Invisalign is a brand used in Maple Ridge orthodontic procedures to treat crowding and spacing issues. Crowding affects approximately 24% of women and 14% of men, while spacing affects 8% of women and 13% of men.
Many adults need orthodontic treatment but are reluctant to wear traditional fixed appliances with wires, bands, and brackets.
Invisalign now offers an aesthetically pleasing alternative. This system enables orthodontists to provide adult patients with full-mouth solutions using clear plastic overlays. Not all are qualified to use this brand, so learn more about it and see if it’s worth the investment.
Key Takeaways:
- Invisalign treatment uses clear aligners that you can remove when eating.
- Aligner-based treatment applies constant pressure to reshape the smile.
- Fewer visits – every 2 to 3 months, or even every 6 months with some providers—so you’ll spend less time at the dentist.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the leading global brand of clear aligners. These custom-made trays are made of a multilayer aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane/co-polyester material. They are discreet and offer a clear, metal-free alternative to traditional braces.
You can remove it for easy eating, brushing, and flossing without the concern of food particles getting stuck in brackets and wires. Since it fits your teeth’ specific shape and size, they apply minimal discomfort. Multiple orthodontic research and case studies show before and after results and effects.
Clear Aligners Vs. Traditional Braces
When worn, Invisalign aligners exert consistent pressure to reshape the bone in response to the pressure. The number of changes you’ll undergo depends on your provider’s treatment plan. Weekly changes are the most common.
You must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily, but you can remove them when eating or drinking. Wear each set for one to two weeks before replacing it with a new one. It’s normal to feel discomfort when switching to a new set as they apply controlled pressure.
Traditional braces consist of brackets and wires connecting them. These brackets and wires work together to move and straighten the teeth by applying consistent pressure over time. Orthodontists adjust braces to ensure continued progress. Because you cannot remove them while eating, food gets stuck between them.
Who Can Use Aligners?
It is a popular treatment for adults and adolescents seeking a straighter smile. It is effective in addressing a range of dental misalignments.
Crowding
Dental crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space for your teeth to align properly. This condition is also called malocclusion or overcrowding. The severity of overcrowding depends on jaw size and the number of teeth.
An aligner slowly moves your teeth into their ideal position. It may cause mild pressure, but it isn’t painful. You will wear each set for about two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series.
Depending on the severity of your crowding, you may need anywhere from 20 to 50 sets to achieve your desired result.
Spacing
Most people have interproximal spaces. These spaces can occur anywhere along the dental arch, though those in the front (anterior) are easier to treat. They can be caused by tooth size discrepancies, missing or proclined teeth, or a combination of the two.
Three main categories: mild, moderate, and severe.
- Closing spaces is most effective if the patient has proclination.
- Closing all spaces may not always be possible or desirable, especially when a tooth size discrepancy is present. This is most common when the maxillary lateral incisors are smaller than average.
- Fully closing localized spaces with both crowns and roots upright (bodily movement) can be challenging.
- For more severe spaces, dentists will move a few at a time.
Restorative treatment is highly complementary for addressing severe spaces.
Narrow Arches
Narrow arches, characterized by tapered rather than U-shaped arches, can occur with or without a posterior crossbite. This condition results in a smile where the upper bicuspid and first molars are not visible. Dentists can expand narrow arches with sufficient periodontal support to improve the arch form and smile aesthetics.
- Expansion of 2–3 mm per side with clear straighteners depends on the amount of buccal bone and periodontium in the posterior region.
- Skeletal expansion requires a combination of an aligner and a surgical expansion. In some teens, non-surgical rapid palatal expansion may be an option.
- Dentists can perform cosmetic alignment of the front while keeping the narrow arches unchanged.
Crossbite, Open Bite, and Deep Bite
| Crossbite | Occurs when the maxillary teeth are either too far forward (buccally) or too far back (lingually) relative to the mandibular section. Dentists correct anterior crossbites by repositioning teeth into their proper position. |
| Deep Bite | A common vertical issue. Correcting a deep bite improves the function of the occlusion. |
| Open Bite | A dental or skeletal malocclusion. A skeletal open bite exhibits a long, narrow face shape (dolichofacial) with increased lower facial height and an open mouth posture at rest. |
The Pros and Cons
Experiences with clear aligners vary —some patients prefer them, while others find them frustrating.
Pros
- Reduced need for frequent visits. You can come in every 2 to 3 months (or even as infrequently as every 6 months with some providers), which means less “chair time.”
- Unlike traditional braces, which apply uniform pressure across the arch, aligners address the specific needs of each tooth.
- Ability to remove at least ten minutes to maintain hygiene, as you can brush and floss regularly.
- Encourage patients to adopt healthier eating habits. Since you’ll need to remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water, you’ll likely cut down on snacking and sipping coffee throughout the day.
- Less conspicuous.
Cons
- Require daily cleaning and proper care to maintain their effectiveness.
- Depends on a high level of patient compliance—if you forget to wear them, even for just a few hours, it can delay your progress.
- Not suitable for correcting complex orthodontic issues.
- Easy to lose or misplace if not stored properly.
Is it Worth the Investment?
The cost varies based on several factors, including the duration, the complexity of the case, and your location in Canada. In Toronto, for example, the average cost with an orthodontist ranges from $4,000 to $10,000.
Dental insurance won’t cover the full cost of the treatment, but it may cover a percentage. Many insurance plans offer orthodontic coverage up to a certain age. After that, you may be able to finance the remaining balance through different options.
Consult Your Dentist If You are a Candidate for Invisalign
If you’re looking for a discreet way to improve your beautiful smile without the visible appearance of traditional braces, Invisalign may be a suitable option. These clearly fit your teeth by shifting them into place. Before the treatment begins, visit a dental clinic for a customized orthodontic treatment plan.
Westgate Dental Centre, a Maple Ridge Orthodontics office, offers multiple dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and family dentistry. Our team of dentists can provide personalized plans to meet your specific needs. The Maple Ridge community can book an appointment online today for an initial consultation. We accept the whole family or new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get an aligner from a dentist or orthodontist?
Both dentists and orthodontists provide this treatment, but there are differences between the two. Dentists are practitioners who have completed dental school and offer various dental services. An Orthodontist, a certified specialist, undergoes additional training on diagnosing, preventing, and treating malocclusions (misaligned bites). They provide quality orthodontic care.
Does it hurt to use aligners?
It is less painful than traditional braces, but you might feel discomfort or pressure when switching to a new set. This goes away in a few days. Most people don’t need painkillers, but chewing on “Munchies” (special chew toys) can help fit the aligners better and ease discomfort.
How long do Invisalign-based treatments last?
- Minor Adjustments (6–12 Months): For small gaps.
- Moderate Cases (12–18 Months): For moderate issues like spacing, crossbites, or medium crowding.
- Severe Issues (18–24+ Months): For severe problems like extreme overcrowding or bites.