Invisalign is a great option for individuals to consider when looking to straighten their smile! It is a more discreet option in comparison to traditional braces. Invisalign is made from a clear, smooth, thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. This material is medical-grade and is safe to use long-term in the human body. SmartTrack is free from latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, epoxy, and BPA. SmartTrack is also approved by the FDA for medicinal and oral purposes. Invisalign is produced with a 3D printing of your smile with some adjustments intended to align your teeth in a straighter fit over time. To ensure that your aligners stay in place while being worn, small attachments will be added to your teeth to help hold your Invisalign in place. This ensures that the aligners stay where they should and give you an amazing teeth straightening experience! The attachments are nothing to worry about, as they are also discreet, only to be noticed by you and your doctor! Keep reading below to learn about the Three-Step Method and the key differences between Invisalign and other types of teeth straightening methods.
The Three-Step Method
Are you ready to start your exciting Invisalign journey? To begin, you must meet with your doctor to consult whether or not Invisalign is for you. Additionally, during this consultation, a 3D scan can be performed on your current smile to determine a treatment plan that will give you the results you want. Once the scan and treatment plan are complete, your information, following medical privacy guidelines, will be sent to Invisalign who will create your first set of aligners.
Step 2 is the beginning of your smile transformation! This is when you will receive your first set of aligners and your oral care provider will check to see if they fit properly and comfortably. Additionally, during this visit, we will install your attachments to ensure that your Invisalign stays in place while in use. Following this first visit, a series of additional visits will be scheduled. The additional visits will be completed to see how your treatment is progressing, and to scan, create, and receive the following sets of aligners needed for your treatment. Through the journey, you will swap out new aligners for old ones frequently. But don’t worry! This is part of the process of moving your teeth into the desired position.
The final step in the journey is taking care of your new smile. It is normal and expected for teeth to want to shift back to their original layout once your treatment is completed. This is not any different from the upkeep needed for traditional braces. Following your treatment, you will receive a set of retainers to wear as directed by your doctor. Typically, Invisalign will send a set of Vivera retainers which look very similar to Invisalign tracks. They are clear, smooth, and easy to clean, just like your Invisalign!
Invisalign vs. Braces
Why should you choose Invisalign over the traditional braces? Invisalign is excellent for those who wish to have a more discreet smile straightening experience. In comparison to braces where the brackets are made of metal and can contain other noticeable components such as powerchains and elastics, Invisalign is one clear tray that can be removed when needed, such as during meal times. The attachments present on the teeth to hold your Invisalign tray are also discreet. They are clear and typically present on your molars. Invisalign is also easy to use when wanting to keep up with your oral hygiene. Since the trays can be removed, there is no issue of trying to brush or floss around brackets. You can brush your teeth and floss as usual!
Since Invisalign can be removed, there are no limitations to the type of foods you can eat like there is with braces. Biting directly into a whole apple is still a welcome treat!
Invalsign is a treatment plan that can be completed over a shorter amount of time than braces. This can differ depending on your dental needs, however. Braces treatment typically lasts from two to three years while Invisalign can be completed in as little as four months to two years.
Invisalign vs. Mail-In Aligners
In recent years, mail-in aligners have become a popular alternative to braces and Invisalign. There are issues that can arise with this form of smile straightening. The main issue is that there are no direct doctors working with you during your treatment. This can cause problems down the line. Additionally, mail-in aligners do not use attachments, leaving your smile straightening experience as less favourable since you are not receiving the full or proper aligner process.
Invisalign is a better option in comparison to mail-in aligners as it directly involves an oral care provider to guide you through the process and ensure that all proper and safe corrective actions are being taken. They will also use an in-office advanced 3D imaging device to accurately scan the positioning of your teeth. This ensures that your oral care will be done in an effective manner without running the risk of error. Mail-in aligner options do not provide the same air of safety when it comes to oral care. The mail-in aligner companies instead work remotely to adjust your smile which will not contain the same type of accuracy an in-office doctor can.
Mail-in aligners do not cover all oral care adjustment cases. If you are someone who has a more complex case, mail-in aligners will not be a match for you. Invisalign can effectively, safely, and precisely move teeth in a professional environment.
Finally, at the end of your treatment, Invisalign and your oral care provider will continue to monitor and care for your smile. You will receive retainers and after-care check-ups to ensure that everything is going well.
Conclusion
In the end, Invisalign is an excellent option for individuals to pursue when looking for a more subtle, clean, and easy way to straighten their teeth. Invisalign is a fun and safe method to use and can provide effective results that will leave you happy with your new smile!