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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 has quickly become a popular alternative to traditional braces. It is a discreet and convenient way to achieve a perfect smile.
But what exactly is Invisalign, how does it work, and could it be the answer to your dental concerns?
What is Invisalign?
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.
Types of Invisalign Aligners
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.
Product | Patient Type | Malocclusion Severity | Clinical Scope |
Invisalign Express | Adult/Teen | Mild to moderate | Relapse and minor movement, anterior esthetic alignment |
Invisalign Go Package | Adult/Teen | Mild to moderate | Class I, no AP correction, mild to moderate crowding/spacing, non-extraction, pre-restorative (5x5 movement) |
Invisalign Comprehensive Package | Adult/Teen | Moderate to severe | Class I, II, III, moderate to severe crowding/spacing, AP and vertical discrepancies, extractions, complex cases |
What Is Invisalign Made of?
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.
How does Invisalign work?
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.
How do Aligners Impact the Bone?
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.
What Types of Dental Issues Can Invisalign Correct?
Invisalign can correct the following dental conditions:
Crooked Teeth
If you want to straighten your crooked teeth, Invisalign can be an effective solution. It uses a series of clear aligners to gradually shift crooked teeth into proper alignment, helping you achieve a straighter and more confident smile.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth, making it challenging to bite and chew certain foods. Invisalign can often address this issue by moving the teeth into better alignment, ensuring that the top and bottom teeth meet correctly when your mouth is closed. However, the success of treatment can depend on the severity of the overbite.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth, which can lead to rapid wear on the teeth and difficulties with speech. Invisalign can sometimes correct an underbite by shifting the lower teeth back to their proper position.
In severe cases, a combination of braces and Invisalign might be necessary, and some extreme underbite situations may not be fully treatable with Invisalign alone.
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.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spacing issues, such as gaps between teeth, can cause food to get trapped, leading to discomfort and potential gum disease. Invisalign can effectively close these gaps, enhancing both the health and aesthetics of your smile. However, there are limits to how much space can be closed with Invisalign.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when there's a visible gap between the upper and lower teeth even when the mouth is fully closed. Invisalign can help by moving the teeth into positions where they properly meet, correcting the open bite, and improving overall function.
Crowded Teeth
Tooth crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all of your teeth, causing them to overlap and twist. This can create difficulties with cleaning and increase the risk of decay and gum disease.
Invisalign can address some cases of crowded teeth by gradually shifting them into a better position, although the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the severity and complexity of the crowding.
How Effective is Invisalign?
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.
What can affect how well Invisalign works?
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.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Invisalign Compared to Traditional Treatments?
While there are benefits of Invisalign compared to traditional treatments, there are also drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the table.
Benefits of Invisalign | Drawbacks of Invisalign |
Aesthetic appeal: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them more discreet in everyday life than metal braces. | Less effective for complex issues: May not be suitable for severe orthodontic problems, or if you have bridgework. |
Removable: You can easily take the aligners out when needed, offering more flexibility. | Requires compliance: Must be worn for 20-22 hours daily. Non-compliance can affect the treatment outcome. |
Easier oral hygiene: Removing aligners allows for better brushing and flossing compared to traditional braces. | Must be removed to eat or drink: Food and drink (other than water) can get trapped, promoting bacteria growth or staining. |
Fewer emergency issues: No risk of broken brackets or wires that could require emergency orthodontic visits. | Tooth soreness: Removing aligners can cause discomfort, limiting your ability to eat certain foods, especially hard or crunchy ones. |
No food restrictions while wearing: Since aligners are removed during meals, you’re free to eat anything you like as long as it's not too hard on your teeth. | Staining risk: If aligners are not removed when consuming beverages like coffee or tea, they and your teeth may become stained. |
Tips During an Invisalign Treatment
If you’re new to Invisalign, then we’ve got some tips for you. With these 7 tips, you’ll be ready to achieve a perfect smile in just a couple of months!
1. Stick to the Aligners Change Schedule
One of the most important aspects of your Invisalign treatment is following the change schedule your dentist provides, typically every two weeks. Wearing an aligner for too long or switching too early can cause a poor fit, delaying your treatment and potentially increasing costs.
2. Be Proactive with Any Soreness
Soreness or discomfort when you switch aligners is common, but it's only temporary. To relieve the pain, you can suck on ice cubes or use munchies to help relieve the pain.
Do not take the aligners out to relieve tenderness, as this can actually extend the discomfort. If you experience severe or prolonged pain, contact your dentist for advice.
3. Don’t Skip Routine Dental Cleanings
Even with Invisalign, your bi-annual dental cleanings are essential. Since the aligners are removable, it's easy to maintain your regular dental visits.
Skipping these cleanings can leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities and other oral health problems.
4. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Proper oral hygiene becomes even more critical with Invisalign. Food particles can get trapped under the aligners, so make sure to remove them in the morning and at night to brush, floss, and rinse.
Always place your aligners in their case while you’re cleaning your teeth.
5. Always Store Your Aligners in Their Case
Improper storage is one of the easiest ways to lose or damage your aligners. Always use the case provided when they’re not in your mouth.
Don’t leave them wrapped in napkins or exposed, as they can be easily lost or chewed by pets.
6. Don’t Get Discouraged with Your Speech
You might notice a slight lisp when you first start wearing Invisalign, but this will fade within a few days as your mouth and tongue adjust to the aligners. Keep speaking normally, and soon the lisp will disappear.
7. Keep the Previous Aligners as Backup
Don’t throw out your old aligners immediately after switching to a new set. They serve as a backup in case you lose or damage the current aligners. Without any aligner, your teeth can begin to shift back, lengthening your treatment. Hold on to your previous set until your dentist advises otherwise.
You can check out the extended version of these tips here.
What Comes After an Invisalign Treatment?
After completing an Invisalign treatment, the next phase involves wearing retainers to maintain the new alignment of your teeth.
Since Invisalign causes teeth to gradually shift into a more desired position, once the aligners are removed, the teeth can have a natural tendency to move back to their original positions.
Retainers are essential to prevent this relapse and to keep your smile intact. You will likely need to wear them full-time for the first few months, then transition to wearing them only at night, depending on your dentist’s recommendations.
Another important aspect of post-Invisalign care is scheduling regular dental checkups to monitor the stability of your teeth. Your dentist will assess how well your teeth are holding their new positions and may suggest adjustments to your retainer schedule or provide guidance on any lingering issues.
What is the Cost of Invisalign?
The cost of Invisalign treatment will depend on the complexity of the case and the length of the Invisalign treatment. Different options are available based on your age and orthodontic needs. Based on the Invisalign website, the prices of Invisalign are the following:
Mild to moderate cases:
Invisalign Express: $2,999 to $3,999
Invisalign Go: $3,999 to $4,999
Moderate to severe cases:
Invisalign Comprehensive: $4,999 to $8,000
More severe cases generally require the Invisalign Comprehensive treatment, which ranges from $4,999 to $8,000, due to the need for a longer treatment duration and more extensive alignment.
Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans do cover Invisalign, though the extent of coverage can vary depending on the specifics of your plan. Typically, insurance companies will cover between 25% to 50% of the total treatment cost. However, most plans have a maximum coverage limit of $1,500 to $2,000.
For example, if your total Invisalign cost is $6,000 and your plan has an orthodontic benefit maximum of $2,000, your insurance will cover up to $2,000, even if this represents less than 50% of the total cost. As a result, you may still have a significant out-of-pocket expense, in this case, $4,000, despite the coverage provided.
Are the Invisalign Aligners for you?
Invisalign aligners can be a great option, but only if you’re ready for this commitment. Try to ask yourself these questions to see if they’re the right choice for you:
1. Am I prepared to care for the aligners properly? Proper maintenance and cleaning of the aligners are crucial for effective treatment and oral hygiene.
2. Do I feel self-conscious about traditional braces? Invisalign aligners are clear and less noticeable, which can be a significant advantage if you prefer a more discreet treatment option.
3. Can I commit to wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day? Success with Invisalign requires discipline and adherence to wearing the aligners for most of the day.
4. Is it within my budget? Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces, so it's important to consider whether the investment fits your financial situation.
5. Am I prepared to handle any potential discomfort or adjustments? Although generally less uncomfortable than traditional braces, some users may experience temporary discomfort or adjustments as they adapt to wearing the aligners.
How to Choose Your Invisalign Dentist
It can be difficult to decide which dentist to go to that will follow you through the whole process of having alignments. But you can make sure that Enamel Dentistry has your back (or teeth!).
Enamel Dentistry specializes in teeth health, offering general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. During your Invisalign treatment, our specialists will guide you through the whole process of Invisalign, from getting a 3D scan to the last stages of wearing Invisalign alignments.
