Invisalign is one of the game changers in cosmetic dentistry when we talk about teeth straightening. Invisalign is an innovative dental technology, as it has gained importance in comparison to traditional metal braces. To give a better idea of Invisalign results, there are some before and after photos of people who have chosen Invisalign treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign refers to clear, customized, and removable aligners that help to straighten teeth without the use of metal brackets and metal wires. Invisalign makes use of aligners that can be changed within 7 days or 14 days, which will help to set your teeth into a desired position. Aligners are generally made from plastic material that resembles a mouthguard. However, it is much thinner in comparison to the actual mouthguard.
Invisalign can be used to treat various dental concerns, such as
- Gap teeth
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crowded teeth
The Evolution of Clear Aligners
Clear aligner’s development began in 1945 with the evolution of Kesling’s tooth positioner. The modern-day clear aligners came into existence in 1999 as Invisalign by Kelsey Wirth and Zia Chishti, two of the Stanford University students.
Some milestones that you must notice while clear aligners came into being are as follows:
- Flex-O-Tite: Introduced by Remensnyder, Flex-O-Tite came into existence as the first appliance.
- Rubber-based appliance: Kesling was responsible for inventing a rubber-based appliance in the year 1945 that helped in teeth alignment to a certain level.
- Thermoplastic-based appliance: Nahoum in 1960 invented a thermoplastic-based appliance that used slow and gradual forces that helped to move teeth.
- Essix retainer: Sheridan 1993 developed the Essix retainer, which is composed of thermoplastic sheets.
- Invisalign: In this Invisalign system, aligners are custom-made from thermoplastic material.
- Computer-generated treatment plans: Now, the Invisalign company has introduced these computer-generated treatment plans.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The Invisalign process is an effective treatment in comparison to traditional braces. Invisalign helps to shift teeth gradually to a desired position by making use of customized clear trays.
- The process of Invisalign treatment begins with an initial consultation. It helps to decide whether the treatment will be suitable for you.
- Accordingly, a customized treatment plan is created with 3D imaging technology, frequent check-ins that help to swap with new trays, and monitoring progress, and the outcome is a smile makeover.
- It is vital to maintain good oral hygiene and care for your aligners after completing treatment. It will help to prevent complications and achieve the best outcome.
- Proper maintenance and retainers form a crucial part of maintaining the Invisalign results.
Lastly, before choosing Invisalign treatment, it is important to take considerations from an experienced dentist in Dallas for their recommendations.
Benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces
Invisalign provides easy cleaning, convenience, and oral hygiene. The Invisalign treatment requires much less time than braces. Some benefits are as follows:
- Aesthetics: Invisalign seems to be invisible. Therefore, many people will even not notice if someone is wearing Invisalign, adding better aesthetics.
- Comfort: Invisalign provides comfort to your teeth as they are made of smooth and flexible materials. Furthermore, they do not have any sharp wires or edges that can harm your mouth in any way.
- Oral hygiene: Invisalign can easily be removed. Therefore, you can floss and brush your teeth easily. You can remove them while eating easily without any hassle and do not have to make any special changes in your diet.
- Timeframe for Results: The Invisalign process requires approximately 6 to 24 months in comparison to braces, which require a timeframe of almost 2 years.
One of the long-term benefits of Invisalign treatment is the prevention of abnormal wear. In realigning the teeth, Invisalign helps to disturb the pressures of chewing or biting. It helps to prevent unnecessary wear and tear that helps to maintain the long-term integrity of your teeth.
Potential candidates: Who can wear Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is beneficial for people of any age, including children, teenagers, and adults.
- Children: Invisalign is suitable for children who are between 6 and 10 years old and are developing teeth alignment issues. The overall treatment can last between 6 and 18 months.
- Adults: In older patients, Invisalign can be used to treat dental issues such as:
- Bite issue
- If anyone wants to wear braces
- The ability to wear aligners for some hours every day
- People who are able to afford the Invisalign treatment
- Invisalign aligners are perfect for those who may take care of them
Moreover, Invisalign is best for people who are experiencing temporomandibular disorder (TMD) causing jaw discomfort, pain, and restriction in movement. Invisalign is an ideal solution for those who have a habit of smoking or tobacco that interferes with their trays, making them unhygienic.
Before and After Invisalign Transformations
Invisalign Jawline Before And After
Invisalign Gaps Before And After
Invisalign Before And After Worst Cases
Critical Considerations Before Starting Your Invisalign Journey
Before starting your Invisalign journey, the first step is to make an appointment with your dentist. They will ask you to give your X-ray report and other photographs of dental impressions. Some essential points you need to be careful of are as follows:
- Through 3D simulation of the final outcome of the Invisalign treatment, you will be more confident to start the treatment.
- The time will be less in comparison to conventional orthodontics, as the treatment will only require 6 to 18 months.
- Invisalign treatment requires fewer visits to dental clinics in comparison to other conventional methods.
- You need to wear retainers at night to retain the new smile on your face.
- The process requires maintenance on a daily basis and safe storage that will increase the life of your Invisalign teeth aligners.
- The aligner treatment used in the Invisalign process needs to be changed every 14 days.
Preparation for treatment: Lifestyle adjustment and commitment required
For a successful Invisalign progression, it is required for patients to be consistent. They must embrace convenience and foster healthy habits that will not only do smile enhancement but will also redefine oral hygiene.
Some maintenance tips and common challenges are discussed as follows:
- Caring for aligners: Commitment to adhere to wearing the aligners for 22 hours or the recommended time every day is the key to Invisalign treatment. For this, you can set reminders or create a schedule to ensure that aligners are worn for the recommended duration, which will help achieve desired results within the suggested timeframe.
- Adapting to speech differences: You may experience slight speech changes in the way you speak. Therefore, your mouth muscles need to adapt to the aligners. As 1st month comes to an end, most patients choosing Invisalign treatment begin to speak clearly and comfortably. However, some may develop some issues in which you may consult a dentist.
- Eating habits and oral hygiene practices: Removing aligners while eating happens to be one of the most important advantages of the Invisalign process. You can take advantage of this fact and develop healthy eating habits such as nutrient-rich foods and limit your snacking. Some practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash once or twice a day, may help you develop oral hygiene.
The Cost Of Invisalign Compared To Traditional Braces
The Invisalign treatment may cost you approximately $3,000 to $8,000, while traditional braces used to cost between $3,000 and $12,000. However, some factors that may affect cost are the severity of your orthodontic condition, treatment length, and your dentist’s expertise.
Transform Your Smile With DentUrgent’s Invisalign Treatment
If you are facing dental problems or you are facing fear of smiling in front of others, our dental experts at DentUrgent will provide you with dental solutions such as Invisalign treatment. Through this treatment, you will not only enhance your smile but will also gain confidence. Book an appointment with our experts and see the difference we can create in your smile.