Is Invisalign Really as Good as They Say?
Heard about Invisalign and wondering if it’s the right choice for you? Many teeth alignment issues can be improved using the Invisalign system, so there is a good chance you can be helped.
However, Invisalign is not the best solution for everyone, so you need to consider your options carefully. In order to determine if Invisalign is as good as they say in your case, it’s essential to have the facts.
Your dentist will discuss your options during a consultation, but it helps to have some background information beforehand. This helps you to get a better understanding of the pros and cons of Invisalign and is useful when making a decision about your treatment options.
Does Invisalign work?
The short answer to this question is, ‘yes’. In many cases, Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces when it comes to correcting alignment issues with teeth.
The more complete answer to this question is that the success of Invisalign depends on the severity of the problem, as well as certain other considerations. We will take a look at this in more detail starting with an explanation of the Invisalign system and how it works.
Click here to read more about straightening teeth without braces.
What is Invisalign?
Treatment with Invisalign involves the correction of teeth alignment problems with virtually invisible, removable aligners. Choosing the Invisalign option means that you do not need to have brackets or wires attached to your teeth, so the treatment is a lot more convenient than traditional braces.
The aligners that are used are made from a patented material called SmartTrack. This is a flexible type of plastic. The material is clear, so the aligners are far less noticeable than normal braces. You wear them for several months and they gradually straighten your teeth.
Invisalign aligners are made to fit comfortably in your mouth, and they can be removed when you are eating or drinking or while you are cleaning your teeth.
Click here to read more about different types of braces and retainers.
How does Invisalign Work?
The aligners (trays) used in the Invisalign system are changed every one or two weeks. Each set of aligners has slight adjustments that help ensure your teeth are straightened slowly. The process continues until the desired result is achieved.
On some occasions, Invisalign attachments are used. These are small dots, the same colour as teeth, which are bonded to the teeth. They help the aligner to grip and move the teeth more successfully. If you have Invisalign treatment, you may not need these attachments, depending on the current position of your teeth.
How long does Invisalign take to work?
You may be wondering, how long does Invisalign treatment take to get results? In most cases, treatment is completed within twelve months. Very minor alignment issues can often be resolved in around three months whereas more complex problems can take a few years.
The speed of success often has a lot to do with how compliant you are with wearing the aligners. It’s recommended that they should be worn for 22 hours each day for the best results to be achieved. The blue dot “compliance indicator” shows the level of compliance. If it’s still visible when the aligners are swapped at the end of each period, then you know that you are not wearing the aligners for enough time each day.
Click here to read more about the fastest ways to straighten teeth.
Is Invisalign Suitable for Me?
This is not a question that can be answered fully here. You need to have a consultation with your dentist to discuss your individual circumstances.
However, it’s possible to get an idea about whether you will be a good candidate for using the Invisalign system. It can be used to treat a variety of issues including:
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Wide spaces between teeth
- Underbites, crossbites, and underbites
But there are some occasions when traditional braces are a better solution. Some examples of these situations are:
- An overbite or underbite is severe
- Teeth are short or pegged preventing aligners from working efficiently
- Teeth are rotated and cannot be repositioned with the use of aligners
- There are large gaps between teeth
- There is intrusion or extrusion present (teeth cannot be raised or lowered using Invisalign)
- Baby teeth are still present
- Certain teeth are missing
- False teeth are present
- There is a dental bridge in place
- There is acute gum disease or periodontal disease
If Invisalign treatment is not a good option for you, your dentist with recommend alternatives such as:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Lingual braces
In addition to whether Invisalign is suitable for your situation, you also need to consider cost implications. On average, the treatment costs £2500 and £5000. It can be more expensive than this in some circumstances.
Click here to read more about the pros and cons of removable braces like Invisalign.
In Summary
Invisalign really is as good as they say for many people. It’s an effective way of getting the smile you want without having to wear unsightly braces. Invisalign aligners are also comfortable to wear, and they can be removed to make it easier for you to eat and drink and clean your teeth.
Invisalign treatment also usually requires less trips to the dentist than wearing traditional braces as you are given several sets of aligners at once and simply need to change them when required. This makes it a more convenient solution.
In some cases, Invisalign is not an option. It’s also worth noting that, even if you are suitable for treatment using the Invisalign system, there are other factors to consider. These factors include the cost of the treatment, whether results can be achieved faster using other methods, and whether attachments will be needed that will make aligners more visible.
In order to make a final decision about using the Invisalign system, make an appointment for a consultation with your dentist. At this consultation, you will be able to discuss the information in this article and have your questions answered.
Your dentist will then advise you about whether Invisalign is a good choice for you. If you go ahead with this treatment option, you will find that it helps to straighten your teeth and gives you the confident smile you are looking for.
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Contact us today to find out more about Invisalign by contacting one of our practices in Esher, Surrey or Wandsworth, South West London.