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Invisalign continues to revolutionize orthodontic treatments with its clear aligners, offering patients a virtually invisible and comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. It is a patented technology that uses proprietary software and state-of-the-art aligner material which is designed to be more comfortable and effective than braces.
These clear aligners work by gradually shifting teeth into the desired positions, addressing various dental issues such as crooked teeth, deep bites, or overcrowding. Unlike conventional braces with metal wires and brackets, Invisalign aligners are removable, making oral hygiene maintenance easier and allowing patients to enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions.
Wearing these aligner trays apply pressure onto your teeth which moves them gradually until they are in their desired position. But what exactly is Invisalign? Can Invisalign close missing tooth gap and more importantly, is this suitable for you? Well here are 10 things you should know before you start Invisalign treatment. 
The Invisalign process begins with an initial consultation with an Invisalign-accredited dentist or provider, where a custom treatment plan is created using advanced treatment planning software. During this consultation, the dentist assesses the patient's teeth condition and discusses treatment goals and options. Once the treatment plan is finalized, a series of clear aligners are custom-made to fit the patient's upper and lower teeth.
1) Invisalign uses clear and removable trays that are custom fitted to your mouth.
These transparent aligners which are virtually invisible allow you to smile with confidence. Invisalign offers a more aesthetically pleasing teeth1 and teeth straightening treatment compared to traditional metal braces.
Wearing Invisalign braces clear aligners presents a more aesthetic image compared to the very visible brackets or wires unlike traditional metal braces or wires. The clear aligner trays are almost invisible, therefore it is the preferred option for people who want to look good and present a professional image.
2) Invisalign is suitable for people of any age.
Invisalign treatment is best utilised for people who are responsible and committed to wearing their aligners for 22 or more hours a day. It can effectively address a range of alignment issues, from simple to moderate cases and is particularly beneficial for adults seeking orthodontic treatment2.
Parents are able to keep tabs on their children’s wear if they opt for blue compliance indicators on their aligners to make sure they are worn for an adequate amount of time.
3) Wearing Invisalign aligners means no to drinking fizzy and sugary drinks.
This is to keep your teeth in a good condition and to prevent pooling of the beverage in your mouth which may cause tooth decay. This is important as Invisalign aligners are worn for most of the day.
For best treatment results and to mitigate tooth decay, patients are advised to adhere to only drinking plain water while wearing their aligners. Other beverages can still be consumed by taking out your aligners, drinking quickly, and then brushing your teeth and flossing before replacing your aligners.
4) Invisalign aligner trays are removable which means more flexibility in eating and activities.
The ability to remove the aligners makes it easy to show your new smile, enjoy your favourite foods, play sports, and brush and floss to keep your upper front teeth clean without having food stuck in the brackets or wires of traditional braces.
In traditional braces, it is easy for food or plaque to get stuck in upper and lower teeth or accumulate in the metal brackets resulting in poor dental hygiene. Playing sports while wearing traditional metal braces is also a concern as there is a risk of getting hit in the mouth and damaging the brackets and wires.
5) Invisalign needs to be worn throughout the day for 20-22 hours.
Even though Invisalign is removable, patients have a responsibility to wear the aligners for most of the day for the treatment plan to be effective and produce the best results which is a straighter smile.
6) Teeth whitening can be performed with Invisalign.
As you are wearing the Invisalign aligner trays to straight teeth for most of the day, make the most of the effort by whitening your teeth. Invisalign trays are custom fit to your teeth, so you could whiten your teeth while straightening them at the same time.
Please consult your dentist for advice before doing this, as using whitening gels while the Invisalign attachments are on your teeth will result in a patchy, uneven whitening result. Your dentist will be able to advise you if it is possible to whiten your teeth during the Invisalign, and when the best timing would be as well.
7) Your aligners and retainers are not the same.
The material used to fabricate your aligners are not designed to be wear resistant and they would not retain the shape and position of your teeth. After your Invisalign orthodontic treatment, your dentist will prescribe fixed or removable retainers for you. It is important to wear your Invisalign retainers nightly so that your teeth do not become misaligned again.
8) Invisalign treatment cases may involve attachments or buttons for more complex cases.
Typically the more complex the orthodontic treatment, the more attachments that are required. These attachments are necessary especially for cases where the upper teeth need to be rotated or pulled down.
These attachments are small, tooth coloured composites bonded onto certain teeth and assist the aligners in retention and helping to move teeth to the correct position. These attachments create anchor points that apply pressure to move certain teeth. They are usually unobtrusive and barely visible.
9) Brushing and flossing after each meal and before re-inserting your retainers is a must.
Wearing your aligners means that your teeth are constantly in contact with whatever liquid or food substance you have consumed. Therefore maintaining your teeth hygiene is a must when wearing your aligners. This routine of keeping up with good oral health hygiene habits is beneficial even after Invisalign treatment.
10) We are an Invisalign Diamond Provider!
Our dentists are Invisalign accredited, and our clinic has achieved the Invisalign Diamond recognition. This indicates that our dentists have extensive Invisalign experience and can treat a wide variety of teeth conditions.
Throughout the Invisalign journey, patients wear these clear aligners for the prescribed duration, typically changing to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. Each set of aligners gradually moves the teeth closer to the desired position, guided by the dentist's instructions and the alignment technology embedded within the aligners. Regular check-ups with the Invisalign provider ensure that treatment progresses as planned and adjustments are made as needed to achieve optimal results.
One of the key advantages of Invisalign is its virtually invisible nature, allowing patients to straighten their teeth discreetly and confidently. Although some minor discomfort or pressure may be experienced when switching to a new set of aligners, this is a normal part of the teeth straightening process and typically subsides within a few days. With proper care and adherence to the dentist's instructions, Invisalign patients can enjoy a straighter smile and improved oral health.
Post-treatment care is essential to maintain the results achieved through Invisalign. Patients are advised to wear retainers as instructed by their dentist to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Additionally, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices ensure long-term dental health and a confident smile. As more individuals embark on their smile journey today with Invisalign, the treatment continues to evolve and improve, offering patients a convenient and effective solution for achieving their desired smile.
Fancy a consultation session with our Invisalign doctor? Just drop us a message here!
References
- Phan X, Ling PH. Clinical limitations of Invisalign. J Can Dent Assoc. 2007 Apr;73(3):263-6. PMID: 17439714.
- Melkos AB. Advances in digital technology and orthodontics: a reference to the Invisalign method. Med Sci Monit. 2005 May;11(5):PI39-42. Epub 2005 Apr 28. PMID: 15874904.