Invisalign has changed the way we think about teeth straightening. Forget the clunky brackets and wires of traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses a system of virtually invisible, removable aligners to move your teeth into their desired position gently. But how does Invisalign work exactly? If you’re curious about this modern orthodontic treatment, this blog will walk you through the Invisalign process from your first consultation to your final confident smile. How does Invisalign work?
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Invisalign, how it works, and why it might be the right solution for you or your teen.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a contemporary orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using a series of clear, custom-made plastic aligners rather than fixed braces. These aligners are carefully designed using advanced 3D imaging technology and fit snugly over your teeth, applying gentle pressure to move them gradually over time.
Unlike traditional metal braces that include brackets and wires, Invisalign clear aligners are smooth, comfortable, and practically invisible when worn. They’re ideal for people who want an effective way to straighten teeth without the undesirable, noticeable look of braces.
Step One: The Initial Consultation
During this appointment, your dentist will check your mouth, teeth, and bite. They may also take digital scans, impressions, and photographs to fully understand your current alignment and oral health.
Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan
Based on your consultation and digital scans, your dentist will develop a customised treatment plan tailored to your teeth and goals. This plan includes a projection of how your teeth will move at each stage and how long the treatment is expected to take.
Each patient’s plan is unique, but the goal remains the same: to move your teeth into the correct position gently and gradually.
The Invisalign Aligners: What You’ll Be Wearing
Once your custom treatment plan is approved, a series of Invisalign trays will be created just for you. These aligner trays are made from medical grade clear plastic and are designed to fit firmly over your upper and lower teeth.
Depending on your dentist’s instructions, you’ll wear each set of aligners for about one to two weeks. As you move through each set of aligners, your teeth will slowly adjust to their intended position.
It’s crucial to wear your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day, with removal recommended only for eating, drinking anything besides water, or during oral hygiene routines. This ensures optimal movement and keeps you on track with your treatment plan.
How Does Invisalign Work?
So, how does Invisalign work to straighten your teeth?
Here’s a breakdown of the Invisalign process:
- Digital Mapping: Advanced software creates a 3D model of your current smile and your desired outcome.
- Custom Trays: Each set of clear aligners is carefully designed to apply gentle pressure to specific teeth, gradually guiding them to move into the correct position at every stage.
- Sequential Movement: Each new set of aligners makes slight adjustments to the position of your teeth.
- Tooth Movement: Over time, these small changes add up to big results. Your teeth gradually shift into their new position.
- Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ins every few weeks with your dentist ensure your teeth move as planned.
- Retention: After treatment, you’ll likely need to wear retainers to keep your new smile in place.
This step by step approach is what makes the Invisalign system so effective. It’s not just about looking good. It’s about creating a healthier bite and improving your oral health.
What Happens After Treatment?
Once your teeth reach the desired position, your Invisalign journey isn’t over just yet. To maintain your new smile, you’ll be given retainers to wear, especially at night. This ensures your teeth stay in place and don’t shift back over time.
Some patients may need to wear retainers for life, while others might only need them for a few years. It varies from person to person, so follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The total duration of Invisalign treatment depends on how much your teeth need to move. Most cases take between 6 to 18 months. Some patients might see results in as little as a few months, while others may need longer for complex alignment or bite corrections.
Your dentist will give you a projected timeline during your custom treatment plan development and will continue to monitor your progress throughout.
Invisalign vs Braces: What Really Sets Them Apart?
You might be wondering how Invisalign stacks up against traditional braces. Let’s take a look:
- Appearance: Invisalign clear aligners are barely noticeable when worn, which makes them a popular option for adults and teens seeking a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. On the other hand, traditional metal braces are more visible because of the metal brackets and wires fixed to the teeth.
- Comfort: Invisalign trays are crafted from smooth plastic, offering a more comfortable fit and minimising the potential of irritation to your gums and cheeks. In comparison, metal braces can occasionally cause discomfort or soreness as the brackets and wires may rub against the inside of your mouth.
- Removability: One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is that the aligners are removable. You can remove them while eating, brushing, and flossing. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are permanently attached throughout the treatment and can only be taken off by a dentist.
- Oral Hygiene: Since you can remove Invisalign trays, maintaining your usual brushing and flossing routine is easy. With metal braces, it can be more challenging to clean around the brackets and wires, often requiring additional tools and more time.
- Dental Visits: Invisalign usually involves fewer dental visits since there are no wires that need regular tightening or adjustments. Traditional braces usually require more frequent appointments for tightening and monitoring.
Invisalign provides more freedom and flexibility, but it requires discipline. Since you need to wear the aligners for most of the day, it’s up to you to stick to the plan.
What Dental Issues Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can address various dental issues, particularly for patients dealing with:
- Gapped teeth: Spaces between teeth can be closed gently over time
- Crowded teeth: Aligners help to make room and align overlapping teeth
- Misaligned teeth: Straighten your teeth into a natural arch
- Bite issues: Including open bite, deep bite, and mild crossbites
- Mild to moderate alignment issues: Perfect for teens and adults alike
However, if you still have baby teeth or more complex jaw alignment problems, your dentist may recommend other orthodontic treatment options.
How Invisalign Fits Seamlessly Into Your Lifestyle
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is how well it fits into your daily life.
- Eat what you love: Because the aligners are removed during meals, you can enjoy all your favourite foods without the dietary restrictions that come with fixed braces.
- Easier oral care: You can brush and floss your teeth normally without navigating around brackets and wires.
- Less disruption: You’ll need fewer dental appointments compared to traditional braces.
- Appearance: Because they are clear, many people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
Of course, there are a few things to be mindful of. It’s easy to misplace aligners, especially if you’re often removing them in public. If you’re prone to losing things, keep a designated case on hand.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Now, let’s talk about the cost of Invisalign treatment. In Australia, the price of Invisalign can start from $6,000, based on the degree of complexity of your case, the length of your treatment, and your chosen dental clinic.
A number of factors can influence the overall cost of Invisalign treatment, such as:
- Whether you’re correcting both upper teeth and lower teeth
- The number of aligner trays needed
- The experience of the dental professional carrying out the procedure
- Any additional procedures required, like tooth extractions or enamel reshaping
Some dental clinics offer payment plans, so it’s worth asking your dentist if flexible options are available.
Why Choose Invisalign?
If you’re seeking an orthodontic treatment that’s effective, comfortable, and discreet, Invisalign is a strong choice. It provides greater flexibility compared to traditional braces and is a suitable option for both teens and adults seeking a treatment that easily fits into their daily routines.
- Achieve a beautiful smile without metal brackets
- Improve your oral health
- Correct minor to moderate dental issues
- Feel more confident in your day-to-day life
With proper care and commitment, Invisalign can deliver lasting results that go beyond aesthetics.
Final Thoughts: Ready to Start Treatment?
How does Invisalign work? It works with your lifestyle, not against it. Through a series of clear, removable aligners and a carefully monitored treatment plan, Invisalign helps you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of traditional braces.
It’s a journey worth taking, one that leads to a healthier bite, a more confident smile, and better long-term oral health.
Thinking about starting your Invisalign journey? Book an appointment with Available Dental Care at (02) 4062 8763 or (02) 4628 0573 today and take that first step toward a straighter, more confident you.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- Healthline. (n.d.). Does Invisalign work? https://www.healthline.com/health/does-invisalign-work
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). Metal braces: Uses, costs, benefits, and more. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/metal-braces-uses-costs-benefits-and-more-2
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral hygiene. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Common orthodontic problems. https://aaoinfo.org/resources/common-orthodontic-problems/