Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment for people looking for a discreet, comfortable way to straighten their teeth. The treatment involves using a series of clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into correct alignment over time.
But how long does the treatment take to work, and what results can you expect? Let’s break it down.
What are Invisalign aligners?
Invisalign aligners are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to gradually move your teeth into their proper position.
The aligners are custom-made for each individual patient and are designed to fit snugly over the teeth.
Invisalign aligners are created using advanced computer imaging technology to create a series of aligners that are designed to be worn sequentially, with each aligner shifting the teeth slightly closer to their desired position.
The aligners are made from a clear, BPA-free plastic material that is virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional metal braces.
In addition to their discreet appearance, Invisalign aligners are also removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
How Is Invisalign Different to Traditional Braces?
Invisalign and traditional metal braces are both orthodontic treatments designed to give you straight teeth and correct dental issues such as crowding, spacing, and bite problems.
However, there are several key differences between the two treatments:
Appearance
Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners that are virtually invisible, whereas traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that are more noticeable.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, comfortable plastic, while traditional braces can cause discomfort, especially during adjustments.
Maintenance
Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, while traditional braces require extra care to keep teeth clean.
Treatment time
The Invisalign timeline is typically shorter than traditional braces, although the length of treatment depends on the severity of the dental issue being corrected.
Cost
Invisalign treatment cost can be higher than traditional braces, although this can vary depending on the specific case and location.
Who needs Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign treatment is designed for individuals with a range of dental issues, including:
Crowded teeth
When teeth are overcrowded, they can overlap and cause discomfort, difficulty brushing and flossing, and even increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Gaps between teeth
Spaces between teeth can create pockets where food can become trapped, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Bite problems
An overbite, underbite, or crossbite can cause difficulty with chewing and speaking and lead to uneven wear on teeth.
Open bite
When the upper and lower teeth do not meet, it can cause difficulty with biting and chewing and lead to speech problems.
Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
Invisalign trays can be used to correct minor relapse after previous orthodontic treatment.
In general, Invisalign treatment is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate dental issues.
However, we strongly recommend you meet any of the highly qualified and experienced dentists at any of the My Local Dentists clinics around Sydney to determine if Invisalign is the best treatment option for your specific case.
How Long is the Invisalign Treatment Time?
The length of time it takes to complete an Invisalign treatment depends on several factors such as the severity of your issue, the number of aligners needed, and how closely you follow the instructions given by our experienced dentist.
Generally speaking, treatments last around 12 months on average with most patients wearing one set of Invisalign aligners for two weeks before moving onto the next set in their series.
What is The Process of Invisalign Treatment?
The process of Invisalign treatment typically involves the following steps:
Consultation with an Invisalign orthodontist
Many prospective patients begin by scheduling a consultation with one of our dentists who is experienced in Invisalign treatment. During this consultation, the dentist will evaluate your teeth and discuss your treatment goals to determine if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you.
Treatment planning
If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, our competent, friendly dentists will take digital impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model of your mouth.
They will use this model to plan your treatment and create a series of custom-made aligners that are designed to gradually move your teeth into their desired position.
Aligner fitting
Once your aligners have been created, you will return to your preferred My Local Dentists clinic to have them fitted. Our skilled dentist will ensure that the aligners fit properly and give you instructions on how to wear and care for them.
Wearing the aligners
You will wear your aligners for approximately 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You will typically wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set.
Follow-up appointments
During your treatment, you will need to visit your preferred My Local Dentists clinic periodically to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned. Our dentists will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Completion of treatment
Once you have completed your treatment, your dentist at My Local Dentists may recommend that you wear a retainer to help maintain your results. It is also important to continue seeing your regular medical care provider for routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
Overall, the Invisalign treatment process involves several steps and requires ongoing monitoring and care from an experienced dentist.
With proper treatment and follow-up care, Invisalign can provide effective results for many individuals seeking to correct dental issues.
What Results Can You Expect from Invisalign?
Invisalign can provide a wide range of benefits for individuals seeking to correct dental issues. Some additional results you can expect from Invisalign treatment include:
Improved appearance
Invisalign can help you achieve a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile. After treatment, you may feel more confident and satisfied with the appearance of your teeth.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth plastic material, which makes them more comfortable than traditional metal braces. You may experience less discomfort and irritation in your mouth and gums during treatment.
Better oral hygiene
Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain than crooked or crowded teeth. With Invisalign, you can remove your aligners for brushing and flossing, which can help you maintain better oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
Improved bite function
If you have a misaligned bite, Invisalign can help improve your bite function, which can reduce the risk of jaw pain, headaches, and other related issues. Invisalign can help correct bite issues in both upper teeth and lower teeth.
Shorter treatment time
In some cases, Invisalign can provide faster results than traditional braces. Depending on your individual case, you may be able to complete your treatment in as little as 6 months.
Overall, Invisalign can provide a range of benefits and results for individuals seeking to correct dental issues. It is important to consult with an orthodontist to determine if Invisalign is the best treatment option for your specific case, as results can vary depending on individual factors.
Transform Your Smile with My Local Dentists’ Effective Invisalign Treatment in Sydney
Invisalign is a highly effective and popular orthodontic treatment option that can help individuals achieve a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile.
As we’ve explored in this blog, Invisalign aligners are a comfortable, discreet, and convenient alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a range of benefits including improved appearance, better oral hygiene, improved bite function, and shorter treatment times.
While Invisalign may not be the right treatment option for everyone, it is a highly effective choice for many individuals seeking to correct dental issues.
At My Local Dentists in Sydney, we are proud to offer high-quality, affordable Invisalign treatment to our patients, backed by our team of experienced and skilled cosmetic dentists. We believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, and we are committed to helping our patients achieve the results they desire.
Contact us today to learn more about Invisalign and how we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Resources
Does Invisalign have permanent results?
https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/does-invisalign-have-permanent-results
Does Invisalign Work? Pros, Cons, Effectiveness
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-invisalign-work#effectiveness