Invisalign is an orthodontic system using removable clear aligner trays to reposition teeth instead of fixed braces. These aligner trays are computer-designed and generated, based on your custom treatment plan, applying the right amount of force to specific teeth.
Treatment involves wearing a series of aligner trays, each of which will continue moving your teeth in the right direction in small increments. Every 10 to 14 days, you switch to a new set of aligner trays until your teeth are fully straightened.
Planning Invisalign treatment uses the latest computerized technology, and a brief overview of what to expect is below.
An initial consultation quickly determines if Invisalign is the right solution for you, based on our Invisalign dentist’s analysis of your bite and tooth alignment issues.
The next stage is to digitally scan your teeth using a tiny handheld scanner. This is quick and comfortable, and non-invasive. We use this scan to create your custom digital treatment plan.
With Invisalign’s proprietary software, our dentist can plan your treatment accurately. The plan will detail how your teeth will move into the proper positions, the predicted timeline, and the cost of treatment.
Part of this process is to provide digital images of how your teeth should look if you follow the treatment plan properly and wear your aligner trays as directed. It’s an excellent opportunity to preview how your teeth will look after treatment, so you can decide for yourself whether it will meet your goals.
After finalizing your treatment plan, your custom aligners are computer-generated, and you will be provided with several sets to use. We will discuss how often you need to change them and provide general advice on keeping them and your teeth clean during treatment.
We will need to see you regularly, probably every 6 to 8 weeks, to check that your teeth are moving as expected. If needed, we can make any adjustments to your treatment plan and provide new sets of aligners as the process continues.
Because there is no need to adjust fixed braces or tighten wires, these appointments are pretty quick.
After you finish wearing your final set of aligners, we can review the results with you to ensure your teeth are fully straightened. If needed, we can provide additional sets of aligners to help perfect the treatment outcome.
At this stage, you move on to wearing retainers instead. Invisalign produces its own retainers called Vivera. The first set of retainers may be included in your treatment plan.
You wear these retainers exactly like your aligners, initially for most of the time, gradually reducing this time as your teeth settle into their new positions. Because your teeth are no longer moving, retainers are very comfortable to wear. You treat them like aligner trays, except they will last much longer.
Invisalign is a very versatile treatment, and there are several different systems designed for specific circumstances. When you first see our Invisalign dentist, we can determine which system best suits you.
This is the fastest Invisalign system, offering just five sets of aligners. We may recommend this solution if you have previously worn braces and have noticed your teeth moving slightly over time. It can also help people who only require minor tooth movements to create a more cosmetically appealing smile.
With this system, you receive 14 sets of aligner trays, designed to treat minor cases of misalignment that can be corrected in as little as 6 months. You may benefit from this treatment if you only have minor spacing or overcrowding issues, and, if needed, you can purchase additional sets of aligners beyond the initial 14 included to continue moving your teeth.
You are eligible for up to 20 sets of aligners with Invisalign Moderate. It may be right for you if you have mild or moderate misalignment. Like Invisalign Lite, you can purchase additional aligner sets if needed to perfect the results.
This is the most complete Invisalign system and is suitable for people with complex bite issues. With this system, there is no limit on the number of aligner sets you can receive. The treatment time is longer, up to five years.
Invisalign Comprehensive is the right solution for people with moderate or severe malocclusion problems needing correction.
There are many reasons why Invisalign is one of the most popular tooth-straightening systems worldwide, including the following.
Invisalign or any orthodontic treatment can benefit oral health when correcting significant bite problems. It is much easier to brush and floss straight, evenly aligned teeth, which can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Invisalign is easy to use and fits into any busy lifestyle. Below is a little of what to expect, but we can provide more detailed information tailored to your treatment plan.
You must wear your aligners almost continuously for at least 20 to 22 hours daily. It’s best to only remove them for oral care and meals as all the time they remain in your mouth, they are moving your teeth into the right positions.
When you first start wearing your aligners, they may feel a bit tight and cause minor discomfort. This is inevitable with any orthodontic treatment, and as your teeth start to move, the discomfort should lessen.
In the meantime, use over-the-counter pain relief to relieve discomfort. When you start wearing a new set of aligners, choose softer, cooler foods for the first couple of days until you get used to them. Some people find it helpful to start wearing a new set of aligners at bedtime.
Ensure you change your aligners on the recommended day to help keep your teeth moving in the right directions. If you find it tricky to remember, set a reminder on your phone or track your wear time using Invisalign’s app.
It’s essential to remove your aligners before meals and when drinking anything except water. Trying to eat with them in could risk staining them, and food and plaque can become trapped underneath them, increasing the risk of tooth decay and bad breath.
It is important to clean your aligners thoroughly with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild dish soap, or with Invisalign’s proprietary cleaner. You should do this after every meal to keep the aligners fresh and hygienic.
Invisalign offers special deep-cleaning crystals you can soak your aligners in for 15 minutes or so to help freshen them and remove plaque buildup. It’s also possible to purchase a UV-sanitizing case that disinfects your aligners without water, which can be useful when you are on the go.
You can brush and floss normally, but it’s important to clean your teeth after every meal as well as first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Many people find it useful to keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste with them, as well as a small bottle of water, so they can clean their teeth wherever they are.
When you wear any new appliance, especially a brace or aligner trays, you may find that it affects your speech initially. Some people find they develop a slight lisp, but this should be temporary. Practising speaking with your aligners will help them feel more natural and enable you to speak normally within a very short while.
Aligner trays are not sports mouthguards and are designed to protect your teeth. Ideally, remove your aligners when playing sports and replace them with a properly fitted custom mouthguard.
After you finish playing sports, ensure you immediately replace your aligners. Leaving them out for too long can affect your treatment plan.
Invisalign is an effective system to straighten teeth without braces. It works very well when used properly.
At Dental Pearl, we want to ensure you have a positive experience during your treatment and are always here to answer questions or provide further assistance. For example, if you have Invisalign pain, please don’t suffer in silence but get in touch with us so we can modify your treatment plan to help you feel more comfortable quickly.
