Invisalign. You’ve probably heard about it before. It is a procedure to straighten teeth. It’s becoming a more common substitute for the traditional metal braces that Prince Harry wore to wow us when he was younger.
But unlike metal braces, Invisalign is probably something you’ve never seen. Given that it is essentially invisible, how could you? The name “Invisalign” refers to this. So, how does Invisalign operate? How can something hidden provide you with the picture-perfect smile of your dreams? Let us discuss this awesome dental treatment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a way to straighten your teeth that uses cutting-edge 3D computer imaging technology and is so clear that most people don’t even notice it. Using the present and final positions of your teeth after they have been straightened, Invisalign technology creates a treatment plan that gradually realigns your teeth. After that, you will switch out your current Invisalign for a fresh set of aligners every few weeks until you have the smile of your dreams!
Invisalign moves the teeth into the proper position by using a set of transparent plastic aligners. Your journey with Invisalign will begin with a consultation and intra-oral scan to design your personalized aligners, which you will switch out every few weeks until your treatment is complete.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Depending on the severity or if there are many difficulties, some people may be eligible for Invisalign treatment for the following conditions, but not all may.
Uneven teeth
Invisalign is a solution if you want to align your smile.
Overbite
Some foods might be challenging to chew and bite into if you have an overbite, which occurs when your top teeth erupt too far in advance of your lower teeth. Will Invisalign correct an overbite? Yes, there are instances where teeth can be moved using Invisalign so that they line up properly when your mouth is closed.
Underbite
When your lower teeth are in front of your upper teeth, you have an underbite, affecting your speech and hastening tooth wear. Is an underbite treatable with Invisalign? Yes, the lower teeth can be shifted back using Invisalign, so they naturally occupy the space behind the front teeth. However, in extreme circumstances, braces and Invisalign may be used together, and Invisalign may not be an option in all cases with an underbite.
Crossbite
Your teeth may chip, wear down, and even experience gum recession due to a crossbite, which occurs when certain upper teeth occlude lower teeth rather than sitting outside. Do you have any doubts that Invisalign can correct a crossbite? Invisalign can frequently address a crossbite and reposition misaligned teeth into their proper positions.
Gaps in Teeth
You have a spacing issue if there is a space between two or more teeth. Food stuck between teeth and gums in this extra space can lead to gum disease and pain. While gaps can be filled with Invisalign to provide a healthier mouth and a more attractive smile, there are limits to how much space can be filled in.
Open Bite
By shifting the upper and lower teeth into the proper positions, so they close properly, Invisalign can repair an open bite (where the top and more deficient teeth don’t connect).
Crowded Teeth
Crowding is when there is insufficient space in the jaw for all of your teeth, causing them to overlap and twist. Because there is less room between teeth, food can get caught there, and plaque and tartar can accumulate, leading to gum disease and tooth damage. So can crowding Invisalign treat it? Depending on the severity and intricacy of the issue, Invisalign may be effective in some situations of crowded teeth.
Limitations of Invisalign
Braces can shift teeth with more force and precision than Invisalign can. To get the desired results, complex orthodontic treatment or situations requiring extensive tooth movement require braces rather than Invisalign. The following are some circumstances in which Invisalign might not perform as well as braces:
Tooth Shape
Some individuals have teeth that make it difficult for them to use aligners. For example, teeth that are short, round, pegged, or have sharp points could be difficult for the aligner to grab. As a result, using an aligner to move your teeth into the appropriate position is ineffective.
Tooth Position
A tooth may rotate to fit in a crowded mouth. For molars, Invisalign cannot realign them if the rotation is greater than 20 degrees. The degree can be more significant when canines, premolars, and incisors are rotated. Teeth can also lean forward or back to fit in a full mouth. If the tilt surpasses 45 degrees, Invisalign will struggle to lift the teeth effectively.
Large Gaps Between Teeth
No matter how many gaps a patient would like to close or just one gap between two teeth, Invisalign can only reliably close up to 6mm of space per arch (top teeth or lower teeth).
Extrusion and Intrusion
With orthodontic treatment, teeth can be moved up or down in the jawbone to maintain the same height. While Invisalign can only achieve minimal movement in the front teeth and nearly no indication in the back teeth, braces can force teeth into alignment.
Midline Movements
A few patients’ front teeth don’t align with their midline (the imaginary line down the middle of the face). A midline disparity of 2mm to the left or right per arch can be addressed with Invisalign, but anything more excellent requires braces.
Previous Dental Work
Invisalign may be prohibited for some patients due to prior dental work. For example, using Invisalign may be impossible if you have a dental bridge. In addition, because attachments can’t glue to the surface of porcelain veneers or crowns, a patient may not be able to use them with Invisalign.
New Dental Work
After receiving Invisalign retainers, a patient may undergo dental work such as a crown or porcelain veneers; in this case, the retainers may not fit properly or may not be as effective at moving teeth into position. Before using Invisalign, an orthodontist will evaluate prior dental work to confirm suitability. All dental restorative work must be postponed until after Invisalign treatment is finished once aligners have been created. Aligners may cease functioning after even minor dental work on a single tooth.
Extractions are Required
Patients who require extractions before or during treatment are not candidates for Invisalign.
Use of Visible Attachments
Since the aligners are so hardly noticeable, Invisalign patients frequently select this course of treatment. Some Invisalign patients, though, are required to use attachments. This is because the attachments resemble enamel-coloured buttons and are barely visible.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisible Appearance
The Invisalign tray is undetectable! Since they are fully transparent, your face and smile are unaffected. This is a fantastic alternative for anyone who wants to live their life without the brackets and wires that come with conventional braces, including adults, teenagers, and young adults.
Comfort
The smooth plastic Invisalign tray material makes it far more pleasant than conventional metal braces. In addition, Invisalign has no protruding or sharp edges, and the aligner trays are designed just for your mouth and teeth.
Greater cleanliness
When it’s time to wash and floss your teeth, remove the Invisalign trays, clean your teeth, and then replace them. Cleaning the trays themselves is also an option! Remove the trays and rinse or brush them with your toothbrush to ensure no buildup. A healthy mouth is clean. For the most pleasing smile after treatment, it’s crucial to have healthy teeth and gums while getting your teeth straightened.
Saves Time
Since Invisalign only requires routine maintenance every six weeks on average, you will be able to spend less time at the dentist’s or orthodontist’s office. Other methods of straightening teeth may require a lot more time and appointments.
Safe and Removable
Is your kid or teen involved in band or sports? With Invisalign, you can have orthodontic treatment with more comfort without worrying about getting scraped. Compared to other solutions, Invisalign’s removable aligner trays make brushing your teeth, eating, and going about daily activities easier.
Eat Anything You Want.
One of the most challenging aspects of orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth is restricting one’s diet. Anything too tough, chewy, or sticky is forbidden, which may sour a special occasion. Some of your favourite dishes are also off-limits. For Invisalign, these problems are unimportant. You are free to eat whatever you want after removing the trays!
Improved Dental Health
Your dental and gum health will benefit from having straight teeth. Taking care of your teeth is more straightforward when there are no gaps or crowding, and more excellent dental health translates to improved overall health.
Outstandingly Straight Teeth
The outcomes are undeniable, and Invisalign produces stunningly straight teeth and a radiant smile. The most delicate justification for using Invisalign, perhaps!
Achieve a Confident Smile with Invisalign
Straightening your teeth with Invisalign offers numerous benefits. You can easily clean, eat, and drink while gradually achieving a beautifully aligned smile comfortably. With removable aligners, Invisalign addresses dental issues and prevents further complications, requiring fewer dental visits and less invasive treatments.
If you’re eager to change for a brighter and healthier smile, don’t hesitate to contact Westgate Dental Centre. Take the first step and contact us now. Let us help you smile with confidence!
