A confident smile with straight teeth can significantly boost an individual’s self-esteem and overall well-being. Studies suggest that approximately 60% of people believe straight teeth contribute to increased confidence and happiness. Invisalign, a revolutionary treatment designed to correct teeth misalignments and deliver that perfect smile, is gaining popularity. But What Is Invisalign and is it the right choice for you?
It’s estimated that around 4 million Canadians and Americans are currently undergoing orthodontic treatments to improve their oral health and appearance. Notably, a growing number of adults are opting for corrective treatments, with approximately 1 in 4 brace wearers being over the age of 21.
This surge in adult orthodontic treatment is largely driven by advancements in modern dental solutions. The introduction of Invisalign has eliminated the self-consciousness often associated with traditional braces. Invisalign’s clear aligners make the treatment virtually invisible, offering a discreet way to achieve a straighter smile.
Invisalign is a relatively new orthodontic treatment that uses custom-made, computer-generated molds to realign teeth that are misaligned or improperly positioned. These clear aligners gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions, leaving you with a beautiful, confident smile.
Invisalign is often an ideal treatment option for teenagers who require corrective work. It offers more flexibility and less hassle compared to traditional braces, setting them on the path to optimal dental health in adulthood.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Invisalign, identify who are the most suitable candidates for Invisalign’s clear aligners, and explain why it’s a preferred choice for orthodontists worldwide.
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How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment specifically designed to align your teeth properly. But what is Invisalign doing exactly? Here’s a breakdown of how it functions:
Invisalign employs clear aligners crafted from computer-generated images and impressions taken of your mouth by your dentist. These aligners gradually reposition your teeth. Unlike traditional braces that use fixed wires to “pull” teeth into alignment, Invisalign uses a series of molds that, over several months, gently guide your teeth into their corrected positions.
This offers a simplified explanation of the general Invisalign process.
Invisalign vs. Braces: Key Differences
Both Invisalign and traditional braces aim to improve teeth alignment, resulting in a straighter smile and better oral health. While traditional braces have been a mainstay in orthodontics for decades, Invisalign presents a more modern solution tailored to contemporary lifestyles. Like any treatment, Invisalign has its advantages and disadvantages, which patients should carefully consider.
While there are some similarities, the differences between Invisalign and traditional braces are more pronounced:
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are crafted from transparent, BPA-free plastic, rendering them nearly invisible. Traditional braces, conversely, are made from metal wires and elastic bands, making them more noticeable.
- Convenience: Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing patients to take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. While dentists recommend wearing the trays for 20-22 hours daily, the flexibility is a significant advantage. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are fixed to the teeth and cannot be removed by the patient.
- Treatment Duration: The Invisalign treatment process is typically shorter than traditional braces. Invisalign patients generally wear their aligners for 6 to 18 months, whereas traditional braces average around 2 years.
- Cost: The initial cost of Invisalign tends to be higher than traditional metal braces. However, the higher-end costs are often comparable, and ceramic braces can sometimes be more expensive. Consult with your dentist for a precise estimate of Invisalign cost.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is generally suitable for anyone seeking to enhance their smile or align their teeth more effectively.
- Teenagers: Invisalign effectively corrects most misalignments in teenage teeth. Its clear aligners offer a discreet way for teens to achieve a winning smile and improved dental health, especially during their self-conscious teenage years.
- Adults: An increasing number of adults are choosing orthodontic treatment to take control of their oral health. Invisalign is ideal for adults who desire a flexible alignment procedure and a better smile without the visibility of metal braces.
However, Invisalign might not be suitable for patients who need extensive corrective work on their back teeth. Consulting with a dental professional is essential to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you or a family member.
The Invisalign Treatment Process: A Detailed Overview
Let’s explore the Invisalign process in more detail. While the specific steps may vary depending on your individual situation, here’s a general outline of what to expect during your treatment:
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Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, you’ll meet with a dentist to discuss your goals, assess your oral health, and determine if Invisalign is suitable for you. The dentist will explain the Invisalign process, how it works, and the likely cost.
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X-rays and Photographs: If you decide to proceed with Invisalign, X-rays and photographs of your teeth and jaw will be taken from different angles to create a detailed map of your mouth’s structure. In some cases, a lateral cephalometric X-ray may also be taken to assess the relationship between your jaw and cheekbone.
- Preparatory Work: Some patients may require small composite patches to be applied to their teeth to help the aligners grip and move them effectively. The need for these patches varies from patient to patient. These patches are made from the same material as fillings and are easily removed without discomfort at the end of the Invisalign process.
Another preparatory step is interproximal reduction (IPR), which involves creating more space between teeth in crowded mouths. This is achieved by carefully removing small amounts of enamel using specialized discs, allowing for improved tooth movement.
- First Fitting: You’ll receive your first set of Invisalign aligners during the same visit as your preparatory work. The aligners are custom-made from your impressions and should fit snugly.
During this stage, your dentist will review the fit and may try a few different molds to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness. They will ask you about how the trays feel, whether you sense any movement, and if you experience any discomfort.
It’s normal for your new Invisalign aligners to feel strange and tight at first. However, they should not be painful, as they need to be strong enough to begin the realignment process. If you experience any significant pain or distress, inform your dentist.
- Changes to Your Mouth: As you begin wearing your clear aligners, you may notice some changes in your mouth. This is perfectly normal and a part of the process of getting used to Invisalign. These changes are very similar to the side effects of traditional braces.
You may experience a certain level of discomfort, including aching, as your teeth are gradually forced into their new positions. This discomfort should subside after a few days with each aligner change.
Additionally, some Invisalign wearers experience increased sensitivity in their teeth. Using toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate this issue. You may also notice slight differences in your speech during the first few weeks of wearing your trays. This is due to the aligners taking up some space in your mouth, which restricts the movement of your tongue. This should disappear within the first couple of weeks.
A helpful tip for Invisalign wearers is to adhere to the recommended 20-22 hour wear time to help your tongue adjust to its temporary environment more quickly!
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Changing Your Invisalign Aligners: You’ll change your Invisalign aligners every one or two weeks, as determined by your dentist. Each new aligner represents the next phase in the movement of your teeth, gradually guiding them towards the desired alignment.
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Cleaning Your Invisalign Braces: Cleaning your Invisalign braces is easy. Trays should be cleaned thoroughly in the morning and at night, either before or after brushing your teeth, to remove bacteria that have accumulated overnight or during the day. Insufficient cleaning can lead to unpleasant odors.
Cleaning should be done with a toothbrush, but without toothpaste. The trays should also be rinsed every time you remove them during the day to freshen them up and prevent odors caused by buildups or bacteria. Additionally, clean them after every meal to avoid discoloration. For best practice, soak your aligners in a dental cleaner when not in use. Dental cleaner tablets are widely available. Your dentist will repeat this cleaning advice during your visits.
Why Choose Maple Health Clinic for Invisalign Treatment?
Maple Health Dental is a trusted and experienced dental clinic in the Vaughan area. We understand the importance of dentistry and oral health for families and strive to keep our prices competitive to make our services accessible to as many people as possible.
Maple Health Dental is a cutting-edge cosmetic dental clinic staffed by a team of highly experienced dentists. We offer comprehensive care for the entire family in a relaxed setting. While the pros and cons of Invisalign can only be assessed by our patients and their families, we believe Invisalign is an excellent option for many.
To learn more about Invisalign costs and have any other questions about the Invisalign process answered, contact our clinic today.
When you choose Maple Dental Health Clinic, you can be confident that your family’s dental needs will be met! Contact us today!
