Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment used to help patients achieve their dream smiles. It is a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. In this blog post, Joondanna Family Dental will discuss everything patients need to know about Invisalign treatment.
What is Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign treatment is a popular treatment option to crooked or misaligned teeth. This uses orthodontic aligners to gradually move the teeth into their correct position. It is an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces and is preferred by adults who want to improve their smiles. This dental treatment is customised for each patient. The Invisalign trays are made from a clear plastic that is comfortable and undetectable when worn.
Who are good candidates for Invisalign?
Most people who are considering braces are good candidates for Invisalign. However, there are some cases where Invisalign is not the right option. Some characteristics that make one a good candidate for Invisalign include the following:
- Mild to moderate misalignment of teeth:
A good candidate for Invisalign has minor to moderate dental problems. Invisalign is effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic problems. But it is not meant to be used as a treatment for major dental issues, such as severely crooked teeth or bite problems. If your teeth are only slightly out of alignment, Invisalign may be a good option for you. - Good oral hygiene:
Because Invisalign trays are removable, it’s important to be diligent when cleaning them. Food particles can get stuck in the aligners, so remember to brush and floss often. You also have to be careful not to damage or lose your aligners. - Commitment to treatment:
Invisalign can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete. During this time, it’s important to wear your aligners as prescribed by your orthodontist. - No underlying dental health issues:
To be a candidate for Invisalign, you must not have active tooth decay, gum disease, or any underlying dental health issues. This is because Invisalign can actually worsen these conditions if they are present. Your dentist will address them first before proceeding with treatment. - Healthy teeth and gums: A good candidate for Invisalign must also have healthy teeth and gums. This is because any orthodontic treatment puts some pressure on the teeth and gums. If they are not healthy, this pressure can cause further damage.
Are there any advantages to Invisalign treatment?
While metal braces have been the traditional choice for managing dental alignment issues, Invisalign has become a popular alternative in recent years. So what are the advantages of Invisalign over metal braces?
- Invisalign is practically invisible:
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that it is far more discreet than metal braces. Because the orthodontic aligners are made of clear plastic, they’re much less noticeable. If you’re concerned about how metal braces will affect your appearance, Invisalign might be a good option for you. - Invisalign is comfortable:
Another advantage of Invisalign is that it’s more comfortable than metal braces. The aligners are made of a smooth, plastic material that doesn’t rub against your gums or cheeks the way metal brackets and wires can. - Invisalign is removable:
One of the pros of Invisalign is that you can remove the aligners. That means you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth. With metal braces, you have to be careful about what you eat to avoid getting food stuck in your braces. And you can brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy. - Invisalign is convenient:
Because Invisalign is removable, it’s also more convenient than metal braces. You don’t have to worry about food restrictions or getting your aligners caught on things. And you can brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy. - Invisalign treatment is faster than braces:
Invisalign treatment tends to be shorter than traditional braces. The average treatment time for Invisalign is about 12 months. Meanwhile, traditional braces need to be worn for two years or more. So if you’re looking to achieve straight teeth much quicker, consider Invisalign treatment. However, the treatment time for both options varies for each individual. - Invisalign is ideal for patients who play sports:
If you play contact sports, you might be worried about getting hit in the mouth and damaging your braces. With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about that. You can simply remove your aligners before playing sports and put them back in when you’re done.
If you’re considering Invisalign, talk to your orthodontist to see if it’s right for you. With its many benefits, Invisalign may be the perfect way to achieve the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Are there any disadvantages to Invisalign treatment?
While Invisalign orthodontic aligners are a popular choice for those looking to improve their smile, there are some disadvantages to be aware of before making the decision to go with this treatment option.
- Invisalign can be expensive:
One of the biggest disadvantages of Invisalign is the cost. Because they are custom-made for each patient, treatment can be very expensive. In addition, Invisalign may not be covered by your dental insurance, so you could end up paying for the entire treatment out of pocket. - Invisalign can cause gum irritation:
Because Invisalign trays rub against your gums, it can sometimes cause irritation. This is usually temporary and will go away once your gums get used to the aligners. If the irritation persists, you should talk to your orthodontist about it. - Invisalign aligners can get lost: Because Invisalign aligners are removable, there is a risk that they may get lost. And because they’re clear, they can be hard to see and easy to misplace. If you lose an aligner, you will need to request a replacement from your orthodontist.
- Invisalign is not suitable for all dental problems: It is most effective for addressing minor crowding or spacing issues. If you have more serious dental problems, such as a severe overbite, underbite, or misalignment of teeth, you will likely need traditional braces.
- Invisalign can be uncomfortable: While Invisalign clear aligners are designed to be comfortable, some people do find them to be a bit uncomfortable. The aligners put pressure on your teeth and gums, which can cause pain and discomfort. But this should go away as you get used to wearing the aligners.
Invisalign is a great treatment option for many people. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you’re not sure if Invisalign is right for you, talk to your orthodontist about other options.
Is it possible to stain Invisalign aligners?
Yes, it is possible to stain Invisalign aligners. There are a few things that can cause staining on your aligners, including:
- Smoking – The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause yellowing or browning on the aligners.
- Eating – Certain foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, and red wine, can leave stains on the aligners. That’s why they must be removed before consuming anything other than water.
- Poor oral hygiene – If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque and bacteria can build up on the aligners and cause them to appear yellow or brown.
To avoid staining your aligners, brush your teeth after every meal and before putting the aligners back in your mouth. You can also use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cleaning clear plastic.
How do I clean Invisalign aligners?
If you’re one of the millions of people who are currently using Invisalign clear aligners to achieve straighter teeth, you know that keeping them clean is essential to maintaining both their appearance and their effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you keep your Invisalign aligners clean and looking brand new:
- Rinse them properly:
Rinse your aligners with water every time you take them out. Plaque and bacteria can build up on your aligners like they can on your teeth. Because of this, it’s important to give your aligners a good rinse before putting them back in. - Brush them regularly:
Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can use regular toothpaste or a special Invisalign cleaning solution. Use a gentle brush, so you don’t damage the aligners. - Soak them every night:
Soak your aligners in a denture-cleaning solution overnight. This will help kill any bacteria that might be lurking on your aligners. Remember to follow the directions on the denture-cleaning solution you use. - Visit your dentist or orthodontist:
They can check if your aligners are fitting properly and give you any other tips on how to keep them clean. - Replace your aligners every two weeks:
Invisalign provides new aligners every two weeks as part of your personalised treatment plan. These new aligners will be cleaner and help keep your teeth on track with their movement.
Following these tips will help you keep your aligners clean and your smile looking great.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
The Invisalign treatment process typically takes between 9 and 15 months. To get a more accurate estimate of how long your Invisalign treatment will take, we recommend consulting a dentist. They will be able to assess the severity of your dental issue and develop a personalised treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs. Here is a general timeline for Invisalign treatment:
- Initial Appointment:
The first step in treatment is to visit an Invisalign-certified orthodontist or dentist for a consultation. During the initial consultation, the orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and bite to determine if Invisalign is right for you. They will also discuss the treatment process with you and answer any questions you may have. - Impressions:
Once we determine that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, impressions of your teeth will be taken. These impressions will be used to create your personalised treatment plan. - Treatment Plan:
Your orthodontist will use the impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model of your teeth. They will then map out the movement of your teeth during treatment and design custom aligners. - Receive Aligners:
Once your treatment plan is complete, you will receive your first set of aligners. You will wear each aligner for 20-22 hours per day and only remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next set in the series. - Refinement Period:
In some cases, after completing the series of aligners, a refinement period may be necessary. This means wearing additional aligners to fine-tune your smile. - Monitor Progress:
You will need to visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks. This is so they can monitor your progress and give you the next set of aligners. As each aligner moves your teeth a little bit closer to their final position, you will gradually see your smile transform. - Finish Treatment:
Once you have finished wearing all the aligners in your treatment plan, your teeth will be in their new, desired position! You may need to wear a retainer at night to maintain your new smile.
The Invisalign treatment process is simple and effective! With proper care and maintenance, you will have a beautiful, new smile in no time.
Is Invisalign suitable for children?
Invisalign is usually recommended for children who are at least 12 years old. This is because the eruption of the adult teeth is generally complete by this age, making it easier to assess and address any misalignment of teeth. In some cases, Invisalign may also be suitable for younger children if their dental issue is particularly severe. Again, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by your orthodontist. The Invisalign Teen system is designed for teenagers and includes special features that accommodate the needs of growing teens, such as:
- Eruption Tabs:
These are small bumps placed on the aligners to help guide teeth into their proper position as they erupt. - Compliance Indicators:
These blue dots fade over time to let you know how often your teen is wearing their aligners as directed.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces for people who are looking for a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. While Invisalign is more expensive than braces, many dental insurance plans cover the cost of treatment. Invisalign treatment usually takes about a year. But it can take longer or shorter depending on the severity of your dental problems. If you’re interested in Invisalign, talk to your dentist to see if it’s right for you. They will be able to give you more information about the treatment process and what you can expect.
If you have any questions about Invisalign or would like to schedule a consultation, get in touch with Joondanna Family Dental today. Our professional team would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. Schedule an appointment online or contact our clinic at (08) 6109 6666 today!