Nobody likes to wear braces. The fact is that people have switched to clear aligners in recent times. A popular clear aligner product that you might have come across is Invisalign. It was created by Align Technology back in 1998. Since then, other brands have also introduced clear aligners. However, Invisalign remains the most sought-after option. If you are considering getting Invisalign and want to know more about the option, you need to read on.
So, What Is Invisalign?
As you might have gotten an idea by now, Invisalign is a brand name for a type of clear aligners. It is widely used for orthodontic treatment. A flexible thermoplastic material is used for making the aligners. The name Invisalign suggests just what the aligners do. They offer a less conspicuous orthodontic treatment. Even though Invisalign aligners are not completely invisible, the clear coverings fit perfectly over the teeth and tend to be less noticeable as compared to traditional braces.
Which Dental Issues Does Invisalign Correct?
When it comes to Invisalign, the clear aligners can be used for a wide range of purposes such as spacing and crowding issues. Generally, you can expect the following dental issues to be treated by Invisalign.
- Crowded Teeth
- Gap Teeth
- Open Bite
- Some types of Crossbite, Underbite, and Overbite issues
According to research, Invisalign might be a more effective option as compared to other options.
What You Need To Know About Wearing Invisalign?
To get Invisalign, the first thing that you need to do is pay your local orthodontist a visit. The orthodontist will create a 3-D image of your jaw and mouth. Then, this image will be used for putting together a plan for ensuring proper movement of the teeth.
The plan will be used by the orthodontist to create customized plastic aligners that you will need to wear and switch over a period of time. The aligners will help apply pressure to align your teeth. Thus, they will gradually shift and move into the desired place. The set of aligners you use will need to be switched every week or two weeks. The aligners have to be worn for about 20 to 22 hours every day.
How Effective Are Invisalign Aligners?
Instead of just relying on what your friends have to say about their Invisalign aligners, it is important to know what the experts have to say. Although there has not been a lot of research into the effectiveness of Invisalign aligners, they have been successful in helping people achieve the smile that they have always wanted.
What Affects the Effectiveness of Invisalign?
In order for Invisalign to help you get that Hollywood smile, you need to wear the aligners every day for 20 to 22 hours. You can only remove the aligners for the following.
- Cleaning your aligners.
- Flossing or brushing your teeth.
- Drinking or eating.
It is crucial that you are careful when cleaning the aligners. Avoid using very hot water as it would warp the plastic. Now, it is important to keep in mind that the complexity of your dental issues also affect how effective the aligners are. If you want to correct complex bite or spacing issues, the treatment would take more time. Other factors that you need to consider include age and sex. As people reach the age of 35, the rate of movement of their teeth increases.
Pros of Invisalign
- Aesthetic Look: One of the main selling points of Invisalign is its aesthetic look. The clear aligners are not as noticeable as braces.
- Option to Remove Them: The aligner can be removed from your mouth if needed.
- Ease of Cleaning the Teeth: As you can easily remove the aligners, you should have no trouble brushing and flossing your teeth.
Cons of Invisalign
- Compliance: To achieve the best results, you need to wear the aligners for up to 22 hours every day.
- Not as Effective for Complex Issues: Invisalign tends to be more effective for certain types of movement.
- Removal for Eating and Drinking: Anyone that wears Invisalign would need to take the aligners off in order to eat or drink. This can get frustrating.
Conclusion
Invisalign has its fair share of pros and cons just like any other dental procedure. To ensure that you make the right decision, it is vital that you consult with a dentist. The dentist will determine if you should get Invisalign aligners or not.
