Invisalign uses clear aligners to gradually and efficiently straighten your teeth without any heavy metal brackets. As they are completely removable, you can also take them out to eat, brush and floss as normal.
It is a far more comfortable and much less intrusive method than traditional orthodontic treatments and it will help you achieve the smile of your dreams without anyone noticing you’re undergoing a dental treatment.
Lots of orthodontic issues can be treated with Invisalign – and all you have to do is wear your aligners!
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
- It’s removable
One of the most apparent benefits of Invisalign compared to traditional braces is that the trays are removable. This allows you to eat without getting food stuck in your teeth. - It’s discreet
Many patients initially prefer Invisalign as the trays are clear, which is ideal for adults put off by traditional braces. Many patients see that others barely notice that they are wearing Invisalign at all. - It’s comfortable
Invisalign treatments can be more comfortable than metal braces. With the trays, there are no brackets that can cause sores to develop in the mouth.
How does Invisalign work?
- Invisalign aligners apply consistent, controlled force to individual teeth, gently moving them into their new desired position. Invisalign differs from traditional braces in that it actually controls the amount of force applied to each tooth and this reduces the length of the treatment in comparison with traditional orthodontics.
- During your initial consultation, your dentist will explore your goals and needs to determine if Invisalign is the appropriate treatment for you. If this is the case, they will then take detailed impressions of your teeth and create a digital 3D image of your smile. This will help them to determine the precise movements needed to create the best results.
- Your custom-made invisible aligners will then be created according to your individual treatment plan. The number of aligners you will need depends on your needs and goals but a full Invisalign treatment typically involves the use of 18 to 36 aligners.
How much does Invisalign cost?
In many situations, the cost of treatment with Invisalign mirrors the cost of traditional braces and is based on the complexity of your situation and the number of aligners required.
What is the length of Invisalign treatment?
How long your treatment lasts depends on your individual needs and the recommendations your dentist makes. You should wear your aligners for 22 to 24 hours per day, for between six and 18 months. However, if your dental issues are more complex the timeframe may extend or metal braces may be needed to start.
What can Invisalign correct?
Invisible braces can fix a wide variety of dental issues.
While Invisalign may not be able to solve all dental bite-related issues, some customised Invisalign trays can work wonders on some of the most problematic dental conditions, including:
- Overcrowded teeth
Teeth can become overcrowded if a smaller jaw bone means that they cannot sit comfortably in your mouth. Overcrowding can make teeth crooked and harder to clean, leading to increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay. - Gapped teeth
Gaps can appear in one part of the mouth or throughout the entire bite and can be caused by abnormal jaw bone or occur as a result of tooth loss. This can cause gum problems and increased risk of periodontal diseases. - Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth protrude further than the upper front teeth as a result of jaw development. This can cause chewing difficulties and lead to tooth wear and issues with your jaw joints. - Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth bite over the lower front teeth. This can be caused by jaw bone development or genetic issues. Overbites can make chewing difficult and irritate the gums, as well as wear down the lower teeth. - Crossbite
A crossbite can occur when crooked jaws cause the teeth to be misaligned, causing one or multiple upper teeth to contact the inside of the lower teeth. This can lead to increased risk of gum disease, teeth wear and bone loss. - Open bite
An open bite is when teeth don’t touch when the jaw is closed, often affecting the front teeth. This can be caused by abnormal jaw structures or thumb sucking, and lead to chewing problems, speech impairment and increased risk of TMJ.
Is Invisalign painful?
As your teeth will be slowly but physically moving around, Invisalign will never be completely pain-free. However, it is typically far less painful than alternatives which use metal braces.
Any dull pain will often be a result of wearing brand new aligners, while soreness comes from aligners which press against the teeth to encourage movement. There will also be mild pain as a result of aligners being in the mouth in the first place.
When it’s time to swap to your new aligners, your mouth will be fully adjusted to wearing the Invisalign trays and some of this pain will disappear.
While the edges of your Invisalign aligners are not sharp, they can irritate the insides of your lips and your gums as your mouth gets used to having them there. Over the first few weeks your mouth will adjust to wearing these aligners and develop calluses that will help to prevent irritation.
What can you eat with Invisalign?
One of the most appealing benefits of Invisalign is that it will straighten your teeth without the dietary restrictions present in traditional metal braces. Aligners can be removed (for a short time), so you can eat whatever foods you like.
There are a few eating habits to keep in mind to ensure that your treatment goes as planned. They include:
- Cutting down on morning coffee
Sipping on coffee all day while wearing your aligners can cause them to stain. - Brushing is key
It’s important to brush your teeth after a snack or meal to give your aligners a clean space to sit. - Avoid gum
The stickiness of the gum and the chewing motion can damage your aligners and ruin the orthodontic process. - Remove your aligners before eating
Eating and chewing while wearing your aligners can damage or even crack them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you whiten teeth with Invisalign?
What happens if you don’t wear Invisalign for a day?
How often should I wear my Invisalign aligners?
Why choose Invisalign at FY Smile?
At FY Smile, we always use your unique facial features as a reference when we design your smile and plan the movement of your teeth using Invisalign. We do this using software which incorporates your face into the treatment planning and design process. This means that you can be confident that your end result will look and feel right for you, with no need to worry about unexpected surprises at the end of treatment.
We also use AI technology to make the process more efficient for you. This allows us to monitor the movement of your teeth and compare their current position with where they should be at that point in your treatment.
