How does Invisalign® treatment work 1

Invisalign – How it Works?

Invisalign uses clear aligners developed from computer-generated images and impressions taken from your mouth by your dentist and their team to change the position of your teeth. While the traditional brace makes use of fixed wires to “pull” the teeth into alignment, Invisalign aligns the teeth by using a series of molds that, across a series of months, force your teeth into their new and improved position.

This is a simple explanation of the general Invisalign process. A more in-depth look at it can be found later in the article.

Invisalign vs Braces: What’s the Difference?

Differences between the Invisalign and braces:

1. Clear vs Visible: While Invisalign aligners are made from see-through BPA-free plastic, which renders them virtually invisible to other people, traditional braces are made from metal wires and elastic bands. This makes them more visible which can cause anxiety for some patients.
2. Convenience: Invisalign braces can be removed from the mouth whenever necessary though guidelines suggest patients should wear their trays for 20 – 22 hours per day.
   In contrast, traditional braces cannot be removed as they are stuck to teeth by wires.
3. Treatment Length: The Invisalign process is substantially shorter than the usual treatment period for traditional braces. Because of how Invisalign works, patients only have to wear the trays for 6 to 18 months whereas traditional braces have an average time of 2 years.
4. Cost: The baseline cost for Invisalign braces tends to be higher than traditional metal braces, though the upper costs are not significantly different. Ceramic braces are usually more expensive. Speak to one of our dentists for an exact guide to Invisalign cost.

Both Invisalign braces and the older traditional brace are intended to improve the alignment of your teeth to produce a straighter smile and better oral health. While traditional braces have been used by orthodontists and dentists for decades, Invisalign is a newer concept intended to meet the needs of modern people. Invisalign has pros and cons like any other treatment but these are for the patient to decide upon.

Who is Invisalign Suitable For?

Invisalign is suitable for almost anyone wanting to improve their smile or arrange their teeth in a more orderly fashion.

It is suitable for:

• Teens: The Invisalign can help correct most misalignments in teenagers’ teeth. Invisalign braces are ideal for teens because they use clear aligners to achieve a glowing smile and improved dental health. This is particularly useful as teenage years are so often fraught with self-consciousness. With shorter treatment times and easier use, Invisalign is an ideal treatment for teenagers who want that winning smile.
• Teens: The Invisalign can help correct most misalignments in teenagers’ teeth. Invisalign braces are ideal for teens because they use clear aligners to achieve a glowing smile and improved dental health. This is particularly useful as teenage years are so often fraught with self-consciousness. With shorter treatment times and easier use, Invisalign is an ideal treatment for teenagers who want that winning smile.

Patients needing corrective work on their back teeth may not be suitable for Invisalign. To get a professional opinion on the suitability of yourself or a family member for the Invisalign treatment, simply contact our dental clinic.

The Invisalign Process: A Closer Look

Now, let’s move on to an in-depth look at the Invisalign process. Though the process may change slightly depending on your situation, here we’ll detail the general step-by-step treatment form that most people experience during their care at our Vaughan clinic.

1. Initial Consultation
   At the initial consultation, we’ll invite you into the clinic to have a face-to-face discussion with one of our highly trained, well-experienced dentists. If you’ve already had treatment here then you’ll be seen by the same dentist. During this visit, we will discuss the Invisalign process, how Invisalign works and the likely Invisalign cost for you. This way you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
   
2. X-rays and Photographs
   X rays will most likely be taken during your initial consultation after you’ve decided to go ahead with treatment.We’ll take a number of x-rays and photographs of your mouth, teeth and face from a variety of angles so that we have a detailed map of your mouth mechanics to base our dental work on.In certain cases, we’ll also take a lateral cephalometric x-ray. This is a type of x-ray that is popular with and frequently used by dentists because provides elaborate images of the relationship between jaw and cheekbone. This is helpful in planning how we’ll go about aligning your teeth for our intended goal.From these images we’ll be able to have a good idea of what we’re working from. The final piece in the jigsaw here is to take impressions of the teeth on which your Invisalign aligners (or tray) will be based on.
3. Preparatory Work
   Some patients may need small composite patches applied to each tooth to help Invisalign’s clear aligners to grip onto each tooth and move them. Each patient is different and not all require these patches. The patches are simply made from the same composite material that fillings are made out of and will be removed very easily and without any discomfort at the end of the Invisalign process.Another piece of preparatory work which varies from patient to patient is the amount of interproximal reduction necessary. This complicated sounding procedure is actually quite straight-forward and is simply used to create a more space between teeth when the patient’s mouth is crowded. To do this, we will use discs to “sand” away some enamel and free up the tooth for improved, less restricted future movement.
4. First Fitting
   You’ll receive the first feel of your Invisalign braces in the same visit as your preparatory work is done. The clear aligners are modelled from your impressions and should feel tight when first put on.During this stage, your Maple Dental Health dentist will review the fit and may try a few different molds before they are entirely happy. They will likely ask you how the trays feel, whether you can sense any movement or whether they are uncomfortable.At this point it is entirely normal for your new Invisalign braces to feel strange in the mouth. They should be tight – but not painfully so – as they must be strong enough to begin the realignment process.

   One sound Invisalign tip is to stick to the 20 – 22 hour wear time for your braces – this will help your tongue get used to its temporary environment more quickly!

   If you feel any pain or distress during the first fitting of your Invisalign braces then speak to your dentist. Remember that they may not be particularly comfortable at first but that you will very quickly become