EmBRACING Smiles with Invisalign: All You Need to Know

05 / 09 / 2024

EmBRACING Smiles with Invisalign: All You Need to Know

In recent years, Invisalign has revolutionised the field of dentistry by offering a clear, comfortable, and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces. In today’s comprehensive article, we delve into everything you need to know about Invisalign, from its meticulous design and functionality to its benefits, the process, and suitability for correcting various orthodontic issues.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that offers the patient a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth. Developed by Align Technology, aligners are customised for every individual patient using state-of-the-art 3D computer technology. Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a very popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and discreet method to improve their smile.

How it works

Whilst many people have heard of Invisalign, not everybody knows the process of the treatment journey. To begin, we welcome you to the practice for an initial consultation with one of our Invisalign providers, Dr Tocca and Dr Margariti. During this visit, our team will assess your teeth and discuss your treatment goals with you. At this stage, we can take digital impressions of your teeth to create a precise 3D model of your smile.

Using your 3D digital model, Invisalign’s software maps out the precise movements of the teeth over the course of treatment. Patients can see a virtual representation of how their teeth will gradually move and what the final result can be expected to look like. This allows our patients to make informed decisions about moving forward with their smile journey. Our dedicated team of treatment coordinators, Hannah and Jane, will send you a copy of your virtual simulation and discuss finance options and your treatment plan with you in detail before you make any commitments to treatment.

Once you are ready to proceed with your Invisalign journey, a series of custom-made aligners is created. Each set of aligners is designed to move teeth incrementally to offer as much comfort as possible for our patients. For optimal and the fastest results, you should commit to wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day – only removing them for eating, drinking, brushing, and interdental cleaning. Approximately every one to two weeks, you will switch to your next set of aligners, each time bringing you a step closer to creating your dream smile. Every case is different, but we usually recommend that you visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks during the course of your treatment to ensure that you are progressing as planned.

Our Invisalign treatment plans include a course of teeth whitening upon completion of treatment to make your new smile really shine, and a set of Invisalign’s own high-quality Vivera retainers to maintain the new position of your teeth. Although your Invisalign treatment is now complete, your new smile doesn’t have to end there. For those who would like further minor cosmetic improvements, our skilled team of dentists offer composite bonding to really enhance your final look. You can read more about composite bonding here.

The advantages of Invisalign

There are many benefits to undergoing Invisalign treatment. As the clear aligners are virtually invisible, this treatment is both discreet and aesthetically pleasing. Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign aligners are also comfortable to wear, with no metal brackets or wires to cause irritation to your soft tissues. The convenience of being able to remove your aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and interdental cleaning allows for better oral hygiene and fewer dietary restrictions compared to if you were to have traditional metal braces. By offering a customised plan with the use of 3D imaging technology, we can give you predictability and precise treatment planning, meaning that you will have a well-informed and clear idea of what to expect from your Invisalign treatment. Lastly, Invisalign generally requires fewer and shorter visits to our practice compared to traditional braces. This means that Invisalign is perfect for those who are always on the go with busy lifestyles and other commitments.

Are there any disadvantages?

As with all treatments, there are limitations and considerations to make when thinking of having Invisalign treatment. For those with severe misalignments, Invisalign may not be a suitable option for such complex cases. Success with Invisalign heavily relies on your compliance with the course of treatment. Not wearing the aligners as instructed by your dental professional can delay or impair the results of your treatment. When choosing Invisalign, you are investing in a long-term solution for a straighter smile, so commitment to your journey is paramount. When changing aligners, there may be an adjustment period in which patients can experience mild discomfort or pressure – this is similar to the feeling of having to tighten traditional braces. Discomfort can easily be treated at home with over-the-counter pain relief, and should not last a significant amount of time.

Some of our most frequently asked questions include:

How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the individual complexity of the case, but we usually say anywhere from six to 18 months.

Can Invisalign correct all orthodontic issues?
Whilst Invisalign is effective in many cases, it may not be suitable for very complex orthodontic issues. In such cases, we work very closely with specialist orthodontic providers to ensure that you achieve a great outcome with the option best suited to your needs.

How often must the aligners be worn?
Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day to achieve optimal results.

How do I care for my aligners?
Clean your aligners by brushing them gently with a toothbrush and lukewarm water. We can also advise you of special cleaning products and equipment that are available.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?
You may initially notice some changes to your speech, but most people adjust very quickly and speak normally with their aligners in.

To conclude, Invisalign offers a modern, discreet, and comfortable way to achieve a straighter smile. With its advanced technology and patient-friendly design, Invisalign has become a popular choice for both teenagers and adults seeking orthodontic treatment. By understanding the process, benefits, and limitations, you can make an informed decision about whether Invisalign is the right solution for your orthodontic needs. Regular consultations with an Invisalign-trained dental professional are essential to ensure the best possible outcome. Would you like to consider starting your Invisalign journey? Contact our team today.