By Maylands Dental Centre 
Do you feel like your teeth could use a little straightening? Are you worried about the metal braces experience or concerned that many will notice you’re wearing braces? If so, Invisalign may be the right teeth straightening option for you!
This revolutionary method of teeth straightening is discreet, affordable, and comfortable. Keep reading to learn more about how Invisalign works and how it can help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Blog Navigation
- What Is Invisalign?
- How Does Invisalign Work?
- How Quickly Will My Teeth Move?
- What Makes Invisalign Work Different From Braces?
- Who Are Suitable Candidates For Invisalign?
- What Are The Limitations Of Invisalign?
- What Precautions Should I Observe While Wearing Invisalign?
- What Should I Avoid Eating When Wearing Invisalign?
- How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
- Final Thoughts
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner that is used to straighten teeth. It is an alternative to traditional braces and is made of a thin, clear plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.
Invisalign is custom-made for each patient to achieve straight teeth. It is designed to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Thus, it can address the following dental issues:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Teeth that are too crooked or too straight
- Overbite or underbite
The clear aligners are unnoticeable, so most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. They are also removable, so you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth with ease.
Invisalign is comfortable to wear and has been proven effective in transforming smiles. If you’re looking for a discreet, comfortable, and convenient way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign may be right for you.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. Over the course of the treatment, you will wear each set of clear, removable aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set.
Here are the steps of the Invisalign treatment:
- You will first have to get a thorough dental exam and x-rays to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.
- If you are considered a good candidate, your dentist will create the ideal treatment plan for you. This will include the number of aligners you will need and the duration of the entire treatment.
- You will then be given your first set of aligners. These should be worn for at least 20 hours daily, except when eating or drinking.
- You will receive a new set of aligners every two weeks. As you wear each set of aligners, they will gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
- Once you have finished wearing all the aligners and the desired results are achieved, you will need to have a retainer made to keep your teeth in place. At times, a refinement period may be necessary for minor corrections and optimal results.
The Invisalign aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired position as your treatment progresses.
How Quickly Will My Teeth Move?
Invisalign is a discreet, convenient way to achieve a straighter smile. With proper care and maintenance, Invisalign can give you the smile you have always wanted in as little as 12 months.
But one of the questions patients most frequently ask is, “How quickly will my teeth move with Invisalign?”
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the severity of your misalignment, how well you follow the treatment plan, and the type of Invisalign aligner tray you are using. In general, however, patients can expect visible results within a few weeks.
On average, Invisalign patients can expect their teeth to move about .25 millimetres per tray. In other words, treatment with Invisalign typically takes about half the time as treatment with traditional braces. As a result, more and more people are opting for Invisalign to achieve a brand-new, beautiful smile.
What Makes Invisalign Work Different From Braces?
Invisalign and conventional metal braces work to straighten teeth, but they do so differently. Here’s how they differ from each other.
Bite Correction
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Traditional braces, on the other hand, use metal brackets, wires, and attachments to apply steady, gentle pressure to teeth, slowly moving them over time.
In terms of bite correction, both Invisalign and traditional braces are effective. However, if you have severe bite issues, traditional braces may be the better option. This is because Invisalign is more suitable for those needing minor corrections and those with mild to moderate bite issues.
Additionally, Invisalign is generally more comfortable than traditional braces, and many patients find it easier to eat and speak while wearing Invisalign aligners.
Cost
Invisalign is an increasingly popular alternative to braces, but how does it stack up in terms of cost?
Invisalign treatment typically costs between $6,000 and $9,000, while traditional metal braces cost $4,500 to $8,000. However, a few key factors can affect the cost of Invisalign treatment.
- The severity of your misalignment will impact the number of custom aligners you need and, therefore, the cost.
- The experience of your dentist is also a factor. Those with more experience and training in managing patients with Invisalign may charge more.
- Your insurance provider may cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign treatment, but this varies from plan to plan.
Invisalign is a more costly option than conventional braces, but it offers several advantages that may make it worth the investment.
Treatment Duration
In terms of the duration of treatment time, Invisalign typically takes 9-15 months to achieve the desired results. Traditional braces usually take 18-24 months for the complete treatment plan.
In some cases, Invisalign may be used to complement standard braces to speed up the overall treatment time.
While Invisalign may take a slightly shorter amount of time for treatment, the length of treatment will depend on the severity of your case and how well you comply with the treatment plan.
Unfortunately, Invisalign is not suitable for everyone. Ultimately, the best way to determine which treatment is right for you is to consult with a dentist.
Who Are Suitable Candidates For Invisalign?
It is important to understand the criteria for being a candidate before deciding. The following are some of the key factors that will determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign:
- Your age: Invisalign is typically recommended for people over 13. This is because the teeth and jawbone are still more developed at this age and therefore respond better to treatment.
- Your dental health: Invisalign is inappropriate for people with unmanaged cavities or gum disease. It is suitable for people with healthy teeth. If you have any existing dental problems, your dentist will likely recommend addressing these before starting treatment.
- Your alignment issues: Invisalign can only correct certain alignment issues. It is ideal for people who have mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth or misaligned jaws. If you have severe misalignment, you may need traditional braces or other procedures instead.
- Your oral hygiene habits: To avoid complications with your Invisalign treatment, it is important to practise good oral hygiene habits. Maintaining good oral health involves brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing regularly.
What Are The Limitations Of Invisalign?
Invisalign can address a wide variety of orthodontic concerns and offer a lot of other benefits, such as:
- It is a non-invasive procedure. Invisalign is a great way to improve your smile without undergoing surgery.
- It is removable. Invisalign is a removable appliance, which means you can take it out when needed.
- It is a discreet form of treatment. Invisalign is practically invisible, so you can wear it without anyone knowing.
- It is comfortable. Invisalign is comfortable to wear and does not cause any pain.
- It is hassle-free. Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without using metal braces.
While the benefits of Invisalign are very attractive, it’s best to decide with eyes wide open. There are some things that Invisalign cannot do.
- Invisalign is not recommended for patients with severe misalignment issues, as Invisalign may not be able to provide the necessary amount of force to move the teeth into the correct position.
- Invisalign will not be able to address severe cases of overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
- It will also be unable to address major dental problems like missing teeth.
- Invisalign cannot be used to manage patients who have tooth decay or gum disease.
If you are considering Invisalign, discuss your orthodontic concerns with your doctor to ensure that Invisalign is the right treatment for you.
What Precautions Should I Observe While Wearing Invisalign?
Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when wearing Invisalign:
DO:
- Wear your Invisalign aligners for the prescribed amount of time each day.
- Remove your aligners when you eat or drink.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything except water while you are wearing your aligners.
- Brush and floss your teeth before putting on your aligners.
- Make sure to keep your aligners clean and dry.
- Store it in a clean case when not in use to avoid losing it.
DO NOT:
- Wear your Invisalign aligners while you are eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Chew gum or suck on candy while you have your aligners in.
- Wear your Invisalign aligners while you are brushing your teeth or flossing.
- Smoke while wearing your aligners.
- Wear your Invisalign aligners while you are swimming or sleeping.
What Should I Avoid Eating When Wearing Invisalign?
If you’re wearing Invisalign, you must be careful about the foods you eat. While Invisalign is designed to be durable, some foods can damage the aligners or cause them to become stained. Here are a few foods to avoid while wearing Invisalign:
- Hard Candy: We all love a good piece of candy, but hard candy can be really tough on Invisalign aligners. Not to mention, it’s not great for your teeth either! Hard foods such as nuts, seeds, and ice can damage the Invisalign tray or cause it to break, so they should also be avoided.
- Sticky foods: Foods like gummy bears, honey, taffy, and caramels can get stuck in the braces and be tough to get off. They can cause the aligners to become warped or misshapen. Plus, they also cause tooth decay, so it’s best to steer clear of these foods while wearing Invisalign.
- Chewy foods: Chewy foods like jerky and tough cuts of meat can also be tough on Invisalign aligners. So if you’re craving something chewy, opt for softer options like pulled pork or fish instead.
- Sugary foods and drinks: Frequent consumption of sugary foods can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Acidic foods: Fruits like lemons and oranges can stain your aligners. Additionally, the acidity in food can weaken tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems.
Very hot foods and drinks: Extremely hot foods and drinks can distort or melt the plastic in your aligners. - Very hot foods and drinks: Extremely hot foods and drinks can distort or melt the plastic in your aligners.
The bottom line is to make sure that you thoroughly clean your aligners, especially after eating.
How Do I Clean My Invisalign Aligners?
Because Invisalign aligners are worn for 20-22 hours per day, it’s important to clean them regularly to maintain their appearance and prevent the build-up of plaque and bacteria. Here are a few tips on how to properly clean Invisalign aligners:
- Rinse your Invisalign aligners in lukewarm water before putting them in your mouth or after every meal or snack.
- Gently brush your Invisalign aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and liquid soap at least once a day. Be sure to brush all surfaces, both inside and out.
- Soak your Invisalign aligners in Invisalign cleaning crystals or a mild denture cleaner for at least 10 minutes per day.
- Never use hot water to clean your Invisalign aligners, as this can cause them to warp.
- Do not chew on or scrape the aligners with objects such as pens or fingernails, as this can damage them.
- Store your Invisalign aligners in the provided case when you’re not wearing them.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your Invisalign aligners clean, fresh, and looking their best.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a discreet, comfortable way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign is a great option for you. You can enjoy a hassle-free orthodontic treatment process with no food restrictions and normal brushing and flossing habits. However, as with any dental procedure, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone, which is why you should consult with a qualified dentist to see if this treatment is right for you.
The dentists at Maylands Dental Centre will work with you every step of the way to provide you with successful treatment. They will ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about this treatment. Book your consultation appointment online or call today at (08) 9370 5464 to find out more.
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