When people look at you, one of the first things that they will notice is your smile. It can brighten a room, create a lasting impression, and boost your confidence.
But what if your smile isn’t as straight as you’d like it to be? Traditional metal braces have long been the go-to solution for aligning teeth, but they come with their own set of challenges—discomfort, dietary restrictions, and a visible impact on your appearance.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. Unlike the conventional braces that use brackets and wires, Invisalign relies on a series of clear, custom-made aligners.
These aligners are made from a smooth, BPA-free plastic that is nearly invisible when worn, making them an ideal option for those who want to improve their smile discreetly.
Each set of aligners is designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position, with patients typically switching to a new set every one to two weeks (depending on the type of treatment or the condition that your teeth are in).
The Invisalign treatment is highly customizable, starting with a consultation where a detailed 3D scan of your teeth is taken. This scan allows your dentist to map out a precise treatment plan, showing you the step-by-step progression of your teeth throughout the treatment.
Our Invisalign portfolio includes 3 types of clear aligner solutions tailored to address different levels of malocclusion and patient needs.
In the following, we included a table of the most appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the dental issues and the patient type, whether they are an adult, teen, or growing child.
Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade, high molecular weight, thermoplastic polymers.
These materials were selected because they are safe and effective, with a history of FDA approvals for long-term use in the body. They have been extensively tested and found to be compatible with the human mouth and meet all safety standards for oral use
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth gradually. Each aligner is slightly different in shape, so your teeth are moved bit by bit.
For example, the first aligner will match your current tooth position, while the final aligner will reflect your straightened smile. Each aligner shifts your teeth by small increments, and changing aligners as directed ensures steady progress toward your desired result.
Your teeth are anchored in bone by the periodontal ligament, which acts like a cushion. When the aligners apply pressure, this ligament and the surrounding bone are remodeled to accommodate the new tooth positions.
Some cells in the ligament break down bone in the direction the tooth is moving, while others build new bone in the space the tooth has moved from. This process can make your teeth feel loose at times, but this is completely normal.
Invisalign Attachments and IPR
In almost 95% of cases, small composite buttons called attachments are added to the fronts of your teeth. These are used to help move your teeth more effectively by providing additional points of contact for the aligners. Attachments are removed at the end of treatment without leaving a trace.
Interproximal reduction (IPR) is sometimes used to create extra space for tooth movement. We polish in between the teeth (a few 10ths of a mm) to create space. This technique is particularly useful in cases of crowded teeth.
Invisalign can correct the following dental conditions.
Crossbite – A crossbite is when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, which can lead to tooth chipping, wear, and even gum recession. Invisalign can often address a crossbite by repositioning the misaligned teeth, helping to correct the bite and improve oral health.
Invisalign is as effective as traditional braces. The clear aligners used in Invisalign are less noticeable than metal braces, which can encourage patients to adhere more consistently to their treatment plan. This subtlety often helps patients stay committed to the process, leading to successful outcomes.
The study by NIH suggests that clear aligners offer benefits such as targeted tooth movement and shorter treatment times compared to metal braces. However, they have limitations compared to traditional braces, particularly in achieving precise occlusal contacts, controlling tooth torque, and ensuring effective retention.
The main things that will affect how Invisalign works are your eating habits, how long you wear aligners, your brushing teeth routine, and how well you clean your aligners.
For Invisalign to be effective, it’s crucial to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. The only times you should remove them are for eating or drinking, brushing and flossing your teeth, and cleaning the aligners.
But be cautious when cleaning your aligners; using very hot water can warp the plastic, affecting the fit and potentially hindering your treatment progress.
The success of Invisalign can also depend on the complexity of your orthodontic issues. For more intricate spacing or bite problems, treatment may take longer to achieve the desired results
Schedule your appointment today and experience the Enamel Dentistry difference. We prioritize your comfort and convenience with flexible insurance and financing options.
