Are you planning to get your teeth straightened with orthodontic treatment? If comfort, convenience, and aesthetics are your priority during your treatment, Invisalign aligners are among the best options available. However, if you’re unsure whether clear aligners are the right treatment choice, this article is for you. In this article, we provide an overview of Invisalign treatment and how you can benefit from it. So, read on to find out more about the Invisalign treatment system. 

What Is Invisalign? 

The Invisalign system is based on the use of clear aligners. According to the British Orthodontic Society, clear aligners are removable appliances that fit over natural teeth and exert pressure on them to move them into optimal alignment and occlusion. In addition, clear aligners are made from a flexible, transparent material which makes them virtually invisible when worn. That is why patients nowadays prefer Invisalign clear aligners over conspicuous metal braces. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Straight Teeth With Invisalign?

There is no clear-cut timeline available to determine the amount of time required for straightening one’s teeth, as it depends on multiple factors. For example, your treatment may take longer in case you have severe tooth misalignment. Similarly, the treatment duration with clear aligners also depends on patient compliance. For example, you can expect faster treatment if you adhere to your dentist’s recommendations. On the other hand, your treatment may be significantly prolonged if you forget to wear your aligners for the prescribed amount of them or if you keep losing or breaking them. Finally, the duration of Invisalign treatment also depends on the age of the patient. 

Can Braces Or Invisalign Make Your Teeth Fall Out?

Regardless of the type of braces used, there is no risk of your teeth falling out, provided your treatment is performed by an experienced and qualified orthodontist. For example, if a novice dentist uses excessive force or pressure to move the teeth, it will cause widespread degradation of the jawbone and tooth roots. As a result, the teeth become mobile in their sockets and may even fall off if the situation is not corrected timely. Therefore, it is always a good idea to visit a renowned orthodontist for your orthodontic treatment needs. 

Is Invisalign Really Better Than Braces?

When it comes to comfort, convenience, and aesthetics, Invisalign aligners are certainly better than fixed metal braces. This is because clear aligners do not affect your smile, and you can easily take them off while eating or brush and floss. However, conventional braces are a better option for treating advanced or complex orthodontic issues involving the bite. Overall, Invisalign aligners are an aesthetically pleasing and convenient alternative to traditional braces for treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowded teeth or diastemas. 

How Invisalign Straightens Teeth?

Your Invisalign dentist will design a set of numbered aligners for you to wear. Each aligner set – one tray for each jaw – will be designed to force your teeth into moving in the desired direction. You will be asked to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day for two weeks. Afterwards, you will be asked to switch to the next set of numbered aligners, and they will continue to align your teeth. In this way, by the end of your aligner treatment, you will get a set of perfectly aligned, pearly-white teeth. 

What Are The Health Benefits Of Teeth Straightening?

Crooked or misaligned teeth make it difficult for one to eat and speak properly. More importantly, it becomes more challenging to brush your teeth when the teeth are crowded. As a result, there are higher chances of plaque and tartar deposition around the teeth, leading to periodontal inflammation and other systemic complications. On the other hand, straighter teeth are easier to clean and help in chewing and digesting food more efficiently,  improving your oral health and physical well-being. 

How To Clean Invisalign Retainers?

While cleaning your aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water. Make sure that you don’t use hot water for cleaning as it may result in the warpage of the aligners. You may also use a denture cleaning solution for the same purpose. 

Do Invisalign Retainers Cause Problems To The Gums?

Invisalign aligners do not cause gum problems if you ensure optimal oral hygiene. However, gum problems may arise if you wear your aligners without cleaning them and your teeth. When this occurs, food debris gets sandwiched between your teeth and aligners – providing an ideal environment for the growth of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and periodontal problems. 

What Happens After You Finish Invisalign?

Your dentist will give you removable or fixed retainers once you have finished wearing all your invisible braces aligners. Orthodontic retainers are appliances used for consolidating the treatment – and for preventing your teeth from moving back to their old position. The duration for which you need to wear the retainers depends on the severity of the orthodontic issue. 

How Much Should An Invisalign Retainer Cost?

Depending on the severity of your problem, your dentist will suggest a suitable retainer at the end of your treatment. If your treatment was done with Invisalign aligners, your dentist might recommend the Invisalign Vivera retainers, which usually costs around £400 for 3 sets, however, the whole treatment can go up to £5,000 depending on the type of Invisalign aligners and the complexity of the issues with your teeth.

At Waldron Dental Clinic, we are always there to serve the residents of New Cross and nearby areas. Whether you need orthodontic treatment, dental fillings or crowns, or simply have concerns about your dental health, we encourage you to book a free 30-minute video consultation appointment to discuss your problems. So, what are you waiting for? Book your appointment today, and let us take care of your entire family’s oral health.