INVISALIGN
What is Invisalign?
Your Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that you change every two weeks for the next set of aligners. Each aligner is individually manufactured for your teeth, and your teeth only. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position prescribed by your dental provider.
What's more, a virtual treatment plan generated by Align Technology's unique ClinCheck® software shows the series of movements your teeth will go through over the course of the treatment. This allows you to see upfront what your teeth are expected to look like at the end of the treatment. From the results of the ClinCheck software, your custom-made, clear aligners are produced especially for you.
If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other treatment works as comfortably as Invisalign.
Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life.
Check out the benefits below:
- EFFECTIVE - Even before your Invisalign treatment is finished, you'll begin enjoying the benefits of a better and more beautiful smile. Teeth alignment will start right from the beginning
- REMOVEABLE - Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat, drink, brush and floss or for special occassions
- COMFORTABLE - Invisalign is comfortable as there are no metal brackets or wires to irritate your gums or the inside of your mouth
- CLEAR - Invisalign aligners are virtually invisable so hardly anyone will notice you are wearing them and straightening your teeth
- CUSTOMISED - Your dental practitioner will take impressions of your teeth from which Align Technology produces your personal custom-made aligners
Treatment comparison
Nothing else measures up to Invisalign
When it comes to considering your options for a smile makeover, it's easy to see Invisalign's clear advantages which provide another reason to smile. Compare Invisalign to other teeth straightening options below.
Invisalign |
Fixed Braces |
|
| How does it work? |
Invisalign uses a series |
Fixed braces use wires and brackets to move your teeth into straighter alignment |
| Nearly invisible |  |
No. Most fixed braces are noticeable |
|
Removable during |
|
No. You cannot remove fixed braces until treatment is completed |
| Treatment doesn't involve metal that can irritate teeth and gums |
|
No. The metal wires and brackets used can cause mouth irritation |
| Allows you to brush and floss normally during treatment |
|
No. Fixed metal braces hinder the ability to reach the entire tooth/gum area when flossing |
|
Provides a clear, |
|
Although your dental provider has a clear defined treatment plan, you will not be able to see what your teeth may look like during and after treatment |
What about veneers?
Veneers can be used in conjunction with Invisalign to improve the shape or colour of your teeth. Should you have a chipped or irregular tooth, veneers can be used to finalise your treatment and smile after your teeth have been straightened with Invisalign.
While veneers offer many advantages in combination with Invisalign, veneers as a standalone option to address a cosmetic issue can have distinct disadvantages that should be considered very carefully before agreeing to treatment.
With veneers, the entire front surface of the tooth enamel is permanently removed and replaced with a thin piece of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic glued over the front of the teeth. This is an irreversible procedure as natural tooth enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer. When using veneers as a dental straightening solution only, more tooth enamel than necessary may need to be removed. If used in combination with Invisalign, the amount of enamel that needs to be removed may be minimised.
Veneers are not a permanent solution. They can chip or break, requiring you to replace them on an individual basis, which can be very expensive. They also have a life expectancy of about 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the veneers purchased. Since your tooth enamel has been removed, most patients have no choice but to replace their veneers, incurring the same high costs every time they have to get a new set.
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, as veneers are a purely cosmetic procedure, they don't correct the position of your teeth or correct bite problems. Instead of straightening teeth as Invisalign does, a veneer simply covers up the imperfections. Invisalign offers you naturally beautiful, healthy teeth. It's a solution worth smiling about!
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. No one may even notice that you're wearing these virtually invisible 'braces', making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.
Invisalign aligners are removable. Unlike fixed metal braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable. Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. This also means that in most cases less time is spent in your dental provider's practice for adjustments.
Finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment, so you can see how your straight teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
Dentists and orthodontists have, in the past, successfully used removable appliances for years. But with the application of Align Technology's 3D computer technology and mass-customisation, the Invisalign System can be used to treat almost anyone who wants straighter teeth. The unique Invisalign software allows patients to see their treatment from beginning to end even before the start of treatment.
What are aligners made of and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong, medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as 'contact lenses for teeth'.
How does Invisialign
Invisalign aligners move teeth with an appropriate placement of controlled movement on the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement per aligner, but also the timing of the movement. So at each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, as determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system that moves teeth into the desired prescribed position.
Invisalign for teenagers
Invisalign offers a range of treatment options for teenagers.
The great benefit of Invisalign is that it provides an aesthetic, more flexible way to give teenagers the confidence of a great smile. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are comfortable, removable and nearly invisible, which means teenagers can carry on enjoying life without the restrictions, irritation and self-consciousness associated with the metal brackets and wires.
Invisalign aligners are also removable, so teenagers can continue brushing and flossing normally. This can lead to better overall dental health in the future.
What options are available to teenagers?
Invisalign has several treatment options available for teenagers, depending on the stage of teeth development.
Some teenagers will be suitable for the same Invisalign treatment as adult patients. Younger teenagers, or those who haven't got all of their adult teeth erupted can be treated with Invisalign Teen - a treatment designed specifically for teenagers. Your dental provider will determine which treatment best suits your individual needs and the condition of your teeth.
Why Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen has been developed with teenagers, parents and leading orthodontists who understand the active lifestyles and unique treatment needs of teenage patients.
The Invisalign Teen aligners are made with the same Invisalign technology used for Invisalign aligners, moving teeth gradually without the need for metal or wires.
Because teens (and their mouths) are constantly on the move, we've added a few special features:
- Blue compliance-indicators fade from blue to clear to help your dental provider, you, and your teenager to gauge wear time.
- Special features are now designed for canines, second premolars and second and third molar teeth.
- Six free individual replacement aligners are included in case any get lost or misplaced.
To find out more about Invisalign or Invisalign for teenagers, please talk to your dental provider who'll be able to suggest the best treatment option for you.