What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the treatment process of gradual straightening of teeth wearing a series of clear, removable aligners without using any brackets and wires.
The aligners are made of flexible plastic — specifically, a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® and they are transparent..Since the material is thin and clear and fits well to the teeth,it is virtually invisible.It is suitable for kids,teens and adults as well.
What does the procedure look like?
-At the start of dental appointment, your dentist will take a 3d digital scan of your teeth.Next a custom treatment plan is mapped out based on your treatment goals.This unique, digital treatment plan maps out the exact movements of your teeth and lays the steps to your smile transformation.
-Your Invisalign clear aligners are then designed to apply the right amount of force to the right place at the right time based on your initial plan.Your dentist will ensure that they fit you well,answer all your questions and inform you as to what to expect for example initial discomfort etc.
-You will be asked to come in for dental check-ups every few weeks.Goal of these appointments is for the dentist to make sure the aligners fit you well, assess the progress achieved and give you the next set of aligners.
-You are expected to wear each set of aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day,shifting to a new set of aligners every week or alternate weeks, as decided by your dentist. The different sets of aligners as per the treatment plan will gently and gradually shift your teeth into place, until you achieve your beautiful new transformed smile.
Your Invisalign treatment sometimes involve use of small tooth colored shapes attached to your teeth called SmartForce® attachments,These attachments often make complex tooth movements possible serving as handles for aligners to push the tooth with the right amount of force.Not all Invisalign treatments may need the smartForce attachments.
Before Invisalign treatment is started a dental checkup and cleaning is generally recommended by your braces doctor to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health.
Is Invisalign painful?
Invisalign is not painful.In the first few days, soon after the placement of aligners you may feel slight pressure or discomfort which is perfectly normal.Discomfort soon goes away once your teeth get used to them.
Invisalign vs Braces
Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible and no one can notice you wearing them. Braces are conspicuous and may make you feel conscious ,uncomfortable around people.
Freedom to remove them to eat and drink, to brush and floss, or for special occasions but Braces are fixed.
Unlike braces,Invisalign doesn’t involve use of any metal brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth or break,involving an unscheduled or an emergency visit to the dentist or braces doctor.
What will be the treatment duration?
The treatment duration with Invisalign depends on several factors like the complexity of the case,the length of time the aligners are worn etc.It can be predicted at the start of the treatment plan based on the smile transformation planned.Though results are visible in just a few weeks the overall treatment may take only 12-18 months.
Why Invisalign?
-The treatment outcome of Invisalign is predictable.You can visualise the progress at every stage and enjoy the process of smile transformation.
-Convenient to the wearer as clear aligners are discreet and don’t need to feel conscious.
-They are customised to fit snugly around your teeth and hence more comfortable.
Where can I get Invisalign?
An orthodontist or dentist who is trained in Invisalign can treat you.
How is Invisalign different from other orthodontic treatments?
-The results of Invisalign are very quick often as little as 6 months
-Very comfortable and less painful than braces
- Removable and convenient and so easier to put on or take off.
Is Invisalign the right option?
Invisalign can treat a wide range of teeth straightening conditions from simple to complex cases like gaps,underbite,overbite,crossbite,crowding,open bite,overbite etc.Your dentist/orthodontist can evaluate your condition and decide if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Myth:Invisalign treatment involves both the upper and lower teeth.
Truth: No,the treatment depends on individual needs.Invisalign is available for upper or lower teeth as well,.
Post Invisalign care:
-Quit smoking as it can stain the aligners
-Remove aligners while chewing gum or eating food as it can stick to the aligners
-Aligners are to be worn at all times.Short periods of not wearing them may cause discomfort when re inserted but prolonged periods may alter the fit.Schedule an appointment immediately with your dentist if they no longer fit you after not using for long period.He or she can find a proper solution to your situation.
-Clean your aligners with the usual toothbrush and paste and rinse with warm water or your dentist may advise you to use the Invisalign cleaning system. Avoid using hot water for cleaning as it can permanently warp the plastic and the aligners will no longer fit.
-Brush after every meal before placing the aligners back on the teeth.Any leftover food residue may cause staining to the aligners.
-Always ensure aligners are clean and hygienic before placing them back.
-Inform your braces doctor immediately if you lose or misplace your aligners.You may be given a previous set or the next set while he places an order for the aligners.
What to expect after Invisalign treatment?
Your dentist may advise a retainer to prevent movement of teeth to their original position and keep your new smile .But not all cases are alike and some may not need a retainer.Retainers are made from custom 3D digital impressions as the initial aligner.The retainer is given with instructions as to the length of time it has to be worn.Typically it may be necessary to wear the retainer full time gradually reducing to only the night time wear.Report any loss or breakage of the retainer so that a replacement can be ordered. Schedule regular appointments with your braces doctor till treatment is complete.
How much does Invisalign cost and what are my options?
The cost depends on several factors like the severity of the case,individual treatment goals,experience of the braces doctor,the type and the number of aligners needed etc. We at Smiline dental hospital want our dental treatments affordable to all our patients.Please ask our front office for details about the EMI facility and other payment modes that can make the cost of invisalign affordable.
