Invisalign treatment is a process of straightening your teeth using a series of clear, custom-made Invisalign trays. It is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces, as it is virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, drinking, and cleaning. However, Invisalign is not for everyone. Is it the right choice for you?
Read on to find out more.
Here are the qualities of a good candidate for Invisalign treatment:
- Patients with mild to moderate teeth misalignment or crooked teeth
Invisalign is an effective treatment that straightens teeth. If you have small gaps between your teeth or slightly crooked teeth, it can move your teeth into proper alignment. However, for more severe cases, other orthodontic treatments, such as traditional braces, is advisable.
- Patients who are willing to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day
To achieve the desired results, you must be ready to wear your Invisalign for most of the day and night, taking them out only to eat, drink and clean your teeth. Patients committed to this length of wear will see more favourable results.
- Patients who have good oral hygiene
Since Invisalign trays are removable, patients must have good oral hygiene habits and be responsible enough to brush and floss regularly and clean their aligners daily. Otherwise, you increase the risk of developing cavities and gum disease, which delays your treatment.
- Patients with realistic expectations
Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign takes time to work, usually around 12-18 months. So you must have realistic expectations and be patient throughout the process.
- Patients with no severe oral issues
Oral health issues, such as active gum disease or tooth decay, must be addressed before beginning Invisalign treatment. This adds to the length of your overall treatment time.
What Are the Orthodontic Issues That Invisalign Can Correct?
The following are orthodontic problems that the Invisalign treatment can address:
- Mild to moderate crowding
When there is insufficient space for all the teeth to align in a row, they begin to overlap, giving you crowded teeth. Invisalign can create more space in your mouth so your teeth can straighten out.
- Mild to moderate spacing
This is the opposite of crowding. When you have too much space in your jaw, gaps can be seen between the teeth. Invisalign trays can close these gaps so that your teeth are aligned and spaced correctly.
- Mild overbites
Overbites refer to the upper teeth protruding too far over the lower teeth. In mild overbite cases, Invisalign can gradually move the lower teeth forward or pull the upper teeth inward to address the problem.
- Mild underbites
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite, wherein the lower teeth protrude too far forward. In mild cases of underbite, Invisalign can help pull back the lower teeth in a better position.
How Does Invisalign Correct Your Teeth?
Invisalign can correct teeth problems by gradually moving them into a more favourable position using a series of clear, custom-made aligners. Each Invisalign tray is slightly different from the last, and your teeth will slowly shift into the desired position as you progress through the treatment. It has a force that is carefully calculated to move teeth in a precise direction. Instead of moving teeth individually, as traditional braces do, Invisalign moves them as a group.
What Age Should You Get Invisalign?
There is no specific age requirement for Invisalign. However, the treatment is most successful in patients willing to commit to the process and follow the instructions carefully. For this reason, Invisalign is often recommended to patients old enough to take responsibility for their oral hygiene, like teenagers or young adults.
When it comes to the maximum age, there is no actual limit. Invisalign can be used by adults of any age as long as they have healthy teeth and gums. However, it’s important to note that it may take longer for full-grown adults to see results than teenagers since the bones are harder and more set in place.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for people, especially adult patients, who want a more discreet treatment option. This clear aligner system can be used to correct various mild orthodontic issues, and it’s also removable for easy cleaning.
If you’re considering Invisalign, contact us now to book a consultation. One of the dentists at our clinic will assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure,
Burwood Dental Care is equipped with the latest technology to allow us to provide efficient Invisalign treatments. We use digital X-rays and other imaging techniques to get a clear picture of your teeth and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We also have a team of dentists with several years of performing this procedure. During your appointment, they will give you all the essential information about Invisalign so you can decide if it suits your lifestyle and budget. They will also answer questions you have regarding the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is more expensive. Invisalign treatment cost will depend on your case’s severity, the length of time you need to wear the aligners, and your location. However, on average, patients can expect to pay between $6,00 and $9,000 for Invisalign treatment.
The benefits of Invisalign make it a popular choice among patients. First, the aligners are practically invisible, so no one will notice that you’re wearing them unless they look closely. Second, you can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth, which is not possible with traditional braces. This means that the risk of cavities and tooth decay is lesser. Third, Invisalign treatment is generally more comfortable than traditional braces since no wires or brackets can rub against your gums and cheeks. Finally, the length of treatment is shorter than the traditional braces.
After completing your Invisalign treatment, you will need to wear a retainer. This is because your teeth may shift back to their original position. Wearing a retainer will help to keep your teeth in the desired position and prevent them from shifting. You may need to wear the retainer all the time for the first few months and then only at night after that. After you stop wearing your Invisalign, you may notice that your teeth have become straighter, boosting your confidence to smile more often.
Your Invisalign trays will be switched every two to three weeks until you finish your treatment. At each appointment, your orthodontist will assess the progress of your treatment and give you a new set of Invisalign trays. Sometimes, you will receive all your aligner trays at once so you can switch them on your own.