The Luxury Aligners of the Aligner World
Invisalign® is the oldest and most popular brand of clear aligners used as an alternative to traditional metal braces for teeth straightening. It involves a series of custom-made, transparent trays that gradually and gently shift your teeth into the desired position. Unlike traditional braces, which use brackets and wires, Invisalign® aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain clean tech and gums and eat without restrictions. The aligners are virtually invisible, offering a discreet option for both kids, teens and adults. Treatment with Invisalign® is typically more comfortable than traditional braces, and since the aligners are removable, patients can continue to enjoy their favorite foods and beverages without worry. Dr. J has been using Invisalign® since it first came out – about 25+ years ago!
Is Invisalign® for you?
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye and can be removed at will.
Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:
- Crowded Teeth – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
- Large Gaps Between Teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
- Crossbite (of X-Bite) – This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
- Overbite – This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Eventually, tooth wear, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
- Underbite – This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than or completely cover the upper teeth. Eventually, tooth wear, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.
How do we “measure” you for Invisalign®?
Dr. J is proud to use the original iTero digital scanner in his office for Invisalign®. It involves taking highly accurate measurements of the patient’s teeth. This is typically done using a 3D digital scan (intraoral scanner). The 3D scan creates a digital map of the teeth and gums, providing detailed images that will be used to design your custom aligners. This scan is precise, comfortable, and faster than traditional impressions. No more impressions, no more gagging with those outdated gooey impressions.
Ok, what are the next steps?
One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smiles. Especially for teens and adults, the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal. Dr. J will go over your smile and what goals can be achieved in detail.
Treatment Planning: Using the digital scan, Dr. J will create a customized and personalized treatment plan. The plan shows how the teeth will gradually shift over time with the use of aligners. Advanced software allows the orthodontist to map out the entire treatment journey, showing each stage of tooth movement.
Custom Aligner Fabrication: Based on the treatment plan, the aligners are custom-designed and manufactured. Invisalign® uses a specialized material that is clear, comfortable, and durable, ensuring a snug fit for the patient’s teeth.
Fitting and Adjustments: Once the aligners are ready, the patient will return to our office for the fitting – we call it “the delivery”! We will check the fit and ensure that the aligners are functioning as intended. You will receive several sets of aligners to wear, typically changing them every 1-2 weeks, based on the Doctor’s treatment plan.
What Advantages Does Invisalign® Offer Over Traditional Braces and Veneers?
Traditional dental braces, Invisalign®, aligning trays, and dental veneers are three different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth. There are many different considerations to make when considering which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations.
Invisalign® differs from traditional braces in that the aligning trays are fully removable. This means that more discipline and commitment are required from you, the patient. This is not usually a problem since the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible. Identical results can be obtained by using either treatment if the compliance is excellent.
Invisalign® is preferable to veneers in many cases because, unlike veneers, Invisalign® actually straightens the teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain covers that the dentist permanently affixes to the teeth. Teeth must be etched (yup, that’s acid etch) beforehand, meaning you will lose part of your enamel every time you put a new veneer on. In addition to being somewhat expensive, veneers can break and often last for less than 10+ years.
How fast will I get used to wearing Invisalign® trays?
Life with Invisalign® aligning trays may take several days to weeks to get used to.
- Lisp: Since there is a thin layer of plastic that’s hugging your teeth the tongue and the lips are not used to that. So, don’t be surprised if you have a little lisp starting off – it’s normal! So, talk a lot with them, or repeat your favorite TV show while watching it, or sing your favorite song! The more you talk and sing the faster that lisp will go away in a couple weeks tops.
- Saliva: Yup, you will drool a little; and that is because your brain thinks the aligners are food! But don’t worry, it should be gone in a few days. Carry a tissue in the meantime – just in case.
- Pain: Everyone feels pain and is affected by it differently. But if Invisalign® teeth straightening was super painful then no-one would do it. You will have some good days and some not so good days. This is a lifestyle change; meaning sleep well, eat Whole Foods, hydrate and you will see that your treatment will be a breeze. One more thing: your teeth do not have to hurt to move – sometimes they are still moving and you won’t feel a thing.
The Top 10 Most Common Questions about Invisalign®
Here are some of the most common questions people have about Invisalign®: