Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that has gained significant popularity among individuals with crooked teeth . It is highly effective in correcting minor to moderate tooth misalignments, including crowding, spacing, rotation, underbite, and crossbite.
Invisalign is more favored by patients because it offers a shorter treatment time and is virtually unnoticeable, eliminating the embarrassment associated with traditional metal braces and wire systems.
But the golden question is: how does Invisalign work, and how can it achieve faster results compared to traditional orthodontic braces? This blog will answer all your questions about the effectiveness of Invisalign and the science behind it.
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What is Invisalign, and what does it offer?
Invisalign treatment involves using a series of clear aligners. Each aligner is worn for a specific period, typically 1 to 2 weeks, to achieve targeted tooth movement before progressing to the next aligner. During your treatment planning, the total number of aligners needed is determined, and you will receive detailed instructions on how to wear and replace them.
Being a removable device is a significant advantage when practicing oral hygiene at home. You can easily remove your aligner to brush and floss your teeth, as well as clean the aligner before wearing it again.
The aligners are made from a clear thermoplastic material, allowing them to be worn discreetly and remain unnoticed by most people. This is especially beneficial for patients who engage in daily communication and prefer not to wear metal braces.
Invisalign can be used to treat minor to moderate tooth misalignments, particularly for teeth in the anterior region. It is less effective for correcting bite issues involving the posterior teeth, which is why the treatment duration is often shorter.
Another advantage is that Invisalign aligners apply gentle pressure to move the teeth, making the treatment more comfortable compared to traditional braces .
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Curious how Invisalign moves the teeth? Here is how
Invisalign employs the same principle of tooth movement as conventional braces, primarily relying on bone remodeling, but with some differences in how the forces are applied and their magnitude.
When pressure is applied to one side of the tooth, this force activates osteoclasts, the bone cells responsible for bone resorption on the compressed side. Simultaneously, on the opposite side, known as the tension side, osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, are activated, leading to bone formation. This coordinated bone remodeling through resorption and deposition ultimately results in tooth movement.
Invisalign utilizes this concept by applying gentle force to specific points where composite resin is bonded to the tooth surface, without requiring prior tooth reduction or preparation. These bonded areas, called Invisalign attachments, act as lever points to direct the forces.
Each aligner is specifically designed to achieve a particular tooth movement in a precise direction, following a sequential process. The first aligner closely matches your original tooth position, while the last aligner approximates the final position of your teeth.
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Crafting your customized Invisalign aligner
Creating your Invisalign aligners involves several steps, including an initial examination, treatment planning, and the fabrication of your aligners.
During your initial examination, our expert Invisalign orthodontists will discuss your treatment goals and expectations with you. They will then thoroughly examine your teeth to identify any existing issues and assess your oral health. If Invisalign is selected as your optimal treatment solution, a 3D impression will be taken to create your customized treatment plan and design your aligners.
Using a 3D model of your teeth, specialized computer software simulates your teeth’s movement to their new positions, allowing you to visualize the final result. This software also helps determine the number of aligners needed and the specific tooth movements required through each aligner. The number of aligners needed varies from one patient to another, according to the case complexity.
Once the treatment plan is finalized and your aligners are custom-designed, the specifications are sent to the Invisalign laboratory for fabrication. The aligners are made from a thermoplastic BPA-free material called SmartTrack, which enables the production of strong, efficient, and flexible aligners. This combination helps facilitate effective tooth movement while providing enhanced comfort.
Instructions for the use of Invisalign for effective treatment
Successful and swift Invisalign treatment depends mainly on your compliance with the wearing instructions. Our experts will recommend the required number of hours to wear your aligners each day, which is typically between 20 and 22 hours. This means you should wear your aligners every day, including while sleeping. You should only take them out during eating or cleaning. Removing your aligners during eating and drinking prevents their staining, maintaining their transparency for discreet teeth movement.
If you lose your aligner, return to the previous one you used and wear it until you schedule an appointment with our experts to have a new aligner made. Avoid going for extended periods without your aligners, as this can cause your teeth to relapse and shift back to their original position.
When fitting your aligner, first position it over the front teeth, then gently press it over the back teeth using two fingers. Avoid using biting force to seat your aligners, as this can cause damage.
When cleaning your aligners, use a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Never use detergents or boiling water, as these can damage the aligners.
It is essential to schedule regular check-ups with our expert orthodontists to monitor the progress of your treatment.
Camden High Street Dental Practice: Invisalign London leaders
We are a world-class dental facility in London with over 50 years of experience and 20 years of expertise in Invisalign treatment. Our specialists have successfully completed more than 2,000 Invisalign cases.
If you want expert orthodontic care with a high success rate, we are here to help. Consult our orthodontic specialists today to learn more about our offers and convenient payment plans.
