Some patients don’t mind how braces look; some want a less noticeable form of teeth straightening. If you’re one of these people, clear aligners might be the thing for you.
Clear aligners are less noticeable than traditional wire braces. They are effective and are less of a hassle, making them a popular alternative to traditional straightening in recent years.
Invisalign, or Invisalign braces, is the most well-known clear aligner product introduced by Align Technology in 1998. Let’s look at some of the important things you should know about these corrective devices.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Teeth aligners are discreet, removable alternatives to traditional metal braces. They are translucent and custom-made that you can get several months’ worth of in advance. They straighten your teeth by changing aligners at biweekly intervals; treatments may take as long as nine months to complete, depending on how much realignment is required.
The American Dental Association does not recommend purchasing clear aligners from companies that offer “Do-It-Yourself Orthodontics.” Teeth straightening is a medical process requiring constant supervision from licensed professionals.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the most popular brand of clear aligners used in orthodontic treatments. To straighten their teeth, patients wear a set of clear, removable aligners made exclusively with SmartTrack, a flexible thermoplastic material. They are also FDA-Approved and do not contain BPA, BPS, gluten, or latex.
Invisalign braces are made to make orthodontic treatments less obvious than traditional metal braces with brackets and wires. They are not entirely invisible; they are translucent and can fit snugly over your teeth.
How Do Invisalign Braces Work?
Invisalign is still relatively new. You might think they are similar to other clear aligners that can only correct minor concerns; however, that is a misconception. Invisalign can correct minor, moderate, and severe issues.
They work on the same principle as traditional wire braces by applying gentle pressure to gradually guide your teeth into their correct positions.
To get Invisalign braces, your dentist or orthodontist will need to perform an intra-oral scan and consultation to create a digital treatment plan that allows them to map your teeth’s movements. These scans will also be used to create your custom aligners to provide your teeth with the right amount of force, time, and placement. Your dentist or orthodontist will update your treatment plan biweekly whenever you change aligners to monitor your treatment progress closely.
Some of the issues Invisalign helps correct include:
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Underbites
- Crooked or protruding teeth
- Gaps in teeth
Your orthodontist or dentist can also provide additional options like attachments, buttons, and elastics to be used together with Invisalign braces.
Advantages of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
Is Invisalign better than braces? A study has shown that Invisalign has significantly fewer negative effects than traditional braces, specifically for gum health and overall health.
According to Century Dental, some of the most well-known Invisalign benefits include:
1. Aesthetics
Invisalign has been so popular because they are less obvious than traditional wired brackets. They won’t clash with your aesthetic, and most people won’t notice them.
2. Removable
Invisalign and other clear aligners are popular because they are easy to remove, allowing you to eat more freely and brush your teeth without wires and brackets getting in the way of your toothbrush. This freedom from wires and brackets that can trap food debris also helps patients have an easier time maintaining their dental hygiene.
3. Comfort
Traditional metal braces may irritate your cheeks and tongue; clear aligners like Invisalign don’t. They are more natural than traditional braces, and you won’t have to endure any uncomfortable tightening by an orthodontist.
4. No Repairs Required
Invisalign braces are more convenient because they won’t need any repairs. They are replaced every two weeks and have no wires or braces that might get broken.
How Much Are Invisalign Braces?
If you plan to get Invisalign braces, it’s best to know that they are more expensive than traditional braces. Their exact cost may vary depending on your needs. Their prices range from $2,070.85 to $4,848.15. You might also have to pay additional fees by sending the digital scan and prescription to Invisalign, where your aligners will be made.
It’s best to consult your dentist or orthodontist to get better or fairer price estimates.
Key Takeaway
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that has gained popularity in recent years. They work like traditional braces by applying gentle pressure on your teeth to move them into their correct positions. They can help solve alignment issues like overbites, underbites, tooth gaps, and more.
Discreetness, comfort, and convenience are reasons Invisalign is popular today. They won’t clash with your aesthetics, and most people won’t notice them. They are also more convenient because they are easy to remove and won’t need any repairs. Additionally, Invisalign braces won’t irritate your cheeks or tongue.
However, Invisalign braces are more expensive than traditional braces; it’s best to ask your dentist for better or fairer price estimates.
