Invisalign is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses modern dental technology and manufacturing to create a series of removable completely clear aligners which will progressively straighten your teeth everyday you wear them. Invisalign, while being a newer system of treatment, is a tried and tested method with over 8 million success stories across the globe all of who are loving their new straighter smiles.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has many extensive benefits over standard metal braces, some of which are:
- Removable: Unlike traditional braces Invisalign has the convenience of being completely removable while having a snug fit while wearing having no risk of falling out. Being able to remove the aligners also allows for easier access of cleaning and brushing of the teeth.
- Discrete: While being able to remove the aligners they also closely contour to the surface of the teeth while being completely clear. This is ideal for those on the go wanting a convenient discrete way to straighten their teeth while eliminating the need of the ‘train track look’ which so many people grew up knowing. The only time we’ve heard of people noticing others wearing aligners is when they’ve started the treatment themselves.
- Comfortable: Often being totted as much more comfortable than traditional braces they don’t have the long lingering pressure felt throughout a traditional orthodontic adjustment where as Invisalign uses small incremental movements allowing easier treatment with more a higher comfort level.
How does it work?
Invisalign treatment is a simple, streamlined process where we work clinically with our patients along with Invisalign directly to plan, develop and compete your treatment.
Consultation: During your initial consultation a clinician will be able to walk you through the entire process of Invisalign along with all the inclusions of treatment. During this time an Itero scan will be taken which comprises of building a 3D model of your teeth doing away with the older messier style of impressions at dentist. This will give a 85% accurate results as to what Invisalign treatment can provide. After your consultation you will receive a digital copy of your treatment simulation along with a general information packet about treatment with us while answering any questions you have along the way.
Records and clincheck: during your record taking appointment a set of standard orthodontic photographs will be taken along with (if necessary) an OPG X-ray to both be used for the development of treatment outcomes and planning with Invisalign. These clincheck appointments your official treatment set up will be reviewed with a digital set up and simulation of the outcomes of your treatment.
Starting appointment: after we receive the aligners you will come back in for your first appointment where any necessary attachments and polishing will be completed where we then issue you with sets of aligners to start your treatment process. During this time we will also cover any further questions we will answer them while also going over the general instructions of use and maintenance of the Invisalign.
Issue appointments: After your first issue appointment each time we see you will be a short 5-10 minute appointment where we asses how the treatment is progressing while also issue further aligners, competing more polishing or if necessary additional attachments. Each of these appointments will be spaced further out than you would have with traditional braces cutting down the time you need to spend coming to the clinic.
Refinements: What happens if you want to change something once your aligners are finished? Simple, we take a new 3D scan and photo set, send this to Invisalign and have further aligners produced, all of which is totally included within your treatment cost.
Finishing: after your treatment is completed you enter what is commonly referred to as Retention. This phase of treatment is where your result of Invisalign is maintained through a combination of fixed retainers and removable plastic night time retainers all included within your treatment.
How much does Invisalign cost?
More often than not Invisalign mirrors the cost of traditional braces but there is a variety in pricing depending on what is being corrected and how long the treatment will take. To give a correct estimate a clinician will need to perform a short complimentary exam where they can discuss information regarding treatment times, costing and case you would require. While there is variation in the cost of Invisalign this is related directly to Invisalign production where complexity of case and case levels are considered for treatment which we can then relay to you.
How long will my Invisalign treatment take?
Treatment lengths, similar to costing, are dependant on the complexity of the case along with what is being corrected. Each case is assessed, planned and prepared individually according to the needs of each patient. Once this has been assessed and the number of aligners has been determined we can give an accurate length of treatment time but as a standard treatment it can take anywhere from 6-18 months. During this time aligners do need to be worn consistently throughout the day and night for optimal fit and movement of the teeth equating to 22-24 hours per day. This timing does allow for eating, drinking and brushing your teeth giving you the convenience Invisalign provides.
What can Invisalign do?
While not just providing a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth Invisalign can correct several different issues traditional mode fan braces also address. With custom fit and tailored treatment makes planning and set up convenient for any patients it can correct issues such as:
- Crowded teeth: where teeth are overlapped
- Crooked teeth: when teeth are angled or misaligned
- Spacing: either naturally or artificially create spaces between the teeth
- Underbites: often characterised by the lower teeth often in front of the upper teeth
- Overbites: where the upper teeth protrude outwards
- Cross bite: often presents when the lower teeth sit outside of the upper teeth
How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
Aligners need to be worn at least 22 hours per day. They should only be removed to brush and floss your teeth and to eat and drink. However, as they can be removed, some patients believe this means they can be taken out whenever the time presents itself. This is far from correct usage.
Things can always come up. Some patients might experience some situation or injury where wearing aligners can be painful. When this occurs, it’s crucial to talk with your dentist immediately, so a plan can be developed to take the setback into account. Hopefully, the revised plan will not set back your treatment timeline.
Further questions or concerns?
We are here to help so feel free to call and schedule an appointment with your dentist today and get back to owning a confident smile!