Invisalign is a treatment in which an aligner or a mold is generated according to the patient’s teeth impression to correct or realign incorrect symmetry of teeth.

Facts to know about Invisalign (1)

A big smile with symmetrical teeth gives confidence to an individual. People with an incorrect set of teeth hesitate to smile. Almost 60% of people in the world think that straight teeth give them a sense of positivity and confidence. Invisalign is one of the treatments that treat the misalignment of teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign consists of invisible or clear aligners. This eliminates the embarrassment; a person faces due to traditional braces.

Working of Invisalign

It is an orthodontic procedure. A dentist takes the image or impression of teeth and creates an aligner. In traditional braces, a fixed wire is used to correct the position of teeth, whereas, in Invisalign, a series of aligners align the position of teeth in few months.

Detailed procedure

  • Initial consultation

In this step, the dentist asks about the other oral health conditions from the patient. The patient tells hisfears and desires to the dentist. The dentist is responsible to inform the patient of the procedure of Invisalign and its management.

  • Photographs and X-ray

The dentist takes multiple X-rays and photographs of the face, teeth, and mouth from different angles to have a complete facial and oral map. In some cases, a cephalometric X-ray is also taken. It is most commonly used by dentists. It elaborates the relationship between cheekbone and jaw. It is one of the helpful steps in planning appropriate Invisalign treatment. After that teeth impression of the patient is taken on which aligners are based.

 

  • Preparatory work

In some patients, composite patches are required that ensure the proper gripping of aligners to teeth. These patches are applied to teeth before aligners. Patches are easy to remove when the procedure terminates.

Interproximal reduction is another necessary preparatory work required in some patients. It gives space between teeth and eliminates the restricted movement of teeth in the future.

  • First fitting

First aligners are applied when preparatory work is done. These aligners are felt tight in the first fitting. In this step, a dentist can try some more molds in case of any discomfort. The patient must feel aligners tight but not so much pain because tight aligners will help to treat misalignment.

  • Mouth changes

A patient may feel some discomfort or peculiar changes in the mouth but that is all normal. It will take time for the patient to get used to Invisalign. Additionally, the patient may feel sensitivity in teeth that can be mitigated by using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Moreover, difficulty in speech is another small nuisance. It is because aligners cover some room in the mouth and the tongue does not get enough space to move. This problem disappears within few weeks.

  • Changing of Invisalign braces

Aligners are changed within one or two weeks all depends upon the dentist’s decision. The series of molds depends upon how fast teeth getting aligned.

Invisalign vs braces

Both these procedures are used to align teeth and for the betterment of oral health. Traditional braces are in use for decades whereas Invisalign is a newer concept of the realignment of asymmetrical teeth. There are some similarities and more differences between Invisalign and braces.

  1. Invisible vs visible

Aligners used during Invisalign, are made of BPA-plastic that is see-through. This makes it almost invisible for people. But traditional braces are prominent as they consist of elastic bands and metal wires.

  1. Convenience

Invisalign is easily removable. But trays must be kept in the mouth at least 20 hours a day. On the other hand, braces are not removable because these are bound to teeth with the help of wires.

  1. Duration of treatment

In comparison, Invisalign treatment has less duration than traditional braces. On average, it takes approximately 18 months to realign teeth, and braces take 2 years for treatment.

  1. Cost

The basic cost of braces is less than the Invisalign. But there is no significant difference in the upper costs of both. Ceramic braces tend to cost higher.

  1. Comfort level

Braces cause more discomfort because these include brackets and wires that rub against the inner skin of the mouth, causing mouth sores. Whereas, Invisalign aligners are made up of smooth material and do not give a tough time to the patient.

  1. Requirement of Cleaning tools

Cleaning tools are not required in Invisalign, because aligners are removable, and the patient can continue habitual flossing and brushing. On the other hand, traditional braces require special cleaning tools to clean and floss. Moreover, food can also be stuck in brackets, which is another nuisance.

Pros of Invisalign (2)

  • Invisalign is a less hurtful procedure.
  • Aligners can be removed anytime the patient wants such as while eating.
  • Cleaning of aligners, as well as teeth, is convenient. One can continue the normal habit of flossing and brushing.
  • See-through and clear aligners eliminate the hesitation and anxiety of the patient.
  • Multiple visits are not required in this treatment. This saves the time of patient that he can use in doing some other important work.
  • Unlike traditional braces, aligners are smooth and do not cause oral abrasions.

Cons of Invisalign

  • A patient needs to be highly compliant and disciplined to deal with Invisalign. An option of removing aligners can be a con as well. Undisciplined patients remove the aligner and do not wear them again. Due to this, a patient cannot get desired results.
  • Removing and then setting aligners can be inconvenient. One needs to remove them whenever drinking liquid other than water. Brushing teeth is necessary before putting up aligners because food particles can cause staining of teeth and aligners.
  • 3D technology and additional preparatory work make this treatment costly.

Cost of Invisalign

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies. It depends upon how many trays are required by the patient. The number of trays depends upon the severity of the misalignment of teeth. On average it costs from $3500 to $8000.

References

  1. https://www.mapledentalhealth.com/blog/invisalign-101-guide/
  2. https://www.theorthodontists.com.au/blog/invisalign-vs-braces-the-pros-and-cons-of-each