Invisalign: What It Is, Types, Functions, Dos and Don’ts
A pretty smile is what everyone dreams of!
Sometimes, problems with teeth alignment, such as gapped or overcrowded teeth, can harm your smile. However, getting teeth correctors can be your best bet to achieve an optimal smile.
Modern orthodontic devices such as Invisalign offer an excellent replacement for these old teeth straightening methods.
Curious about what Invisalign looks like? Let’s discover together.
Before this, if you also plan to get tooth aligners for kids in Scottsdale, book your appointment with Palm Valley Pediatrics Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Read: Step By Step Guide To Clean Invisalign Trays – Do’s & Dont’s
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign, also known as invisible aligner, is a clear and removable orthodontic aligner that helps straighten teeth.
This recently developed treatment option resolves all bite and tooth alignment problems, such as crowded or crooked teeth.
Manufacturers produce these aligners using high medical-grade thermoplastic polymers, also known as polyurethane resins known as SmartTrack. To best match a patient’s dental needs, makers tend to customize these aligners.
What Is the Function of Invisalign?
Invisalign offers solutions to many dental problems, mainly related to teeth alignment. Some of the common dental issues Invisalign treats are:
How Invisalign Works?
Invisalign tends to correct your smile. To make these aligners, dentists record your teeth impressions and then customize these aligners as per your specific needs.
Wearing these aligners exerts pressure on your teeth, which starts changing their position. With these tiny movements, your teeth start getting in a better position.
There is sufficient research on how Invisalign provides accurate and efficient dental movements.
After every 1-2 weeks, you may need to wear a new aligner per your changed teeth position. These aligners help improve your teeth’ position if you wear them for 20-22 hours daily.
Let’s Explore 5 Different Types of Invisalign
Invisalign works by exerting gentle and slow pressure on your teeth to bring them in the correct position.
However, based on an individual’s requirement, Invisalign can be of different types.
1- Invisalign Lite
Dentists usually recommend Invisalign Lite for patients with moderate to mild teeth alignment problems such as overcrowding or poor teeth alignment.
These aligners usually require 6-7 months to resolve the problem. Patients may receive up to 14 aligners to wear that fix the problem with time.
2- Invisalign Express
Another type of teeth aligner for the mild teeth alignment problem is Invisalign Express.
During a six-month treatment plan, you must change ten aligners to achieve your best smile.
3- Invisalign Teen
These aligners are most suitable for teens who are still developing teeth. Teen aligners usually have spaces for the teeth that are still not present.
These aligners generally have indicators to tell them when to change an aligner.
4- Invisalign i7
Invisalign i7 is a faster way to overcome the problem of tooth overcrowding.
As the name suggests, a patient usually wears seven aligners to fix mild teeth alignment problems in this treatment plan.
5- Invisalign Full
This type of Invisalign is for people suffering from mild to severe problems. During this advanced treatment plan, a patient must wear the custom-designed aligners throughout the treatment.
Also, the duration of treatment typically ranges from 12-18 months.
Cost
Invisalign costs can vary depending on the treatment duration, the problem’s severity, the choice of aligner, etc.
The average price for the treatment, however, ranges from $2000-$7000.
The cost of different types is as follows:
- Invisalign Express – $2500-$6000
- Invisalign Teen – $3000-$6000
- Invisalign Adults – $3000-$9000
Besides the essential cost, you should also consider the hidden costs associated with the treatment.
Hidden costs may include the cost of dental X-rays, oral scans, Invisalign attachments, retainers, etc.
Dos and Don’t of Invisalign Aligners?
Invisalign aligners are expensive. To keep Invisalign in the best condition, follow the dos and don’ts.
Dos of Invisalign Aligners
Don’ts of Invisalign Aligners
What Happens Post Invisalign Treatment?
Once your Invisalign treatment is complete, wear a retainer to keep your teeth in the correct position. A teeth retainer is also a custom-made device.
Different teeth retainers are available on the market, i.e., fixed or removable. Manufacturers use metal or plastic to make retainers that keep teeth in place.
Get Your Perfect Smile with Invisalign Aligners
Teeth alignment and bite issues are common and can affect anyone. Dentists use various orthodontic devices to correct these problems, such as different dental braces.
These are invisible teeth aligners that are usually removable. Different aligners suit patients with mild to severe tooth alignment and bite problems. This treatment is suitable for kids, teens, and adults.
Invisalign is not visible, so you don’t have to worry about how you will look after wearing Invisalign.
However, ensure you properly clean Invisalign to keep them in the best condition.
Read: ClearCorrect Vs Invisalign Major Differences Explained
FAQs
How to Clean Invisalign Aligners?
Clean your aligners by using a toothbrush and an antibacterial soap. First, rinse the brush, avoid boiling water, and gently move it on your aligners.
Is Wearing Invisalign Noticeable?
No, you do not stand out in a crowd after wearing Invisalign aligners. These liners are made of flexible plastic, which tends to stay invisible.
Is it Painful to Wear Invisalign?
Some people who have sensitive teeth might experience discomfort. But the pain usually goes away within 48 hours.
Read: Straightening Smiles With Invisalign: A Parent’s Guide
