Invisalign™

Recommended For Invisalign™

Invisalign is recommended for individuals with one or more of the following: 

Crooked teeth 
Gapped teeth 
Overcrowding  Crossbites 
Open bites 
Overbites 
Underbites 
Malocclusions

Patients with risk of developing periodontal disease

Not Recommended For Invisalign™

Invisalign braces may not be the best treatment choice for patients with extremely crooked teeth or crooked back teeth. 

Number Of Trips Abroad

Patients will usually have to make several trips to the dentist

Minimum Stay

1 - 2 days per trip

Overview

Invisalign braces and Clear Correct are just a few of the most popular clear aligners in the world – the clear aligners are a type of device used by orthodontists to adjust teeth. Invisalign gained much of its popularity during the early 2000s when it was launched as a more comfortable and aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces.
Dental braces or dental aligners are used by dentists specialized in orthodontics to straighten and align teeth, while also correcting any overbites, malocclusions, open bites, deep bites, crossbites, and any crooked teeth. Since the early 2000s, over 2.5 million people from all around the world have used this system, and Invisalign reviews are excellent. Currently, over 80.000 dentists have been trained as orthodontists specialized in Invisalign treatments. 

Invisalign treatments are popular among patients due to several advantages they have over traditional metal braces, including:

• Invisible Aligners – Invisalign braces are almost invisible, and patients do not feel self-conscious about wearing these braces.
• Detachable – these braces are easily detachable meaning that the patient can wear them when it is suited – this also means that maintaining your oral hygiene is easier since you can remove it, brush and floss and place it back again.
• No wires or brackets – the Invisalign system does not have brackets or wires, which means that you will make fewer trips to the dentist for adjustments.

In the same time, it's important to note that Invisalign braces may not be the best option for all patients – only a highly trained orthodontist can say if this treatment is the right one for you

Preparation

Patients need to provide their dentists with a dental X-ray before the treatment can begin. Some patients may require other dental work before beginning treatment with Invisalign. 

How It Is Performed

The Invisalign dentist will first take polyvinyl siloxane impressions, bite registrations, and photographs of the patient's gums and teeth. The dental impressions are then scanned, and a 3D model of the teeth is created. The 3D model is then altered according to the desired results, and a special program is used to create the stages between the current and the desired final teeth position. Between 6 and 48 aligners are then created, depending on the needs – each aligner can move teeth from 0.25 to 0.33 millimeters.

Recovery

The average Invisalign treatment lasts for up to 13.5 months or more, but this includes the time necessary to prepare the braces as well. The patient will be required to wear the clear aligners for at least 20 hours a day during the treatment period. In certain cases and depending on the severity of the malocclusion, the treatment period may be longer or shorter – it all depends on the extent of the changes which need to be done. Patients will have to remove the clear aligners while flossing, brushing, and eating. It's also important to note that patients must maintain excellent oral hygiene during this period. Once the treatment is over, a nightguard must be worn for a similar period of time.

Risks

Invisalign risks and complications can include: 

● Increased risk of tooth decay due to Invisalign 
● Difficulty speaking 
● Lengthier treatment for non-compliant patients 

Side Effects

Invisalign side effects include the following: 

● Dental discomfort 
● Soreness 
● Tenderness of the gums 

Success Rates

Invisalign reviews set the average treatment success rate at 85%. 

Before And After

Invisalign before and after pictures may look appealing, but patients need to understand that the treatment is a lengthy process – the braces themselves need to be worn according to the dentist's guidelines for an average period of 13.5 months. Invisalign results will slowly start to appear after the first months of treatment. During this time, patients must refrain from very hot drinks such as tea, as the high temperature can warp the braces, rendering them useless. Sugary drinks and alcohol need to be avoided as well since these drinks can lead to plaque buildup. Most patients will also experience weight loss after the treatment since they will usually refrain from consuming light snacks during the day.

Faq

- How often do I need to visit my dentist during the Invisalign braces treatment? 
Just as with traditional braces, patients need to visit their orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks during the treatment duration. These checkups are meant to see if the treatment is progressing according to plan but also to receive the next sets of Invisalign aligners. 

- Is Invisalign painful? 
Patients generally experience some discomfort and soreness, as is expected with any type of orthodontic treatment. 

- Are there any restrictions during the Invisalign treatment? Yes, a few. Patients need to stay away from alcohol, sugary drinks, and hot drinks. These restrictions exist in order to ensure the success of the Invisalign treatment and to maintain the patient's oral hygiene. Smoking is prohibited during this time as well.

Extra Content

This content is written and reviewed by our medical content team in August, 2019.