Invisalign aligners are a very popular alternative to traditional metal dental braces. They are clear, removable, and comfortable, and can be used on patients of all ages. Invisalign products are manufactured, designed, and marketed by Align Technology, Inc. In early 2010, it was estimated that over one million patients had been treated with Invisalign.
Not everyone is a candidate for invisible braces, including Invisalign aligners. Your dentist or orthodontist can evaluate you for Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth, similarly to a whitening tray, and are designed to gradually move your teeth into their correct positions. Patients whose teeth are severely out of alignment will likely benefit more from metal brackets or other orthodontic treatment methods rather than Invisalign. However, patients may be able to switch from traditional metal braces to Invisalign once their teeth are more aligned.
Dentists complete specialized instructional sessions to become trained/certified Invisalign providers. Dentists must also complete continuing education and submit a certain number of cases per year to attain the level of “Preferred Provider.” Look for this designation at your dentist’s office or www.invisalign.com to ensure he or she is qualified. In the United States, there are an estimated 36,000 dentists who hold this designation.
How Invisalign Works
Align Technology, Inc. has not created a new idea. Back in the 1940’s and again in the 1970’s, manufacturers, scientists, dentists, and orthodontists tried to create a series of removable aligners to adjust the bite (occlusion) of qualified patients. The difference between past manufacturers and today’s Align Technology is that the earlier method required numerous dental impressions to determine the position of the teeth, and now Invisalign only requires one dental impression, one set of x-rays, and one set of photos to complete treatment. During the first visit, your dentist or orthodontist evaluates your teeth and bite to determine if you are an Invisalign candidate.
If you are a candidate, the impressions, x-rays and digital pictures are taken. Your dentist or orthodontist mails the impressions to Invisalign and emails the pictures and x-rays to Invisalign. Your dentist or orthodontist treatment plans your case. Invisalign uses the x-rays, pictures, and impressions to create a 3-D computer model of your teeth and simulate your tooth movement. This forms a basis for the dentist and Invisalign to create a series of custom-made aligners.
Once the case has been submitted to Invisalign, accepted, and treatment planned, the aligners are fabricated and delivered to your dentist or orthodontist. The next step is your delivery appointment, where you will be instructed on how to remove and place the aligners, and on the care and maintenance of them. If necessary, tooth colored buttons will be bonded to some of your teeth. They are necessary for aligner retention and assist teeth movement. Sometimes at the delivery appointment, space needs to be created between crowded teeth in order to assist the Invisalign aligners to move your teeth faster and more efficiently. Typically, your dentist or orthodontist will see you every 6-8 weeks. At each appointment, 3-4 sets of aligners will be delivered. Each new aligner allows the teeth to gradually move into their correct position.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is a new product to the Invisalign family that is clinically proven and FDA-approved. Invisalign Teen is similar to its predecessor for adults in that it involves a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners worn for about 2 weeks before they are exchanged for a new pair. The difference between the adult and teen version is that the teen version is designed to compensate for the eruption of new teeth. Plus, teens get up to six free individual replacements in case one is lost or breaks, and each aligner includes a blue wear-indicator that fades from blue to clear to help teens keep track of their wear time.
The same 3-D technology is used to help track each tooth’s movements from beginning to end. For most teens, treatment takes about a year, but every teen’s needs are different. Like the adult version, the aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours per day to be effective, so a commitment is needed by both the teen and parent to ensure the process is smooth and successful. Cost can vary due to factors such as the patient’s needs and the orthodontist’s location. Still, Invisalign Teen aligners are known to help teens with self-esteem issues while allowing them to confidently participate in sports, school pictures, and other activities.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign?
According to experts at Align Technology, Inc., Invisalign can be used on patients who meet mild, but specific qualifications such as:
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Overjet
- Crossbite
- Teeth movement after traditional braces have been removed
- Bite irregularities
The key word is mild. If you have extremely crooked teeth or you require surgery due to a skeletal discrepancy, you are probably not a candidate for Invisalign or other types of invisible braces
The Cost of Invisalign
The cost of invisalign depends on many factors such as:
- The orthodontist or dentist
- The location
- Your dental insurance coverage
- The complexity of your case
- Duration of your treatment
One good thing about Invisalign aligners is that because they are used in an orthodontic setting, most insurance plans cover them to the same extent they cover traditional braces. It is very important you are aware of your individual dental insurance plan, as they can vary a great deal. Most dentists will work with you to make dental treatment affordable, and monthly payment plans or care credit plans are some options to consider.
Advantages of Invisalign
Here is a look at some of the benefits Invisalign offers:
- The aligners are virtually invisible making it difficult for others to tell that you are wearing them
- The edges are smooth which decreases irritation to your gums and cheeks
- They are removable, making eating, drinking, and oral hygiene easier
- They are customized to fit your individual mouth
- You are able to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile before the treatment process is over
- New technology has made it possible for teens to enjoy the aligners too
Disadvantages of Invisalign
Although most people feel the advantages are far greater than the disadvantages, some issues with Invisalign remain, and include:
- Since they are removable, they are not continually correcting your teeth like traditional orthodontic braces, and patient compliance is a must to be successful
- Success of treatment is based on the patient’s commitment to wearing the aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours per day
- Certain teeth (lower premolars and upper lateral incisors) are sometimes problematic for Invisalign aligners to rotate
- Teeth and aligners need to be cleaned every time before re-inserting the aligner after eating
- Aligners may be misplaced or lost
- Aligners can be damaged by things such as tooth grinding or clenching
- Some people have allergic reactions to the aligner material (typically consisting of implantable-grade polyurethane), although this is extremely rare
Are Invisalign Aligners Painful?
There is no way to measure pain, as each person experiences it at different and unique levels. However, many invisalign wearers state they feel discomfort for the first couple of days after each new aligner stage. According to Align Technology, this is normal and it is also a great sign that the product is working. Talk with your dentist about reducing any pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
Tips for Invisalign Wearers
If you wear Invisalign aligners, use these tips to help you maintain a healthy mouth during the treatment process:
- Brush your aligner every time you brush your teeth, especially after meals and snacks
- Floss your teeth on a daily basis
Questions to Ask Your Dentist
Here are some questions you may want to ask your dentist about Invisalign:
- Am I a good candidate for invisible braces?
- Can we use traditional braces for a period of time or until my malocclusion is fixed, then replace them with Invisalign aligners for the remainder of the treatment process?
- How many times will I have to exchange my aligners?
- What other types of invisible braces would benefit me?
- Should I wear them when I play sports?
- How will they affect my speech?
To learn more about Invisalign, please visit:
http://www.invisalign.com/Pages/Home.aspx
To learn more about Invisalign for teens, please visit:
http://www.invisalign.com/teen/Pages/Index.aspx
