Crafting the perfect smile is now more convenient than ever, all thanks to technological advancements. Orthodontists can now create a perfect smile in a matter of minutes by using a 2D facial photo and intelligent tooth silhouette. Sophisticated softwares can then meticulously adjust the position, shape, and size of each tooth to match your specific preferences.
Cosmetic dentistry, often referred to as aesthetic dentistry, has witnessed significant progress over the last decade. If you’re considering straightening your teeth, you may be faced with the choice between two orthodontic treatments: Invisalign and traditional braces. While both aim to achieve a straighter smile over time, they differ in several aspects.
Conventional braces feature brackets that are affixed to the teeth and connected by special wires. These brackets and wires gradually shift and align the teeth by exerting pressure over a period. Patients typically require dentist appointments every four to eight weeks – some appointments involve brief checkups to monitor treatment progress, while others may be longer, involving adjustments, wire replacements, and rubber bands.
This is where Invisalign comes into play. Invisalign is a specific brand of removable clear aligners custom-fitted to gradually straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not employ brackets and wires and is nearly invisible.
The aligners are made from a soft, flexible patented plastic known as SmartTrack™, composed of medical-grade, multilayer polyurethane plastic. It is engineered to facilitate more effective tooth movement and has been clinically proven to move teeth 50% faster with 75% more predictability in their movement.
When worn, Invisalign aligners consistently apply pressure to the teeth, gradually reshaping the bone in the direction of this pressure.
Let’s assess this groundbreaking innovation in cosmetic dentistry:
- Invisalign is a specialised tool designed for teeth straightening. It’s manufactured by Align Technology, which does not diagnose or treat individual cases. The success or failure of Invisalign treatment hinges on the expertise of the orthodontist administering it.
- To attain successful results with this method, it’s essential to rely on an orthodontist or dentist who is trained in Invisalign treatment. Over one million patients worldwide have undergone Invisalign treatment, and this number continues to grow.
- Invisalign trays are convenient as they can be removed, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss as you normally would for proper dental hygiene. Unlike traditional braces, there are no wires or metal brackets, eliminating the need for frequent dental appointments for adjustments.
- Invisalign braces exert precise control over the force and timing of tooth movement. During each treatment stage, specific teeth are gradually repositioned based on your customised treatment plan devised by your orthodontist.
- Invisalign aligners, crafted from thermoplastic material, resemble teeth-whitening trays and are tailored to shift your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor. You should wear these aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, as failure to do so may impede your desired results.
- The aligners are replaced approximately every 2 weeks, with more complex movements requiring 3 weeks of wear and less complex movements necessitating 10 days of wear. It’s worth noting that Invisalign treatment is often more expensive than traditional braces due to the higher laboratory fees paid directly to the manufacturer, Align Technology.
- While technology is continually advancing, there are some complex orthodontic cases that aligners cannot effectively treat or correct.
In summary, Invisalign is an excellent choice if you seek fewer dentist visits. Most treatment plans include progress check-ups scheduled every six weeks, which corresponds to changing aligners approximately once every three trays.
Moreover, you won’t need to visit our orthodontists for tightening or band adjustments, as you’ll have each set of trays at home. Simply swap out your trays every two weeks (or as recommended in your treatment plan) to maintain your progress.
Still concerned about what to do with your smile? We assure you the best version of your smile. Come visit us today and experience excellence in dental care.
