Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to move your teeth into their correct positions. The aligners are virtually invisible and a lot more comfortable than traditional ‘train-track’ braces, which use metal brackets to fix misalignments.
The first step in Invisalign treatment is a full examination of your teeth and gums. This is done to assess the best placement of the aligners and the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Next, your doctor will create a series of trays that will gradually shift your teeth into their desired position.
Each set of aligners is designed to move your teeth a quarter of a millimeter each week until you reach the desired movement. Once you have achieved the desired result, your doctor will remove your trays and provide you with a new set of aligners to complete the remaining stages of your Invisalign treatment.
Depending on your doctor’s instructions, you will switch out one set of aligners for a new set about once every week or two. This will take a few weeks to get used to, but you’ll be able to achieve the results you want in less time than with conventional braces.
Invisalign can fix a variety of dental issues, including overcrowding and crooked teeth. It’s also a great option for patients who don’t want to wear metal braces.
To get started with Invisalign, your doctor will take 3D images of your teeth using a scanning system called ClinCheck. These 3D images will be used to create a series of trays that will move your teeth into their correct position.
You’ll need to wear the trays for about 20 to 22 hours a day, and you’ll be required to change them out at least once per week. It’s also important to brush your teeth before and after each meal, as well as to rinse your trays to prevent them from getting discoloured or smelly.
When you first start your Invisalign treatment, your doctor may add little button-like attachments to the front of your teeth so that the aligners can grip them. These help the aligners do detailed movements that would be difficult with other types of braces.
These attachments can help with rotations and extrusion of premolars, incisors, and canines (Figures 2 and 3). They also reduce the amount of enamel that is removed from the front surface of the teeth to allow room for crowded teeth to be aligned.
If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, Invisalign can straighten them and give you an attractive smile that you’ll love. It’s a safe and effective option for teens and adults of all ages, and it’s one of the fastest orthodontic treatments available.
Invisalign is a more affordable option than other types of orthodontic treatment, and it’s also often covered by insurance plans. However, you’ll have to pay for any additional treatments that are required to get the results you want.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, book an appointment with your nearest Bupa practice to talk to an orthodontist and find out if it’s the right treatment for you. They’ll explain everything you need to know about Invisalign and answer any questions you might have.