Want to achieve a beautiful smile without metal braces? Invisalign treatment is becoming one of the most popular treatments to transform your smile. Invisalign has transformed the process of achieving your perfect smile through the use of clear aligners allowing you more freedom than traditional metal braces.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a revolutionary technology that requires X-rays and 3D models of teeth for creating custom aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, the clear Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed to ensure good dental hygiene.
The Invisalign aligners are made from a special, medical-grade thermoplastic material. The specific type of thermoplastic used in Invisalign aligners is called SmartTrack, which is a patented material, specifically designed for Invisalign treatment.
SmartTrack material is clear, durable and smooth, allowing the aligners to be both comfortable and effective. The material is also free from BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten, making it safe for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to those materials.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day for them to apply gentle and consistent pressure to the teeth to work to shift the teeth into the correct position gradually.
Over the treatment period, you won’t be expected to attend the practice as often as you would with traditional metal braces. Aligners would be worn for approximately two weeks after which you would switch to the next set of aligners in your treatment process and would attend the practice only to check up on your treatment progress.
The total length of the treatment is all dependent on each patient and their dental issues. In some minor cases, it can take as little as 3 months to achieve the desired results, however, it typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.
Advantages of Invisalign
The many advantages of Invisalign treatment are the reasons that it has become the most popular treatment over traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are:
- Safe, painless and made of flexible plastic for a good fit.
- Easy to clean.
- No restriction on eating the food you like, unlike metal aligners.
- They are transparent and less noticeable, not prominent like metal braces.
Limitations of Invisalign
While Invisalign treatment is a popular and effective treatment for many patients, there are some limitations. These limitations include:
- Limited effectiveness for severe orthodontic cases: Invisalign is generally effective for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crowded, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth and minor bite problems. However, for more severe cases such as overbites and underbites, traditional metal braces could be more effective.
- Requires more self-discipline: Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable which means the patient is responsible for ensuring they are wearing them for at least 22 hours a day.
- Not suitable for all patients: Invisalign may not be suitable for all patients. If a patient has had previous dental work such as bridgework, dental implants, or other dental conditions they may interfere with the use of aligners.
- Time commitment: Invisalign treatment requires a significant time commitment, as patients must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day and undergo regular check-ups with their Invisalign provider. The length of treatment can also vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the complexity of their case.
Despite these limitations, Invisalign is still a popular and effective treatment option for many patients.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is a great option for many patients who have mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Here are some factors that may make someone a good candidate for Invisalign:
- Crowded teeth, crooked teeth, gaps, overbite, underbite and crossbites: Invisalign can effectively straighten and align teeth that are crowded or crooked, close small gaps between teeth, and correct moderate overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
- Good oral health: A good candidate for Invisalign should have good oral health, including healthy teeth and gums.
- Good compliance: Invisalign requires a certain level of patient compliance, as the aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day to be effective. A good candidate for Invisalign should be willing and able to comply with the treatment plan.
- No major dental work needed: Invisalign aligners may not be suitable for patients who require major dental work, such as extractions or restorative procedures.
It is important to note that each patient’s case is unique. At your initial consultation, the patient’s individual needs and orthodontic problems will be assessed to determine if Invisalign is a good option.
So, Should I Invest In Invisalign?
It’s clear why so many people are turning to Invisalign to get their perfect smile. They are virtually invisible, and comfortable, allowing you to not restrict any food due to being able to remove them to eat. Their ability to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites means that they are the preferred treatment for most patients.
So if you’re interested in getting the smile you’ve always dreamt of, book your free consultation today and start your journey to transform your smile.
