Invisalign is a dental procedure to straighten up the teeth that uses transparent aligner trays made up of plastic. Aligners exert pressure on the teeth to let them move into a better position.
Most of the issues such as deformed teeth, wide gap between the teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, twisted teeth, can be corrected and straightened by this treatment.
These aligners fit over the teeth and they become invisible due transparent color. Aligners are unique to every individual to fit them on the teeth. They can easily be removed while brushing up the teeth, eating and on special occasions aligners.
Invisalign treatment is best option for people who want to straighten their teeth without using metal or steel braces. And people can continue to live their normal life activities without being uncomfortable with invisalign as aligner trays are invisible.
Invisalign treatment plan[i]
Aligners gradually exert slight pressure on the teeth shifting them into proper place. There is slight feeling of discomfort while wearing an aligner. It is necessary to wear Invisalign trays for most of the day (almost 20-22 hours) for visible results. The aligner trays are replaced after 1-2 weeks due to continues shifting of the teeth. A new set of aligner trays bears a slight difference from the previous ones.
There are multiple aspects like the complexity of the case and frequency of wearing aligners that determine the time duration of the treatment. Although, results become apparent within few weeks but treatment can take up to 12-18 months. Extremely deformed or buck teeth, having a large gap between the upper and the lower set of teeth, will take a lot of time to place them in normal position.
Cost [ii]of invisalign
There are numerous factors that determine the exact cost of the treatment such as: degree of treatment required depending on the condition of the teeth, location, number of appointments, etc. However, average cost of invisalign falls in between $3000 to $7000.
Traditional braces and aligner trays have only slightly difference in cost. On average, braces cost $2,500 – $6,000 as compared to aligners that cost $3,500-$7,000.
Benefits of invisalign treatment
Aligners exhibit numerous benefits like invisibility, comfort, ease of cleaning, removable, zero repair and maintenance, etc.
- Invisibility
Invisalign trays are clear so they lower the self-consciousness of the individual. Invisalign is best option for those who do not want the appearance of metal wire in their mouth.
- Comfort
They are comfortable to carry due to appearance resembling that of actual teeth. It is convenient to remove aligners as compared to metal braces and an orthodontist visit is not needed to remove them.
- Removable
Aligners are easy to remove any time at home to enable eat food, brush teeth, etc.
- No repair required
The wires and brackets of the traditional metal braces loosen over the course of time, which will require another visit to the orthodontist. On the contrary, aligners do not need any tightening, if an aligner is damaged it can be replaced with next aligner in the series.
- Improved cleanliness
It is very convenient to remove invisalign trays to brush the teeth regularly and place them back on the teeth. Even the trays can be cleaned properly helping to achieve good oral health.
- Time saving
There are fewer visits to the dentist for maintenance of aligners as compared to other teeth straightening options and thus saves time.
- No food restrictions
All of the teeth straightening options are accompanied with various food related restrictions like one cannot eat anything hard, chewy and sticky during the treatment. But it is not the case with invisaligns, everything is allowed to eat with or without the aligners.
Pros and cons of invisalign
Pros:
- Aesthetic factor makes aligners more suitable as they are not noticeable and thus attractive
- Aligners can be removed easily while eating, drinking, brushing the teeth and can be placed back with a dentist appointment
- Aligners allow easy cleaning of the teeth simply by removing them
- There are not such problems like breaking, or falling typically associated with braces
- A slight pressure is felt with aligners but they do not cause any pain or irritation
- Tooth root are not affected by aligners as they can with the use of braces
Cons:
- Invisalign cannot be used for complex issues like highly twisted teeth and gap greater than 2mm. similarly it cannot correct the raised or lowered position of teeth in the jaw.
- It is necessary to remove the aligners while eating and drinking, otherwise, the food will stain the teeth inside the aligners and also cause bacterial growth leading to cavities.
- Removing the aligners can be inconvenient
- The practice of oral hygiene will remain the same as it was before invisalign. A person must have to brush teeth after eating or drinking before reinserting the aligners.
- To achieve maximum results, aligners must be worn 20-22 hours of the day. Patient’s incompliance with wearing them often lead to the failure of this treatment
- They are not fixed to the teeth, so chances are there to lose them
- Sometimes, button like accessories are attached to the aligners to hold them in place, causing discomfort
Braces vs invisalign
Traditional braces and invisalign both are meant to straighten up the teeth. Both have some drawbacks as well as benefits. Braces is an old method while invisalign is innovative one. The knowledge of pros and cons of these two will help determine the best option for the patients. The given table entails a comparison of these in detail:
| Invisalign | Metal braces | |
| Aesthetics | Aligners are not visible because it’s made of clear plastic | Braces draw the attention of people as metal wires and brackets are visible |
| Cost | Expensive as compared to braces, cost ranges between $3500-$7000 | They are less expensive and cost is between $2500-$6000 |
| Treatment time | They are removable so increase the treatment time with respect to braces | They are not removable, 24/7 wearing of braces reduce the treatment time |
| Attached | Not fixed, can be lost when removed | Fixed, they cannot be misplaced |
| Maintenance | Brushing teeth after removing the aligners
|
Teeth can be brushed with the braces on with an intertidal brush
|
| Complex problems | Twisted teeth, wider gap, uneven teeth cannot be treated with invisalign | Any issue can be corrected with braces |
| Pain | No pain or irritation | Cause pain and irritation |
| Food restrictions | Any food can be eaten | Hard and sticky food can displace the brackets and wires |
[i] https://helotesfamilydentistry.com/blog/invisalign-orthodontics/
[ii] https://www.healthline.com/health/invisalign-cost#braces-comparison-table
