Many patients come to us wondering about treatment using clear aligners and how it differs from other options. In this post, our Langley orthodontists answer frequently asked questions about Invisalign and how it works.
What are Invisalign clear aligners?
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. No brackets and wires, and minimal restrictions that will affect your lifestyle.
The aligners are made of flexible plastic and contain no BPA (Bisphenol A), BPS (Bisphenol S) or latex. They are thin and clear and fit snugly over your teeth, making them virtually invisible. This means that many people may not even notice you’re wearing them. You can also remove them to eat and drink, brush and floss, or for special occasions.
The Difference Between Invisalign & Braces
Invisalign treatment is an option for adults and teens seeking a discreet way to straighten their teeth. While the end goal is the same, there are some key differences between Invisalign and braces.
Oral Hygiene
Straightening your teeth is important, but maintaining good oral hygiene is essential regardless of the method you choose.
With traditional braces, you need to be particularly diligent when cleaning around the metal brackets to thoroughly clean all the nooks and crannies.
In contrast, Invisalign treatment allows you to remove your clear aligners, enabling you to brush and floss your teeth like you normally would. You will need to remember to also clean your aligners before putting them back in to prevent food debris from being trapped against your teeth, essentially defeating the purpose of the brushing and flossing you just did.
If you don’t consistently clean your teeth while wearing Invisalign or braces, you increase your risk of developing cavities and other dental issues.
Discreetness of Treatment
Traditional braces have metal wires and brackets, which can be quite visible, although some patients, especially those who are younger, tend to embrace the appearance and add coloured elastics for some extra fun.
Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic, which is often more discreet. Not only are they less noticeable to others, but because you can see your teeth clearly throughout treatment, you’ll also be able to monitor the progress of your smile at every stage.
Dietary Changes
With traditional braces, you will need to be mindful of the foods you eat. Hard or sticky foods have the potential to damage your appliances. If your wire or brackets break, then you risk having the sharp edges poke into your cheek and gums.
During treatment with Invisalign aligners, you will be able to remove the trays to eat the foods you wish, then pop them back in afterward (after rinsing the aligners and your mouth, of course).
Frequency of Visits
While wearing traditional braces, you will need to return to the orthodontist regularly for tightening and a checkup to keep your treatment moving along as planned.
With Invisalign, you will change to each new set of aligners at home. This means that you will only return to the orthodontist for routine checkups to monitor your progress during treatment and ensure that your aligners fit properly.
Does Invisalign work?
Yes. Invisalign can be an ideal treatment option for many orthodontic cases. Much of the success, however, lies in compliance during treatment. To help achieve an ideal outcome, you will need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. The aligners should only be removed when you are:
- Eating or drinking
- Brushing or flossing your teeth
- Cleaning your aligners
When cleaning your aligners, it's essential to be gentle and clean as directed by your orthodontist. When cleaning your aligners you should only use recommended products and warm water. Using very hot water can warp the plastic, which may change the fit and hinder your treatment progress and the effectiveness of the aligners.
Additionally, the complexity of your orthodontic issues can impact how well Invisalign works for you and the length of your treatment.
How does Invisalign work?
During your consultation, your orthodontist will use X-rays, pictures and impressions to create a detailed 3D image of your smile. This image is essential for treatment planning and for the creation of your new aligners.
When you receive your first set of Invisalign aligners, your orthodontist will check to ensure they fit correctly and are comfortable. They will also schedule a series of regular in-person check-ups to monitor your progress throughout the treatment.
You will need to change to a new set of aligners every two weeks or so. This is important as each new set will help to shift your teeth into their new position using gentle force. The number of aligners you need throughout treatment will depend on your orthodontic issues and the specifics of your treatment plan.
Like all teeth-straightening treatments, including braces, you will need to wear a retainer after completing your Invisalign treatment to maintain your teeth's alignment.
How does Invisalign compare to other options?
Invisalign offers a discreet and removable option for teeth straightening, while braces are more noticeable and fixed in place. Invisalign uses clear aligners that can be taken out for eating and cleaning, whereas braces consist of brackets and wires that are cemented to your teeth. Generally, Invisalign is more suitable for mild to moderate cases, while braces are often effective for addressing complex misalignments.
Both Invisalign and braces require good oral hygiene and come with food restrictions. Invisalign treatment may take less time than traditional braces, especially for minor or less complex adjustments. Braces, on the other hand, are designed to tackle complex orthodontic issues. The average duration for wearing braces is between one and two years.