10 Things You Should Know Before You Start Invisalign

Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that allows your dentist to design your smile. It is a patented technology which uses proprietary software and state-of-the-art aligner material which is designed to be more comfortable and effective in orthodontic treatment. The dentist takes 3D scans of your teeth to produce an impression of your teeth. This impression is sent to Invisalign which uses the digital model to create a clinical simulation created using Invisalign’s proprietary software called Clincheck that is used to fabricate your personalised aligner trays that help to realign your teeth for a straighter smile. This Clincheck allows you to visualise every step of your treatment plan and provide a clear timeline of your treatment duration, while traditional metal braces are only able to provide an approximate duration of your treatment time. Wearing these aligner trays applies pressure onto your teeth which moves them gradually until they are in their desired position.

Invisalign refers to orthodontic treatment using clear and removable trays which are custom fitted to your mouth.

These transparent aligners which are virtually invisible allow you to smile with confidence. Invisalign is able to offer a more aesthetically pleasing for teeth straightening treatment compared to the traditional metal braces. Wearing Invisalign braces presents a more aesthetic image compared to the very visible brackets or wires of traditional 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.

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. 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.

Wearing Invisalign aligners means no to drinking fizzy and sugary drinks.

This is 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 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.

Invisalign aligner trays are removable which means more flexibility in eating and activities.

The ability to remove the aligners makes it easy to enjoy your favourite foods, play sports, and brush and floss to keep your 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 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.

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 in order for the treatment to be effective and produce the best results which is a straighter smile.

Teeth whitening can be performed with Invisalign.

As you are wearing the Invisalign aligner trays 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.

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 retainers nightly so that your teeth do not become misaligned again.

Most Invisalign cases involve attachments or buttons for more complex cases.

Typically the more complex the orthodontic treatment, the more attachments are required. These attachments are necessary for cases where 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.

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 oral hygiene habits is beneficial even after Invisalign treatment.

We are an Invisalign platinum elite provider.

Our dentists are Invisalign accredited, and our clinic has achieved the Invisalign Platinum Elite recognition. Our dentists have extensive Invisalign experience and are able to treat a wide variety of teeth conditions.

References

1. Esthetic Orthodontic Treatment Using the Invisalign Appliance For Moderate To Complex Malocclusions
   Robert Boyd - (http://www.jdentaled.org/content/72/8/948)
2. Patient Perceptions Of Speech, Discomfort, and Salivary Flow While Wearing Invisalign® Aligners - Research
   William Jr - (https://www.orthopracticeus.com/research/patient-perceptions-speech-discomfort-salivary-flow-wearing-invisalign-aligners)
3. Clinical Limitations Of Invisalign
   Xiem Phan-Paul Ling - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17439714)
4. Esthetic Orthodontic Treatment Using the Invisalign Appliance For Moderate To Complex Malocclusions
   Robert Boyd - (http://www.jdentaled.org/content/72/8/948.short)
5. Advances in Digital Technology and Orthodontics: a Reference To the Invisalign Method.
   Aristides Melkos - (https://www.medscimonit.com/abstract/index/idArt/16149/act/3)
6. Periodontal Health During Clear Aligners Treatment: a Systematic Review
   Rossini- Gabriele- Simone- Tommaso- Andrea- Debernardi-Cesare L. - (https://academic.oup.com/ejo/article/37/5/539/2599972)