What is Invisalign: How It Works, Benefits, and Limitations

If you had to pick between braces on your teeth or clear aligners, which would you choose?

The second one wins hands down. Invisalign is a well-known clear aligner brands. Introduced in 1998, it has become immensely popular:

In this article, we’ll look at:

What is Invisalign?

Put simply, Invisalign refers to a kind of orthodontic treatment that includes the usage of a series of clear, removable aligners for teeth straightening. However, this is different from traditional metal braces, in appearance. Invisalign aligners are almost invisible, which makes it a popular choice among people.

Invisalign treatment procedure is based on the concept of applying controlled force to specific teeth over time, similar to traditional metallic braces, but they are more aesthetic in appearance and comfortable. 

How Does Invisalign Works?

The Invisalign treatment process begins with a visit to a family dental care who is expert in an Invisalign dental procedure. In the first appointment, the dentist examines your teeth to see if this treatment works for you. If the answer is yes, they make a detailed 3D digital picture of your teeth using high-tech imaging tools. Your dentist uses this picture to produce a treatment plan that shows how your teeth need to move. This plan helps in designing a set of custom-fit aligners. This is important because the shape of each aligner varies, and your teeth need to fit into right spot.

Usually, you need to wear each set of aligners for two weeks before switching to next set of aligners. In the first stage of treatment, you need to wear the aligners for almost a day while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

As you keep moving on these fixtures. As you go through the series of fixtures, your teeth will adjust to the new position.

Here is the detailed step-by-step process:

1. Initial Consultation: Orthodontist examines teeth condition and discuss about your objective.
2. 3D Imaging: A digital scan of your teeth is taken to create a 3D model.
3. Treatment Planning: Based on the analysis, your orthodontist prepares a detailed custom treatment plan.
4. Aligner Fabrication: Custom aligners are created based on the 3D design and your treatment plan.
5. Wearing Aligners: You need to wear every series of aligners for about two weeks, gradually moving through the series.
6. Check-ups: You need to regularly visit dentist to monitor the progress.
7. Refinements: Based on the requirement, additional aligners may be created.
8. Retention: Once the treatment is over, you’ll wear a retainer to make sure your smile remains intact.

Is Invisalign better than braces?

 Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces:

1. Aesthetics: The biggest advantage with the clear aligners is it’s almost invisible. This makes it a better choice compared to using metallic braces.
2. Removability: You can easily remove it for eating, drinking, and other oral activities.
3. Comfort: This is comfortable as they are made of a high quality of plastic. Meatal braces have wires and irritate mouth.
4. Easier Oral Hygiene: You can remove the aligners while brushing and flossing easily. .
5. Fewer Dietary Restrictions: Unlike metallic aligners, clear aligners has very limited dietary restrictions. .
6. Predictable Results: Advanced 3D imaging allows you to see a virtual representation of your expected results before starting treatment.

Considerations and Limitations of Invisalign?

Though Invisalign is a great choice for most people, this is not a good option for some people because of severe teeth misalignment and other type of bite issue. Traditional orthodontics treatment is more suitable in such options.

The success of the Invisalign process depends on patient compliance as aligners are removable. Patients often remove them for more than recommended hours. This impacts the effectiveness of treatment.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

Another limiting factor is cost of Invisalign treatment. it can vary depending on the complexity and duration of treatment. However, now many insurance plans are available to cover Invisalign treatment cost. 

Can Invisalign Fix Overbite?

Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites but in the case of severe overbite, traditional braces are more suitable. The treatment involves wearing custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift the teeth into the desired position.

Does Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Cost of Invisalign treatment can be on the higher side. However, Insurance plans are available. Many dental insurance policies cover a portion of Invisalign treatment cost, similar to traditional braces. It’s advisable for patients to check with their insurance provider to understand the specifics of their coverage. 

Maintenance and Care in Invisalign

This is important to take care of Invisalign aligners.

• Clean your aligners daily using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic.
• Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners.

Conclusion

Invisalign treatment is a better approach to teeth straightening compared to traditional orthodontic process for people who do not want to wear traditional metal braces.

However, like any other procedure, it requires proper consultation to a seasoned and qualified orthodentist in Murfreesboro, TN, who are expert in all types of orthodontics procedure. 

Therefore, if you are looking for Invisalign treatment, visit Davis dentistry, we can transform your smile forever.