If you've recently been considering orthodontic treatment, you may have heard about the different clear aligner options. Here, our Langley orthodontists share the different types of Invisalign clear aligners and when each type might be used.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment involves wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that progressively straighten teeth. There are no brackets or wires, leading to minimal disruption to your lifestyle.
The aligners are crafted from flexible plastic and are free of BPA (Bisphenol A), BPS (Bisphenol S), and latex. They are thin and transparent, fitting snugly over your teeth, making them nearly undetectable. This allows many people to be unaware that you’re wearing them. Additionally, you can easily remove the aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, or special occasions.
What are the different types of Invisalign?
In recent years, new kinds of Invisalign clear aligners have emerged with different types to suit a variety of circumstances. Invisalign can be used to address a variety of orthodontic issues and accommodate the needs of patients of all ages. Below are some common types of Invisalign aligners:
Invisalign Full
Invisalign Full (also referred to as Invisalign Complete, Comprehensive, or just as Invisalign) is an orthodontic solution provided by Invisalign, a well-known brand of clear aligners designed for teeth straightening. This treatment is specifically meant for patients with more complex orthodontic issues.
Invisalign Lite
Invisalign Lite is the ideal solution for addressing minor dental issues often requiring less time. This system uses a specific series of removable, invisible aligners, much like standard Invisalign treatment, to correct misaligned teeth, reduce slight overcrowding, improve alignment, or close small gaps between teeth.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is a treatment plan that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth and resolve dental concerns. Like Invisalign Lite, this option has the potential to be cost-effective and may provide optimal results in a minimal amount of time, making it ideal for minor tooth adjustments.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen aligners are clear and removable, making it easy to straighten teeth with minimal inconvenience and a discreet look. Their transparent design and subtle appearance are appealing to many teens, who often prioritize aesthetics during this stage of life. Unlike traditional braces, the removable aligners from Invisalign allow teens to enjoy their regular eating and drinking habits. The same applies to their dental hygiene routine. The aligners can be removed to brush and floss effectively, maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
This can help teens achieve a straighter, healthier smile without altering their daily routine, which may enhance their confidence and self-esteem and positively influence their teenage years.
Invisalign for teens also includes eruption tabs, which allow the second set of molars to grow without interfering with the aligners.
Additionally, Invisalign Teen aligners feature compliance indicators to help monitor whether patients adhere to their treatment plan. These indicators appear as blue dots on the backs of the aligners, hidden from view when worn. Over the two-week wear period, the blue dots gradually fade. If a patient does not use the aligners as advised, the orthodontist can still see the remaining blue dots during the regular checkup.
Invisalign First
Invisalign First functions like the standard Invisalign treatment but is specifically designed for children. This is because these aligners accommodate the growth of permanent teeth. They can address common orthodontic concerns in kids, such as arch development, crowding, protrusions, and tooth spacing, enhancing the overall appearance of their smiles.
This treatment helps guide children's teeth into position as their permanent teeth emerge, potentially reducing the need for more extensive orthodontic procedures later in life. Invisalign First works by expanding and shaping a child's jawline through a method called dental arch expansion, which applies gentle pressure to gradually widen the dental arch.
During your child's initial consultation at our office, the orthodontist will assess their suitability for Invisalign First treatment. If deemed a suitable candidate, the orthodontist will begin the process by taking photographs, X-rays, and impressions of your child’s teeth, mouth, and jaws. These records will be forwarded to the Invisalign lab, where your child's custom aligner(s) will be created.
Once the removable aligners are ready, your child will return for a fitting appointment. The aligners will slowly move your child's teeth into place throughout their treatment. Depending on the extent of your child's misalignment, your child may need either one aligner or a pair (one for the upper and one for the lower jaw) to straighten their teeth.