Invisalign Braces
Orthodontic treatment, especially among adolescent and adult patients, is frequently met with reluctance, primarily driven by concerns related to appearance and the discomfort associated with traditional braces. However, the American Association of Orthodontists champions Invisalign as one of the most technologically advanced orthodontic solutions globally. The demand for Invisalign aligners is on the upswing, driven by patients seeking both aesthetic improvements and expedited results. Thanks to these innovative techniques and devices, complex dental misalignments can now be effectively addressed.
1. How do invisalign aligners work?
The Invisalign aligners system consists of removable transparent splints that cover all the teeth of both arches, exerting a slight pressure that produces movement at the dental level to correct malocclusions. These aligners will be designed digitally, using advanced 3D imaging technology, and made to your needs. The aligner will need to be changed from time to time, as your teeth move to achieve the desired position.
Patients should wear one aligner for a period of approximately 2 weeks and then change to the next one since each is programmed for precise movement.
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Maximum aesthetics:
Being see-through, Invisalign aligners effortlessly blend with the tooth’s color. Their near invisibility surpasses the esthetic aspect of traditional brackets, enabling discreet orthodontic treatment that escapes notice.
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Removable:
Patients can remove them when eating or for special occasions, making them easy to clean.
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Comfort:
An initial impression is solely necessary at the treatment’s commencement, with the added benefit of no mouth discomfort or irritation.
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Improved oral hygiene:
Feel free to stick to your regular brushing and oral hygiene routine. Just temporarily remove the splint, and once your hygiene routine is done, put it back in place.
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Visualization of the objectives:
Through the use of 3D software, you can visualize the virtual course of the treatment until the targeted goals are accomplished.
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Treatment time:
While the general practice is for patients to utilize each aligner over a two-week period, the overall treatment duration may vary. For example, if the treatment comprises 20 aligners, with the patient transitioning every two weeks, the rough treatment timeframe would be approximately 10 months.
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Ideal for metal allergies:
Its composition makes it a perfect choice for patients who have allergies to metals.
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Quality of life:
An investigation disclosed in the Latin American Journal of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry revealed that, in the initial week of orthodontic treatment, adults undergoing Invisalign aligner therapy reported lower levels of discomfort and fewer disturbances to their daily activities in contrast to individuals wearing conventional orthodontic appliances.
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Limitation of movement:
Though the system is in a state of continuous improvement, it does have current limitations in its ability to address certain types of dental misalignments and movements, underscoring the essential nature of case selection.
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Pre-treatment planning:
Once the treatment plan is determined and sanctioned, the laboratory will deliver all the aligners. Any adjustments or changes may result in an added expense.
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Price:
Presently, the cost is greater when contrasted with traditional metal braces treatment, but it aligns with the pricing of lingual orthodontics or aesthetic self-ligating braces.
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Collaboration:
The removable nature of the system offers both advantages and disadvantages. It’s imperative to recognize that non-adherence to aligner usage by the patient could impact the effectiveness of the treatment, a factor that carries particular importance when treating adolescents.
4. How to have an invisalign aligner?
Invisalign aligners are a completely digital system, so at the first appointment, impressions of the upper and lower teeth will be accurately taken. Alternatively, by scanning your teeth three-dimensionally using special software, advanced computer-assisted 3D technology will transform the impressions of your mouth into a series of clear, removable, custom-made retainers.
After a thorough analysis of the final position, and movement and adjustments to be made, the treatment is approved. Depending upon the approved plan, you will start receiving about 12 to 48 different aligners in total.
On the second visit, you will receive your aligners to wear one pair for approximately 2 weeks, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush and floss. For check-ups, you will need to visit us once a month or every 2 months; we will give you new retainers at each appointment.
5. Differences with conventional braces
The main feature of Invisalign aligners, unlike conventional braces, is that this appliance is removable and transparent. Plus, it is based on a 3D scan of the patient’s teeth. Another difference is the time of use of between 22 hours a day and that they must be changed every 10 to 15 days. The conventional system is permanent with certain adjustments every 15 days to 1 month until removal. Hygiene and eating will not be affected or limited with aligners. It is difficult for anyone to notice you are wearing an aligner as with fixed braces. Finally, Invisalign is gentler on gum tissue than fixed appliances due to simpler oral hygiene.
6.Special considerations
Despite all these advantages, this treatment requires the patient’s cooperation and perseverance. Before starting the treatment with Invisalign, you should know that the minimum use of 22 hours a day is required for visible effects in the planned time. Hygiene will be fundamental: the teeth must be clean before placing them and they must be removed to eat.
The hygiene routine is exactly the same as that used before the use of aligners. There is no need for additional special care since oral hygiene is performed without the aligners in place or any device that could affect the routine. It is not advisable to smoke with the aligners in place as they could be damaged.
7. Contact Us
Our specialists at Channel Island Family Dental seek to give you back a more harmonious smile and determine the best treatment for your individual case.
If you have any questions about this or other topics, contact us at Channel Island Family Dental and on our Facebook page. At Channel Island Family Dental, we will be attentive to your needs and make a timely diagnosis. In addition, our dentists will guide you to the best treatment to give you back your best smile.
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