Category: Invisalign

Invisalign is a set of clear aligners for teeth. It is used to align the teeth in a straight manner and correct crooked teeth. Invisalign is a very popular choice as it is next to invisible and has little to no effect on appearance. These are often preferred over traditional metal braces because metal braces are extremely visible and noticeable. Learn how to protect your Invisalign trays, read the full article here.

Invisalign is commonly used for the purpose of correcting crowding, spacing issues, and some bite issues like overbite and underbite. Invisalign can sometimes be more effective than traditional braces.

The procedure for Invisalign placement starts with the creation of a digital image of teeth using a software. This image is used for understanding the correct position of teeth after alignment. These aligners are then placed on the teeth. They work on the teeth by aligning them into the right place with the help of little pressure. These aligners are worn throughout the day and have to be replaced with a new pair every two weeks.

Aligners are supposed to be removed while eating, brushing, or flossing teeth and while cleaning them. Be careful while cleaning the aligners and do not use hot water to clean them as the heat could melt the material.

Many factors are also responsible for the effectiveness of these aligners. If your teeth are severely crooked and highly misaligned then it may take the aligners longer than the usual span of a couple of months to straighten the teeth. The patient’s age and gender are also contributing factors to its effectiveness.

Invisalign also has many pros and cons of its own. The obvious benefit of these aligners is that they are hardly visible from the outside and are comfortable to wear. They don’t affect the appearance in a negative way like other aligners. Also, they are removable and the patient can get rid of them if it makes them uncomfortable at any given moment. The major con of such aligners could be that it is very expensive and hard to afford.

Regular cleaning of Invisalign trays

Aligners can either be rinsed gently daily or deeply cleansed once a week. However, rinsing the aligners with water will not clear bacterial build-up and invisible germs. So, the aligners have to be deeply cleansed with either a cleaning solution or toothpaste. A little bit of liquid cleanser or toothpaste is taken and the aligners are gently brushed and then washed with water. Also, never soak Invisalign aligners in mouth wash as it could damage the material.

Invisalign storage

During night-time or when not in use, aligners are supposed to be stored in a cool and dry place. It is important to store them in hygienic conditions as these aligners directly enter the mouth and the patient can easily catch an infection.

Patients are provided with a specialized case made of plastic. When not in use, the patients can place the aligners in these cases and store them away in a dry place.

Removing aligners

It is recommended for the patients to wear the aligners the whole day. However, these aligners must be removed during eating something or sleeping. After removal, these Invisalign aligners are supposed to be stored in the provided cases and kept away from moisture.

Many patients suffer from grinding teeth at night. This is the primary reason why dentists recommend removing aligners at night. Also, while eating hard foods may enter inside the Invisalign or the sharp edges can damage the aligners from outside.

If you are not removing aligners during eating, there are certain sticky foods that you should avoid like chewing gum and candies or anything that can potentially harm the Invisalign.

Replacing Invisalign trays

The Invisalign is supposed to be worn 20 hours a day, so it is natural for them to undergo minor wear and tear. It also becomes necessary to replace them after a certain period. It is recommended to replace the Invisalign set with a new one after 2 weeks of use.

Due to said wear and tear, the Invisalign pair also starts to damage and their effect usually fades away. That is why it becomes necessary to replace them with a new pair. Keep in mind that Invisalign should be changed after a minimum application of 1 week.

Duration of treatment

The Invisalign aligners need a good 7 to 8 months to show their effect. The Invisalign applies gentle pressure on the teeth and pushes them back into their place by each day. Although they require almost a year to show full results, the patients can begin observing the effects within a few weeks of use.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that no two Invisalign treatments are the same so it may take some patients a full year to realign teeth while some may see the results within a few months. Always consider your dentists before removing the Invisalign. Sudden removal and stopping the use of Invisalign may cause more harm than good. If it is removed in between the reshaping process, the teeth may become oddly shaped and misaligned than before.

Demineralization

Demineralization is the appearance of white so it’s on the teeth post Invisalign. The major cause of demineralization is the interaction of food particles with bacterial accumulation. The acid produced due to this reaction slowly degrades the phosphates and calcium present in the teeth. Hence, the occurrence of white spots is observed. If left untreated these white spots can also progress into cavities since these spots are hypersensitive. Although mineralization can happen to anyone, it is more commonly observed in patients who use Invisalign since the invisible braces can trap food particles easily and these particles react with plaque. Also, the Invisalign can act as a breeding ground for bacteria as it gives a plane surface and humid and moist conditions. The best way to avoid demineralization is to brush and floss the teeth before wearing the Invisalign trays. Also, it is recommended to avoid certain foods that can initiate or accelerate the growth of bacteria.

Invisalign is fast becoming one of the top choices for people who wish to go for teeth alignment procedures. It is one of the latest treatment procedures that is adopted by Orthodontics.

Obtaining a perfect set of teeth boosts a person’s self–confidence. Many people, especially adults are adopting this device due to the different unique features it provides. They offer something similar to traditional braces and help in bringing a proper alignment to teeth.

As with all the dental appliances, the decision in going for Invisalign is made after a dental consultation. This dental check-up helps the dentist to get a total picture of the dental issue, how severe it is, are there any other underlying concerns that need to be treated before going for Invisalign, is this procedure suited to the person, does it help boost oral health – all these are to be considered before the choice is made.

Invisalign is custom made

The beauty of this appliance is it is invisible and hence the name. This is made of medical grade plastic and can be thought of as invisible trays that are slipped to the teeth. They are safe to use and do not harm the health of the person. Their function is correcting the alignment and for this reason they must necessarily be custom made to fit the teeth of the patient.

First, the dentist takes pictures and measurements of the teeth and jaw position. They will then use the measurements to make the model, to help the teeth move to the desired position.

Invisalign does not have any other supporting structures to keep them in position and are very discreet and not noticeable when worn.

Less painful than braces

The traditional braces come with metal brackets and they are quite painful to wear. There are chances of the metal pieces poking into the soft tissues of the mouth.

Pain is a common problem when consuming food while wearing braces. This is not the case when Invisalign is used. As the trays support the teeth and there are no metal frames to support them, pain is not felt when teeth are moved while chewing. During eating, if required, Invisalign can also be removed as well.

To achieve the desired alignment the metal braces need to be tightened at regular intervals at the dental clinic. This process is not required when Invisalign is used. It need not be tightened at regular intervals.

Suitable for all ages

Due to its invisible nature, Invisalign is chosen by adults. By using this they are able to get perfectly shaped teeth without the glaring presence of metal braces. It is usually recommended for people who have completed their dental development and because of this reason children are not suitable candidates. But teenagers who wish to correct their teeth alignment issues can use Invisalign as a corrective measure.

Dental issues such as crooked teeth, protruding teeth or bite problems can be corrected with this procedure. But if the issues are severe, then Invisalign will not be a suitable method. This will be decided during the dental consultation and the dentist will provide other options for treatment if Invisalign is not suitable.

No change in lifestyle required

With most dental appliances, after care is important and specific measures need to be taken for obtaining the best results from the treatment and also to quicken the healing process. In the case of braces, after they are worn, food consumed should be soft and blended and the diet needs to be changed accordingly. Hard and chewy food such as nuts and chocolates should be avoided as they can stick to the braces and create complications. In the case of Invisalign though, there need not be any changes made. These clear trays are easy to remove and worn and can be removed during eating.

Braces are similar to Invisalign in the results they provide, need to be worn every day and it is not easy to remove them at home and should not be removed as well. Any adjustments should be made only at the clinic. But in the case of Invisalign, they need to be worn for about 20 hours a day to get desired results. Due to this time frame, they can be removed while consuming food.

Easy to care for

Caring for the dental appliance being used is a common concern. Invisalign is easy to care for.

They can be removed easily and cleaned. Use a soft brush and water to clean them. It’s as simple as that. This should be done every day, otherwise food particles might remain in the trays. If required, a thorough cleaning can be done; there are special cleaning agents available for this.

Another feature is that this procedure does not require regular follow-ups with the dentist. If there are any urgent issues while using Invisalign, then they need to be checked by the dentist.

Tooth decay can result if the device is not cleaned properly. Bad breath and other dental diseases are also caused due to improper cleaning. Brushing teeth after food will help remove food debris stuck between teeth. If proper cleaning is done, this will also prevent gum diseases. When food lingers in the mouth, oral bacterial action speeds up and the gum tissues are affected.

Invisalign provides many benefits to the wearer, results can be seen as early as 6 months. By wearing it for the required time as suggested by the dentist, desired results can be obtained. Correcting the alignment of the teeth and bringing the self-confidence of the person to new heights is possible with this procedure. Before deciding on the procedure, it is important to have a discussion with the dentist and learn if this is a suitable method. This will help in knowing what is the commitment and processes needed for this treatment.

If you’re trying to decide whether to get braces or Invisalign, there are a few things you should know.

You should research your options and then make a decision that is best for you. The type of orthodontic treatment that is suitable for you also depends on the problems you need to address.

First of all, both treatments will straighten your teeth. The only difference is that with braces, metal brackets and wires are put on the surface of your teeth while with Invisalign there are no metal wires to deal with.

However, Invisalign may not always be the best option for some patients, which is why it’s important to talk to your orthodontist about your options.

Traditional braces

The traditional orthodontic treatment that uses braces is an effective way of correcting many types of dental issues.

Christophe-Francois Delabarre, a French dentist invented the modern braces in 1819. He developed the first ever wire fitted over both upper and lower teeth with an aim for straightening them over time much like how we use them today.

To this day, the traditional orthodontic treatment that uses braces is still a popular choice for those who wish to have straighter teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a system that corrects the position of teeth without requiring any metal or plastic braces. The aligners are made from smooth, comfortable thermoplastic which are worn over the teeth. The aligners gradually move your teeth to their desired positions while you wear them.

They can be taken out at night, during lunch break at work, brushing your teeth in the morning-whenever it suits you best!

Invisalign is often used as an alternative treatment for adults who want more control over their dental care but also want a high-quality solution that will give them great results. The majority of patients will complete their treatment in 6-9 months, but in some cases, the treatment may take up to 12 months; however, 90% of patients achieve a successful outcome in around 9 months.

A very popular benefit is that no one can tell you are wearing them, making it easier for you to live your life as usual. The aligners can also be removed; allowing you to eat and drink what you want and remove the risk of damage to the gums or teeth caused by pressure, suction or biting against them.

Cost of Invisalign vs Braces

You may be asking yourself, “How much will Invisalign cost?” That’s an important question to ask before starting the orthodontic process. The price can vary depending on several factors including whether or not you need more than one tray of Invisalign. You should also consider your dental insurance coverage — some companies offer limited benefits for this type of treatment while others cover everything.

If price is the primary concern, then traditional braces usually work out to be the cheaper option.

Appearance during treatment time

Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional metal braces because it’s virtually undetectable when worn.

Common metal braces are more noticeable because they are bulky, heavy, and typically made of silver or gold in order to provide both cosmetic appeal and durability.

Metal braces can cause problems when it comes to bending the teeth in awkward angles for better oral hygiene, while Invisalign can be removed easily if food becomes stuck in between teeth or the patient isn’t able to brush their teeth after eating.

Additionally, because metal braces are bulky and heavy, they can cause irritation of the gums when worn for an extended period of time.

How comfortable it is during the treatment time

Invisalign braces have been a great invention for many people who want to fix their teeth without people being able to see that they are wearing braces.

With regards to orthodontics, the Invisalign process is a wonderful way to align a person’s teeth without having any metal wires or brackets in their mouth.

The downside of traditional braces is that you are unable to remove them on your own and you have to be careful with what you eat.

Invisalign braces are a great orthodontic treatment option because not only do they make it more comfortable for people, they also make it much easier to remove the when needed. In terms of comfort during treatment time, Invisalign is better than traditional braces because you will not be able to notice them and they can be used at any time of the day.

Advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces

The aligners are removable, so it is easier to eat and clean your teeth while straightening them during treatment. Plus, you can get regular check-ups during the process with your dentist.

The alignment process will also be virtually invisible to observers because you aren’t wearing braces or wires.

What about disadvantages? Some might complain that it is more expensive than braces and that they may need to wear them for longer. To be clear, if you need braces and think Invisalign is more expensive or will take longer to straighten your teeth, that’s not necessarily the case. If you need traditional braces, it doesn’t mean Invisalign treatment won’t work for you. In fact, there are numerous cases where people who didn’t even consider Invisalign were able to go through with it.

Advantages of Braces over Invisalign:

Braces are less expensive. This is one clear advantage. If cost is a major factor, then it is best to consider traditional braces. Braces are typically covered by dental insurance as well.

Some people need the constant adjustment and attention of a dental professional to keep their teeth from shifting, while some people do not need this with braces.

Invisalign requires more daily care than braces, which means you have to take it out whenever you eat or brush your teeth.

Braces will work with any bite, but Invisalign can only be used for a certain type of bite.

The final verdict – Invisalign or Braces?

You could ask your orthodontist which is better for you, but it all really depends on what fits your needs the best. Braces are generally cheaper, but very visible. You will be required to wear them for at least two years, but the results are pretty much guaranteed.

Invisalign is a bit more expensive upfront but it’s less noticeable. The choice is difficult because either option has pros and cons. Think about what your priorities are and make the decision.