best results!
Invisalign® Aligners vs. Traditional Braces
Before discussing how Invisalign® works, we should first talk about Invisalign® and traditional braces. These two are practical tools for straightening teeth while improving your smile and oral health. However, they are different approaches, each with pros and cons. Their main differences lie in the following:
What Is Invisalign® Made of
Invisalign® uses virtually invisible plastic aligners in a particular computer-controlled sequence rather than metal brackets and wires, which, as their name implies, are made of metal alloys that are FDA approved, biocompatible, and free of harmful chemicals.
The Way Invisalign® Is Attached
Although fitted perfectly to your teeth, clear aligner trays can be removed easily at any time, while metal braces and wires are glued onto your teeth and cannot be removed unless by your orthodontist and at a dental clinic. Therefore, there may be a possibility of emergencies with traditional braces if they break or get damaged.
What You Can Eat with Invisalign®
There are no limits to what you can eat with Invisalign®, and you will not have to alter your diet as the aligner trays are removable. However, you will face some restrictions on your diet with traditional braces. For example, you cannot consume foods that could stick to or damage your braces and might be instructed to cut fruit such as apples into smaller pieces rather than biting straight into them.
The Way You Clean Invisalign®
With Invisalign®, there are no such limitations, and you can maintain your dental health as usual, while braces can present some difficulties in cleaning your teeth during treatment, as you cannot remove them. You must carefully brush food particles from the gaps between and around your braces. Your orthodontist will likely advise you to buy an orthodontic toothbrush and flossers.
How Long Invisalign® Takes
The course of your treatment with Invisalign® usually lasts 6 to 18 months, while traditional braces are attached to your teeth for up to two years or even more to complete the treatment process.
Effectiveness of Invisalign®
Invisalign® works as effectively as metal braces when addressing various orthodontic concerns and has an excellent satisfaction rate. It offers more flexibility and is an ideal treatment for teenagers requiring corrective work. It is also more effective for moderate crowding of the front teeth, while traditional braces are regarded as more effective for more severe issues.
And Still Other Reasons
Here is a video of Dr. Maryam Horiyat, DDS., further explaining this treatment vs. the traditional braces:
What Can Invisalign® Fix?
This modern orthodontic treatment can fix teeth and bite alignment conditions. It corrects crowded teeth, gaps in teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite. Don’t forget that Invisalign® invisible dental braces are designed only to target a few teeth at a time. Your orthodontist will determine which teeth to move while creating your treatment plan.
How to Get Invisalign®?
If we want to explain the Invisalign® process step by step, it involves three stages to show the ideal outcomes:
Treatment Plan
First, your dentist will evaluate your needs, and digital images and X-rays will be taken of your teeth. If you prove to be a good candidate, these X-rays will be used to plan the ideal treatment for you.
Wearing the Aligners
Your customized sets of aligners will be fabricated, and when they are ready, you will get the instructions for wearing them. You should switch to the next stage of aligners in the series at the end of the two weeks and visit your dentist periodically throughout the process.
What Happens After Invisalign®
Once you complete the aligner stage, you must wear a clear retainer as instructed by your orthodontist to preserve the results. The retainer is similar to the last Invisalign® tray you had. If you stop wearing your retainer, you might unwantedly cause shifts in your teeth and even create changes in your bite, ultimately undoing all your and your orthodontist’s efforts.
Who Can Use Invisalign®?
You can straighten your teeth at any age, and there is no official minimum or maximum age for Invisalign®. Anyone at any age can be evaluated to determine candidacy. However, the earliest age recommended for this treatment is seven years old.
Invisalign® Full
Invisalign® Full is the most common type, which is used for treating severe cases. Usually, adults choose this type for their upper or lower teeth.
Invisalign® Lite
Invisalign® Lite is the proper solution for mild to moderate dental issues. If you have a crown and want to address the alignment issue, Invisalign® Lite is for you!
Invisalign® I7
Invisalign® I7 is recommended for rapid developments in cases involving just a few teeth. Seven aligners correct a mild issue for three to six months.
Invisalign® Teen
As its name indicates, Invisalign® Teen is designed for adolescents with growing mouths that are still changing. It also comes with indicator dots so that you can see the change.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign®?
Among the many benefits of Invisalign®, we have picked five of the most important ones:
You Can Eat and Drink Whatever You Want
Anyone who has had to experience railroad track braces can tell you the hassle of not eating some of your favorite foods. You don’t have to worry about these forbidden foods when you wear Invisalign®. You can have your meal or snack, brush or rinse with water, and return your aligners.
Invisalign® Is Practically Invisible
Before Invisalign® even existed, many adults dreamed about having straighter teeth but weren’t keen on wearing traditional metal braces. With Invisalign®, you can achieve the beautiful smile you want without attracting attention because you are in the process of straightening your teeth.
Oral Hygiene Is Easier
Invisalign® wearers experience more straightforward oral hygiene because all they have to do is remove their plastic aligners and brush and floss as usual – the way you usually do before beginning your Invisalign® treatment.
You’ll Never Have Orthodontic Emergencies
One of the many hassles of traditional braces is the unavoidable orthodontic emergencies. Invisalign® aligners are robust, so you shouldn’t be concerned about breaking them. That also means you don’t have to hassle about emergency visits.
Invisalign® Is Comfortable
Metal braces are notorious for poking into your cheeks and soft tissue, and you must go to your orthodontist every four weeks to receive the painful wire tightening. The last number on the Invisalign® benefits is its comfort.
How to Take Care of Invisalign® Aligners
Caring correctly for your aligners is critical to successful orthodontic correction. To achieve the best results, you should follow several home-care rules:
- Clean the aligners with antibacterial soap and rinse them
- Brush and floss your teeth before reapplying the aligners
- Keep your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them
How Much Does Invisalign® Cost?
The cost of Invisalign® depends on the complexity of your issue and the necessary course of treatment. At Aria Dental, we not only provide a customized treatment plan and estimated fee, but we also make all efforts to provide you with the most convenient way to straighten your teeth by offering different payment options.
Ready to Start Your Treatment?
This article answered many questions, such as How does Invisalign® work? What does it fix? Who can use it? We believe we have explained everything you need about this orthodontic treatment. If you want to prioritize your teeth and enjoy a confident smile, contact us to discuss your dental concerns with us at Aria Dental, a Diamond Invisalign® Provider.
