Invisalign clear aligners have become the most sought-after orthodontic treatment option worldwide. This is because they are virtually invisible, and are considerably more comfortable and convenient to wear than fixed metal braces. According to the manufacturers of Invisalign, over 18 million people worldwide have benefitted from Invisalign clear aligners to straighten their teeth.
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth that affect your self-confidence and smile, clear aligners are an excellent treatment option for teeth straightening. So, what is clear aligner therapy and how does Invisalign work? If you have questions about Invisalign therapy, this blog is for you. It will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. So, continue reading to learn more.
What Is Invisalign And How Does It Differ From Fixed Braces?
Invisalign refers to an orthodontic treatment based on removable clear aligners. According to the British Orthodontic Society, clear aligners are removable tray-like appliances worn over the teeth to realign them. Invisalign clear aligners are made of a transparent polymer material that makes them virtually invisible and comfortable to wear.
How Does Invisalign Work?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, Invisalign clear aligners work by applying gentle pressure on our teeth. Your orthodontist will design your clear aligners such that each aligner set will gradually move your teeth in the desired direction. In this way, once you have completed wearing all your aligner sets, your teeth will be optimally aligned.
What Should I Expect During Invisalign Treatment?
At your first appointment, your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination and evaluate the study models and x-ray images of your teeth to diagnose the underlying problem. Based on this, they will prepare a customised treatment plan and determine whether Invisalign clear aligners are a suitable treatment option.
Next, your dentist will make digital impressions of your teeth and feed them into special software to design your clear aligner sets. Afterwards, they will fabricate your aligners using 3D printing. Your dentist will give you multiple sets of numbered clear aligners to wear. You will be asked to wear each aligner set for at least 22 hours daily for 14 days. Afterwards, you should switch to the next aligner set. In this way, each aligner set will gradually align your teeth. Your dentist will also ask you to visit for follow-ups after every 4 – 6 weeks.
Is Invisalign Really Invisible?
Invisalign clear aligners are made of a proprietary, transparent polymer material. This makes these aligners completely transparent and virtually invisible when worn. This is the reason why many orthodontic patients prefer Invisalign over metal braces, as metal braces are conspicuous and negatively affect one’s smile and appearance. You can wear your Invisalign aligners to meetings, conferences, social gatherings, and even on dates without worrying about them being visible or affecting your smile.
Are Invisalign Aligners Worth It?
Invisalign clear aligners offer several benefits over traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are truly worth it considering their inconspicuous appearance and the comfort they offer compared to fixed braces. Moreover, Invisalign clear aligners also allow for easier oral hygiene maintenance. More importantly, you can enjoy all your favourite foods during Invisalign therapy as you can simply remove them while eating. So, considering all the benefits they offer over braces, we can safely say that clear aligners are really worth it.
Does Invisalign Hurt?
Many people are afraid of wearing braces or clear aligners as they fear that they will cause pain and discomfort. While it is true that you may experience slight discomfort with clear aligners, it is only transient. You will only feel slight discomfort on wearing your aligners for the first time, and later once you switch to another aligner set. So don’t worry, you won’t feel considerable pain or discomfort during clear aligner therapy.
Are Crowded Teeth Treatable With Invisalign?
It is possible to treat mild to moderate teeth crowding with Invisalign clear aligners. However, in the case of extreme tooth crowding, your dentist may consider extracting one or more teeth to create space in the jaws, followed by clear aligner treatment. If you don’t want to wear clear aligners for treating mild tooth crowding, you can also consider cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers.
Does Invisalign Work Permanently?
Braces and clear aligners are both excellent options for straightening teeth. However, once the teeth have been aligned, there is a tendency that they will move back to their original positions. That is why your dentist will give you removable or fixed retainers to prevent it. According to Healthline, a retainer is an appliance that consolidates your orthodontic treatment and prevents your teeth from moving back to their previous positions.
So, we cannot say that clear aligner therapy provides permanent results. Your teeth will move back to your old position if you don’t wear retainers after braces or Invisalign therapy. Orthodontic retainers are passive appliances, meaning that they won’t move your teeth. Instead, they will simply ensure that there is no unwanted tooth movement after all the teeth have been aligned.
If you are looking for the best Invisalign practice in South Manchester, your best option is Barrington Dental. We have a team of highly experienced and qualified orthodontists who can treat even the most complicated orthodontic issues, to give you a naturally beautiful, lasting smile. Get in touch with us today and let us take care of all your dental worries.
