Written by Dr Celso Cardona
The year 2002: Apple released the second-generation iPod, unleaded petrol cost 87c/L, and Invisalign® was launched in Australia. In the last 22 years, a lot has changed, but Invisalign continues to be a go-to treatment for Aussies wishing for the perfect smile.
In this month’s blog we explore how Invisalign works and break down some of the details around the treatment to see if it could be right for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear, plastic, removable aligners that are customised to your teeth. By taking scans and photos of your teeth, Invisalign technology can create a personalised treatment plan to slowly shift your teeth to the desired position.
Each aligner usually focuses on one or two teeth, so you’ll switch aligners approximately every fortnight. Across the course of your treatment, you could wear anything from 7 to 60 different aligners to move your teeth to the perfect position.
Invisalign can help you with:
- Teeth overcrowding
- Closing gaps within teeth
- Overbite correction
- Underbite correction
How does Invisalign work?
Step one: Book a no-obligation consult with your dentist to confirm whether Invisalign is right for you and your goals.
Step two: Your dentist will take detailed 3D scans of your mouth. Using these scans, the team can generate an image of your desired smile, which will guide the Invisalign aligners and your overall treatment plan.
Step three: Follow your prescribed plan for the aligners and regularly check in with your dentist to ensure the progress is going as planned. The check-ins are mostly done virtually, so you very rarely have to actually come to the practice.
You may be recommended to wear your Invisalign aligner for 22 hours per day, every day.
Can Invisalign treat complex cases?
Invisalign technology is advancing all the time, with more features and treatment options for complex cases.
One technique that can be used with Invisalign is an Invisalign attachment. These are small tooth-coloured bumps which are used as anchors for metal or plastic bands.
You’d typically use this kind of treatment if a tooth needs significant readjustment or to correct an under or overbite.
How long does Invisalign take?
Because your Invisalign treatment is specifically tailored to your teeth and your goals, time can vary, however, on average people usually wear their aligners for six to 18 months. One of the other things that can impact the treatment time is how often you’re wearing the aligners.
Remember to keep them in for 22 hours a day, every day of the week. This can often speed up the movement of your teeth and get you to that perfect smile sooner.
Invisalign vs braces
Many patients ask, “Is Invisalign better than braces?” Our teeth are almost as unique as our fingerprints, so the answer often depends on what your teeth look like now, where your jaw is placed, and the results you wish to achieve.
Braces still have their place, which is why you should speak to a dentist or orthodontist to understand more about the different treatment options.
Why choose Invisalign?
Some of the benefits of Invisalign include:
- Almost invisible
- Removable
- No restrictions on diet or food
- Minimal discomfort
- Increased oral health during treatment
- Remotely monitored
Maintenance and cleaning of Invisalign
Another benefit of Invisalign is the oral health maintenance you can do during your treatment. Because you keep brushing and flossing your teeth as normal, you can maintain your oral health. Braces, on the other hand, can often be cumbersome to clean and floss in between.
It’s also important you keep your aligner clean. Your dentist will likely recommend cleaning your aligner at least once a day with a soft bristle brush and specialised Invisalign cleaner.
Speak to your local dentist at your next appointment for tips and tricks to keep aligners clean.
What next?
Knowledge is power! You should learn more about Invisalign, and then reach out to your local dental clinic to find out what the next steps would be.
N.B. All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice. Clinicians practicing from Maven Dental clinics can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.