.webp?width=18&height=18&name=Vector%20(15).webp){kind=small}
If you are looking into orthodontic treatment, you might be feeling a little lost in the myriad of options available today. Amongst choices such as ceramic, lingual, and metal braces, we also have Invisalign, a form of clear aligners that is primarily known for its near-invisible look.
The innovation behind Invisalign makes it possible to fix nearly all common teeth misalignments with minimal disruption to everyday life, but as with all other types of orthodontic treatments, there are still pros and cons to consider.
There are several clear aligner brands in Singapore, including Zenyum, ClearCorrect and Aurora. For the sake of this article, we’ll be focusing on Invisalign, one of the more popular clear aligner systems.
What is Invisalign, and how does it work?
Invisalign is a form of clear aligners made of a patented blend of plastic. Like other forms of braces, these aligners assert pressure on your teeth to slowly move them into a better position.
Though Invisalign is a solid piece of plastic, they are not to be confused with retainers because the former actively moves your teeth to reshape your mouth and jaw, whilst retainers simply hold your teeth in place.
What is the process of getting Invisalign in Singapore like?
To get Invisalign treatment, you’ll first have a consultation with your dentist. They’ll study your smile, observe your oral health, and take 3D images and impressions of your mouth and jaw. 
After the necessary records are taken, a series of customised aligners will be made for you. A set of Invisalign aligner trays are usually worn for one to two weeks and replaced with the next set. Each will feel slightly different, as they’re each designed to continually shift your teeth.
Your dentist will serve as your partner and guide in helping you achieve the dental results you desire.
Read: Can Invisalign fix my underbite?
How long do I have to be on Invisalign for?
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your case but for minor cases, treatments may be completed in a matter of 6 months. Most Invisalign patients also start seeing results in a matter of weeks!
After assessing your case, your orthodontist will recommend an Invisalign treatment plan that best suits your need.
*Each set lasts one to two weeks.
What comes after Invisalign treatments?
Similar to other types of orthodontic treatments, you can expect to use a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Your orthodontist will introduce different types of retainers to you and explain their pros and cons. They’ll also advise you about how long you’ll need to be wearing your retainers for each day.
The five types of retainers commonly available are:
- Essix retainers: Removable aligners and clear plastic retainers that resemble aligners. Made of thinner plastic than Vivera retainers.
- Vivera retainers1: Made of thicker plastic than Essix retainers, these are Invisalign branded retainers which offer the advantage that the retainers can have the same teeth alignment as the last set of Invisalign aligners with straight teeth.
- Zendura retainers: Zendura is a robust rigid polyurethane material which was developed specifically for retainer and aligner applications, and is optimised to have the ideal strength for durability and comfort as a retainer. These are the top choice for clear retainer materials.
- Hawley retainers: A removable combination of metal wire and acrylic. A traditional type of retainers that are usually given for young patients. They can be uncomfortable as the acrylic arches are bulky and can reduce the amount of space in the mouth.
- Permanent retainers: A metal wire that is bonded to the inside of one’s teeth, holding the teeth in place. These wire retainers are not easily visible from the outside.
Each type has different pros and cons in the areas of durability, ease, comfort, and cost. Permanent retainers, on the other hand, are great for patients who might want a more carefree approach to maintaining the alignment of their front teeth. Read more about retainers here.
Is Invisalign painful?
Both aligners and traditional braces come with a level of initial discomfort but you’ll be happy to know that:
- Invisalign has proven to be more comfortable than braces, especially in the first week of active treatment.
- Most people do not describe Invisalign as being painful.
- Invisalign is less uncomfortable both when you’re chewing and at rest.
- Invisalign is less uncomfortable than braces when it comes to subsequent adjustments.
A study4 has also shown that more patients with fixed braces reported taking painkillers during their first week of treatment than those with aligners.
Read: When is the pain from Invisalign a concern?
Pros and cons of Invisalign
Conclusion
If you think your teeth need some fixing, or simply want a more beautiful smile without going through metal braces, we highly recommend Invisalign. Contact us today to begin your entire Invisalign journey.
References
- Vivera Retainers - From The Makers Of Invisalign . (n.d.). Www.invisalign.com.sg. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from https://www.invisalign.com.sg/vivera-retainers
- Papadimitriou, A., Mousoulea, S., Gkantidis, N., & Kloukos, D. (2018). Clinical effectiveness of Invisalign® orthodontic treatment: a systematic review. Progress in Orthodontics, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510-018-0235-z
- Ke, Y., Zhu, Y., & Zhu, M. (2019). A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies. BMC Oral Health, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-018-0695-z
- White, D. W., Julien, K. C., Jacob, H., Campbell, P. M., & Buschang, P. H. (2017). Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial. The Angle Orthodontist, 87(6), 801–808. https://doi.org/10.2319/091416-687.1