Invisalign Clear
Aligners
What Is Invisalign?
Causes of Malocclusion
Malocclusion or shifts in the bite can occur in patients of all ages for a variety of reasons. Although you can prevent some of the resulting problems through proper oral health care and regular dental appointments, others require more advanced procedures.
The most common causes of a shifting bite include:
Time
The older you grow, the tighter and smaller your lips become. This change in facial features also puts pressure on your teeth from the outside. Over time, your mouth feels crowded, and changes in dental alignment occur.
Tooth Loss
If you lose one or more teeth, the remaining ones will shift towards the new gap and adversely affect your bite.
Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the tissue around your teeth. When it progresses further and becomes periodontitis, it can cause gum shrinkage and bone loss, increasing the likelihood of tooth loss and misalignment.
Genetics
If you have the condition, your parents, siblings, and other relatives are likely to have it as well. Genetic disorders such as cleft lip or palate also affect your bite by changing your dental structure.
Injury or Trauma
Kids, teens, and young adults are at higher risk of traumatic dental injuries which affect their bite.
How can malocclusion be prevented?
Preventing the condition can be difficult because most cases of malocclusion are largely hereditary.
Parents of young children should limit pacifier and bottle use to help reduce changes in the development of the jaw. Children should also be encouraged to stop sucking their thumbs as young as possible.
Early detection of malocclusion may help decrease the length and severity of the treatment.
5 Reasons To Choose Clear Aligners
The following are five reasons why anyone who wants straighter teeth should use Invisalign clear aligners to do so.
- They are clear or nearly invisible, which means they are barely noticeable when worn.
- They are removable, making them convenient. Because Invisalign wearers can remove the clear aligners when eating, brushing, and flossing their teeth, they are an extremely convenient braces option.
- They are soft and comfortable. Unlike metal braces that can scrape the inside of one’s mouth, clear aligners do not have any sharp edges.
Who Needs Invisalign Clear Aligner?
Outcome Of Invisalign Clear Aligners
Conditions Invisalign Can Correct
- Crooked Teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gaps in Teeth
- Open Bite
- Crowded Teeth
Pros & Cons
Pros of Invisalign
- Comfort: Invisalign is much more physically comfortable to wear. Since there are no wires or brackets, you don’t have to worry about getting any painful nicks or cuts in your mouth.
- More Attractive: Since Invisalign is clear, it doesn’t leave you with a mouth full of metal. In other words, they are more attractive to the eye, and most people won’t even know you are wearing them.
- Convenience: This makes them very convenient, especially as they are available on a widespread scale.
- Can be Removed: Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. It allows you to eat the foods you want and practice better oral hygiene.
- Minimal Maintenance: They can get dingy over time when you wear them, but you can freshen them by using a toothbrush dipped in a small amount of bleach and water.
Cons of Invisalign
- Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages to Invisalign. Here are the cons of the clear plastic aligners:
- Expensive: One of the biggest cons of Invisalign is that they are expensive. They are not covered by dental insurance.
- Attachments: The attachments are used to click into the aligners so that they fit better and can more effectively shift your teeth into the proper position. Attachments also make Invisalign much more noticeable, which can mean you look more like you’re wearing actual braces.
- Required to Wear Them 22 Hours Per Day: Invisalign must be worn a minimum of 22 hours per day. That means that if you are heading out for a date or going to a party, you will have to wear them.
- Tooth Discomfort: Getting new Invisalign aligner trays can be uncomfortable and even painful when you get fitted for a new set.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Treatment?
- Practically invisible
- More comfortable to wear than other types of braces
- Can be removed for eating and brushing
- Require fewer dental visits than other types of braces
- Short treatment times
- Effective at treating spacing, crowding, and bite issues
- Affordable (similar cost to metal braces)
Initial Consultation And Preparing Treatment Plan
The first step in the Invisalign process is an initial consultation with the dentist. Your teeth, jaw, mouth, and orthodontic and dental needs will be assessed and you will explain your end goals.
The dentist will make a plan of what can be done with Invisalign. You’ll get the cost, the treatment plan, the timeline, a schedule of appointments, and instructions on how to wear and take care of your Invisalign aligners.
Before And After
During The Invisalign Process
Making the Aligners and Attachments
The dentist uses 3D technology imaging rather than putty impressions to monitor your teeth at the start of treatment and throughout your treatment process.
Dental Office Visits
At each visit, you will receive multiple aligners to last you until your next visit. Your dentist will tell you how long to wear each aligner -- usually one to two weeks -- before throwing it out and putting in the next aligner in the series.
Wearing Your Invisalign Aligners
Whenever you put in a new aligner, expect it to feel snug and fit tightly over your teeth. It's like this as it's built to put pressure on your teeth to make them move.
Post Procedure
- You are expected to wear your aligner about 22 hours a day for the best and fastest results. The two hours a day you have without your aligner are meant for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
Maintain Your Smile
- You will need to wear retainers after treatment is complete to give the bones of your jaw time to solidify around your new teeth placements. Invisalign makes a product called Vivera which is similar to their other trays, but they’re a little thicker and more durable.
- They’re not meant to be changed out bi-weekly as Invisalign trays are. You can also use a wired retainer. It is essential to wear your retainer during the months immediately after treatment, but ideally, you should wear a retainer a little each week for the rest of your life. Your teeth are always shifting and moving, after all.
What Possible Complications Can Happen With Invisalign?
- Allergic reactions
- Though it rarely happens, a few people may be allergic to the materials used in Invisalign aligners, such as acrylate. It happens when the plastic irritates the gum tissue. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, swelling, and blistering of the skin.
- Tooth Discomfort
- It is common to experience tooth discomfort during the first stages of orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. This is because your teeth are slowly being moved into the correct position and your aligners put pressure on your teeth. The discomfort should disappear after a few days as your teeth get used to the aligners. However, if the pain persists, your dentist or orthodontist may need to adjust your treatment plan
- Tooth decay
- Tooth decay is a common complication of Invisalign. It happens when you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly. As a result, plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, leading to tooth decay. Symptoms include toothache, bad breath, and sensitivity to hot and cold drinks.
- Gum disease
- Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. This usually results from poor oral hygiene or not cleaning your aligners. This can lead to inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums. If not managed immediately, it can damage the bone and connective tissues supporting the teeth.
FAQ's
1. What Are the Cons of Invisalign Treatment?
2. How Do I Get Invisalign Braces?
3. What Is Involved With Wearing Invisalign Braces?
4. Is this a new way to straighten teeth?