Are you self-conscious of your smile? Do crooked and misaligned teeth prevent you from feeling confident? If you’re ready for a smile makeover, Invisalign may be a game changer for you.
Invisalign is a remarkable alternative to traditional braces. This innovative technology uses custom-made removable aligners that straighten teeth discreetly. Invisalign can be used for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. It can also address orthodontic problems like malocclusions, gapped teeth, crooked teeth, and slightly crowded teeth.
In this blog post, you’ll learn about the benefits of Invisalign and how it can help give you a confident smile you’ve always wanted. More than five million people have chosen Invisalign. If you want to know why, keep reading.
Summary of the Content
- Invisalign offers many benefits, such as straighter teeth, comfort, convenience and improved oral hygiene.
- It is removable, so patients can brush and floss their teeth easily and enjoy unrestricted dietary choices without worry.
- Invisalign also improves speech by straightening misaligned teeth that affect the pronunciation of certain words.
- Treatment plans are customised to each patient for a more tailored approach to straightening teeth.
- The aligner trays cause less pain compared to regular braces. They are smooth plastic with no metal brackets or wires that may irritate the mouth.
- For athletes who play contact sports, Invisalign is better since it reduces the risk of injury from sharp edges found on metal braces.
- Good candidates for Invisalign are those with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, are committed to wearing the aligners as directed, and have good oral and dental health.
- Treatment length depends on the severity of the case but usually takes 12–18 months.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. It has gained popularity over traditional braces for several reasons. Some of the key benefits of Invisalign include the following:
Straighter Teeth
Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic system that can help people achieve a beautiful smile. The process of straightening teeth with Invisalign is quite simple. It starts with taking impressions and photographs of your mouth. The scans and images are used to create a 3D model of your teeth. With this model, customised aligners made from a thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, are fabricated.
The Invisalign aligners fit snugly over the teeth, applying gentle pressure. Over time, your teeth will start to move, guided by the aligners, until they reach their proper position.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are much more comfortable than traditional braces, making them a popular choice for straightening teeth among 11 adolescents and adults alike. Traditional braces cause discomfort due to the metal brackets and wires that may poke and scratch the gums and cheek and the tightening of the archwires. These can cause pain during adjustment appointments, leaving patients sore throughout the day.
On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic that fits comfortably against your teeth without any scratching or irritation. The invisible aligners also do not require regular tightening adjustments like traditional braces, meaning there is less pain overall.
Convenience
One of the main Invisalign advantages is that the aligners are removable. This makes them more convenient than traditional braces in several ways.
First, patients can easily brush and floss their teeth because the aligners can be removed. They do not have to navigate around brackets and wires to brush them. This helps maintain good oral hygiene. It also reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Next, the ability to remove the aligners also means that patients can eat and drink whatever they want. With regular braces, certain foods must be avoided or eaten with caution. This includes hard or sticky candies and popcorn. Foods like these can detach the brackets of the braces. With Invisalign, patients can simply remove the invisible aligners before eating, and they may enjoy their favourite foods without restrictions.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Invisalign aligners can help improve oral hygiene by making it easier to brush and floss.
Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss their teeth as they would. This eliminates the need to work around brackets and wires. As such, it is easier to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues.
Additionally, patients can clean the aligners themselves. They can gently brush them using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste and rinse them under water.
No Food Restrictions
Conventional braces make use of traditional metal brackets and wires. These are fixed to the teeth, and certain foods can damage or dislodge these fixtures. With conventional braces, the following are prohibited:
- Crunchy foods
- Chewy foods
- Sticky foods
With Invisalign, patients can simply remove the aligners before eating and drinking. This allows unrestricted dietary choices, and patients can eat and drink whatever they want. They do not have to worry about food particles getting stuck between the aligner and the teeth and the aligners being damaged while chewing.
There are no restrictions on the types of foods that can be eaten. Just remember to remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.
Improved Speech
Misaligned teeth can sometimes cause speech problems. Slurring or lisping may occur because of how the teeth and tongue interact during speech.
In some cases, Invisalign treatment can address these issues. Invisalign shifts the teeth into their proper position and helps improve jaw alignment and bite.
When the teeth are aligned, it is easier to pronounce certain words and sounds. This is because the tongue and teeth work together to create different speech sounds. When the teeth are not aligned properly, it can affect the placement of the tongue. This can lead to speech difficulties.
By aligning teeth with Invisalign, patients may experience improved speech and pronunciation.
Customised Treatment
Invisalign treatment is customised to each patient. This provides a more tailored approach to teeth straightening.
Here are two ways where Invisalign treatment personalisation takes place:
- Customised treatment plan:
Before commencing Invisalign treatment, digital impressions, x-rays, and photographs of the teeth and jaws are taken. These will be used to create a 3D digital model of the mouth. Based on these, a dentist creates a customised treatment plan according to the patient’s needs and goals. The treatment plan will outline the specific movements needed to straighten teeth and achieve the desired result. - Custom-fit aligners:
Once the treatment plan is finalised, a series of custom-made aligners are created for the patient. Each aligner is designed to fit the patient’s teeth and gums precisely. These aligners apply the right amount of pressure to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. The aligners are also designed to control the timing and direction of the tooth movements. This makes sure that each tooth moves in the right direction and at the right time.
Faster Treatment Time
Invisalign treatment can be completed in a shorter time frame compared to traditional dental braces. This is because the aligners can make more precise and efficient movements, resulting in quicker progress. However, the actual treatment time varies depending on the patient’s individual needs and the complexity of their case.
Less Pain
One of the major benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces is that it causes less pain and discomfort during treatment. Here are a few reasons why:
- No metal brackets or wires:
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic. It fits snugly over the teeth. There are no metal wires or brackets that can poke or irritate your mouth. - No tightening required:
Traditional braces require the use of wires that are replaced with thicker wires as the treatment progresses. It also involves the use of rubber chains that pull teeth together. These cause a feeling of tightness, discomfort, and soreness. With Invisalign, there are no wires or rubber chains used. There are no drastic adjustments that can cause pain. You simply switch to a new set of dental aligners every two weeks. - Smooth, gradual movement:
Invisalign aligners move your teeth gently in a gradual manner. This is less painful than the more aggressive movement that occurs with traditional braces.
Better for Sports
Invisalign can be a better option for athletes who play contact sports. Here are two reasons why:
- No need for specialised mouthguards:
With traditional braces, you need a special mouthguard as protection during contact sports. This can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to speak and breathe. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners and wear a regular customised mouthguard to protect your teeth without discomfort. - Reduced risk of injury:
Traditional braces have metal brackets and arch wires, which can cut or scrape the inside of the mouth during contact sports. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic. They have no sharp edges, reducing the risk of injury to your mouth.
Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay
Invisalign reduces the risk of tooth decay by making it easier to clean teeth. Here are a few reasons why:
- Removable aligners:
Invisalign aligners can be removed when you eat, brush, and floss your teeth. This means that there are no wires or brackets to get in the way of your toothbrush or floss. With traditional braces, it can be difficult to clean around the metal fixtures. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. - Regular replacement:
Invisalign aligners are replaced every two weeks, and the replacement aligners are given new and clean. This reduces the risk of plaque and bacteria build-up on your teeth.
Boost in Confidence
Invisalign can help transform how you feel about yourself. By straightening your teeth, it transforms your smile, significantly impacting how confident you feel in your own skin.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?
In general, good candidates for Invisalign are people who:
- Have mild to moderate orthodontic issues:
Invisalign is ideally suited for people with mild to moderate cases of teeth crowding, crooked teeth, and gapped teeth. It can also address overbites and other minor forms of malocclusion. - Are committed to wearing the aligners:
To be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day. Candidates for Invisalign treatment should be committed to wearing the aligners as directed. They should also be able to take good care of the aligners. - Prefer a more discreet treatment option:
Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually invisible. This makes them a viable option for people who want to straighten their teeth discreetly without the metallic look of traditional braces. - Have good oral health:
Candidates for Invisalign treatment should have good oral health. This includes healthy gums and teeth that are free from decay and cavities.
The above criteria are general guidelines only. Only a qualified dentist can determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
As previously mentioned, Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners. These aligners gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Here is how the process generally works:
- Initial consultation:
The first step is to consult with an Invisalign-trained dentist. During the consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine your suitability for Invisalign. - Treatment plan:
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, the dentist will create a custom treatment plan. Using 3D digital imaging technology, they will show you how your teeth will move during the treatment. They will also give you an idea of what your teeth may look like after Invisalign treatment. - Aligners:
Based on the treatment plan, a series of clear aligners will be custom-made for you. Each set of aligners will be worn for two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series. - Treatment progress:
Your teeth will gradually shift into their ideal position as you progress through the series of aligners. You will need to visit your dentist periodically so they can check on your progress. They will make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. - Completion:
Once you have completed the series of aligners, your dentist will give you a retainer. Retainers must be worn indefinitely to help maintain your newly straight smile.
Throughout the treatment process, remember to follow your dentist’s instructions. Wear the aligners as directed for ideal results.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of your case, but most people can usually achieve their desired results within 6–18 months. You may notice a difference in your smile within just a few weeks. However, it is important to stick with the treatment plan throughout its entirety for optimal results.
In some cases, accelerated treatment with Propel Orthodontics may be recommended in addition to Invisalign. This innovative technology uses vibrations, mini-screws, or other devices to speed up the orthodontic process and provide faster results.
Cost of Invisalign Treatment
The cost of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on several factors. These include treatment duration, the complexity of the case, and the location of the dental clinic. On average, the cost of Invisalign treatment can range from \$6,000 to \$9,000.
Traditional metal braces are less expensive than Invisalign. Their average cost ranges from $4,500 to $8,000. Note that the cost of traditional braces can also vary depending on the same factors mentioned above.
When thinking about whether Invisalign is a worthwhile investment, consider the unique benefits of Invisalign compared to traditional braces. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a more discreet teeth straightening option. They are also removable. They allow easier brushing and flossing and the ability to eat and drink without restrictions. Also, Invisalign treatment can be completed in a shorter amount of time. This results in fewer dental visits and less time off work or school.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in traditional braces or Invisalign should be based on the following:
- The patient’s specific orthodontic needs
- Personal preferences
- Budget
Discuss all treatment options and their associated costs with a qualified dentist before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that continues to gain traction – and it’s easy to understand why. With the many benefits of clear aligners, more and more people are drawn to using these plastic aligners to address cosmetic dental issues.
Among the many Invisalign advantages, the major benefit is that the invisible braces allow you to make your smile transform without anyone knowing you’re undergoing dental treatment. With the clear aligners barely visible and easily removable for eating and drinking, no one needs to know you’re in the process of aligning your teeth.
In addition, many people can get their teeth straightened in 12-18 months with Invisalign – far faster than traditional braces.
Invisalign is also more comfortable than braces and other orthodontic treatments because it doesn’t involve arch wires or brackets that can irritate your mouth. Plus, you won’t have to worry about brushing around metal hardware every day, as you can easily take out the Invisalign aligners to brush and floss.
The benefits of clear aligners are plenty. If you’re ready to give Invisalign a try, let Clear Choice Dental be your partner on that journey. We will work with you every step of the way from start to finish, making sure you get the healthier smile you deserve as comfortably as possible.
Please book an appointment through our website or call us today. We look forward to speaking with you!