What is Invisalign: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition and Overview

Installing Invisalign aligners is an orthodontic procedure available to adults and kids who have misaligned or crooked teeth. Although its effect is similar to that of traditional metal braces, Invisalign revolutionized the orthodontic industry by giving patients a user-friendlier and a more aesthetic alternative to wire braces. Custom made for each stage in the treatment process, each of the trays gradually shifts teeth into their correct position, with each step-by-step movement planned by the dentist. Invisalign eliminated most of the drawbacks of traditional braces, and with very few drawbacks of its own, it is now the widely preferred orthodontic treatment option for many patients.

Who should undergo and expected results

Invisalign can benefit all dental patients who need orthodontic treatment. These include those who:

• Have misaligned, crooked and overcrowded teeth
• Have teeth that are spaced too far apart
• Have an open bite, or when the front teeth stay open when the person bites
• Have a closed bite, or when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth when the person bites
• Have a crossbite, or when some of the upper teeth are inside while some are outside of the lower teeth when the person bites
• Have malocclusions
• When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly
• When the jaws do not meet properly

Malocclusions are classified into three different types depending on their severity:

• Class I – Cases wherein the jaws meet properly but the teeth are improperly positioned
• Class II – More commonly known as an “overbite”, these are cases wherein the upper jaw is protruding forward or the lower jaw is recessed backwards
• Class III – These are characterized by a lower jaw that protrudes or an upper jaw that is too far back; they are the opposite of class II malocclusions and are also known as an “underbite.”

Orthodontics, in general, aims to:

• Improve a patient’s dentofacial appearance
• Correct positioning problems
• Eliminate problems that can pose long-term risks to teeth
• Restore the function of the teeth

Unlike traditional braces, however, Invisalign can achieve these goals without causing a lot of discomfort and without making patients wear unsightly metal appliances.

How the procedure works

Invisalign aligner trays work the same way as traditional braces, but they use different methods to achieve the same results. Instead of pulling teeth into their proper position using wires, the trays are placed on top of the teeth to gently align or re-position them. Through the treatment period, the patient will use several different aligners with each aligner representing the next movement the dentist has planned for the teeth to take. In most cases, each aligner has to be worn for around two weeks before being replaced by the next aligner in the series.

Invisalign trays offer several advantages over traditional braces. These include the following:

• There is no need to use bulky and unsightly metal appliances as the aligners are almost completely invisible.
• There is no need to have the wires tightened, an experience that several people find uncomfortable.
• The adjustments occur gently and with little to no effects on the patient’s everyday life.

If a patient is interested in undergoing the Invisalign treatment process, the first step is finding an Invisalign provider near his location. Invisalign accredits only a limited number of dentists or dental clinics, with the dentists undergoing special training in the proper use and installation of the aligners.

Once the right Invisalign provider is found, the dentist will assess the patient’s dental condition, such as the positioning of the teeth and problems with the bite to come up with a customised treatment plan that will work most effectively for the patient. The dentist will then discuss possible treatment options; if it is confirmed that the patient is qualified to use Invisalign, the dentist will take impressions of the patient’s teeth and send the information, along with the desired results for every aligner, to dental technicians who prepare dental appliances. When the aligners are ready, the first tray in the series will be placed on the patient’s teeth.

The patient will then be asked to return every two weeks to have the aligners changed until he reaches the end of the treatment process. The whole treatment generally takes the same amount of time as traditional braces, but with much less discomfort and with better aesthetics.

Possible risks and complications

Having Invisalign installed can help a patient avoid the risks and complications associated with malocclusions, misaligned teeth and incorrectly positioned teeth, and can thus help him ensure proper dental health. Without the use of orthodontics, people will be at risk of long-term dental problems. For example, since crooked teeth are harder to clean, patients will be at risk of tooth decay and gum infections.

However, there are still some risks associated with the use of Invisalign, despite its many advantages over traditional orthodontics. These include:

• Tooth nerve damage that may require root canal treatment or other restorative procedures
• Damage to tooth bone
• Root resorption
• Damage to existing crowns and fillings
• Scratches on the gums, cheeks and lips
• Dryness of the mouth
• A lisp, especially at the beginning, but tends to resolve on its own once the patient is used to the trays
• Aligner tray breakage or damage
• High risk of TMJ
• Allergic reactions to the materials used to make the aligners
• Relapse of the problem, in which the newly adjusted teeth move back to their original (and incorrect) position once the last tray is removed. This can be resolved by using retainers.

Also, another complaint of people who have Invisalign installed is that it does not shorten the treatment period, which means patients need to keep changing aligners for as long as two years. This, however, depends on the severity of the problem and how fast the teeth move into their correct position.

References:

• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: “Orthodontics and Aligners.”
• American Association of Orthodontists: “Aligners.”

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**Question:** What is Invisalign: Overview, Benefits, and ​Expected‌ Results?



**Answer:**



Invisalign is ‍a revolutionary teeth-straightening system that offers a discreet and effective alternative to⁤ traditional ⁢metal braces.⁣ Utilizing a series of clear, removable⁣ aligners, Invisalign gently shifts teeth⁤ into their ideal positions, resulting in a more aesthetic smile.



**Key Benefits of Invisalign:**



1. **Virtually Invisible:** Invisalign‍ aligners are practically⁣ invisible, making‌ them a popular‌ choice for adults who value ​aesthetics.



2. **Removable:**⁢ Invisalign aligners can be easily removed, providing added convenience for eating, brushing, and flossing.



3. **Comfortable:** Constructed from soft,⁤ flexible⁣ material, Invisalign aligners minimize discomfort associated‍ with traditional braces.



4. ⁢**Precision.** Advanced ‍manufacturing‍ techniques‌ ensure a precise fit for⁤ optimal results.



5. **Reduced Treatment Time:** Invisalign is often faster than traditional braces, leading to a shorter ⁤overall treatment timeline.



**Expected Results:**



With proper ⁢care and ⁤adherence to the prescribed treatment plan, Invisalign‌ users can anticipate notable improvements in⁢ their teeth alignment, including:



1. **Straighter Teeth:** Invisalign gradually ⁤shifts teeth​ into​ their optimal positions, resulting​ in a more uniform smile.



2. **Improved Bite:** Misaligned teeth have a tendency to cause bite issues, ​which Invisalign can often correct.



3.⁤ **Increased Confidence:** A straighter, more ​aligned smile ⁣can boost‌ self-confidence and improve overall oral health.



**Conclusion:**



Invisalign offers several advantages ⁢over traditional metal braces, making it an appealing choice ⁢for many individuals⁤ seeking ​a more​ discreet and comfortable teeth-straightening solution. With virtually invisible aligners, reduced ⁤treatment time, and⁣ anticipated improvements in teeth alignment and overall ​oral health, ‌Invisalign continues to‌ gain​ popularity⁣ among adults and​ teens⁤ alike.