In today's world, Invisalign clear aligners are making headlines in the dental health landscape. These invisible braces balance aesthetics and hygiene in a good way. But do you know how does Invisalign work? Read on.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign or clear aligners method of orthodontic treatment that offers a clear alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign treatment uses custom-made aligner trays made from modern SmartTrack plastic to gradually straighten your teeth in a comfort manner.
Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces, designed to straighten your teeth without the need for wires and brackets. The process begins with an initial consultation, followed by detailed 3D scans to map out a personalised treatment plan. These Invisalign trays carefully and gradually move your teeth into place, offering a discreet and comfortable option for achieving a straight smile.
The Benefits of Invisalign
- Virtually Invisible: Unlike metal braces, which are easily noticeable, Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet. They blend into your daily life, allowing you to smile confidently without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.
- Removable: One of the key benefits of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are removable. You don't have to worry about food restrictions or struggle to maintain oral hygiene with braces.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic material, which means there are no sharp edges or metal components that can cause discomfort. You won't experience any wire poking or bracket friction like with traditional braces.
- Customised Treatment: Each set of Invisalign clear aligners is crafted just for you. This personalised approach ensures that the aligners exert the right amount of pressure on specific teeth, resulting in efficient tooth movement.
The clear aligners are designed to be worn for 20- 22 hours a day, but they can easily be removed for special occasions or important events. Whether you're attending a wedding, job interview, or social gathering, you have the flexibility to remove the aligners temporarily and feel confident in your smile.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Your Invisalign journey starts with a comprehensive consultation at our practice. Using modern 3D imaging technology, we create detailed digital scans of your teeth. These innovative scans eliminate the need for traditional dental impressions, making the Invisalign process comfortable and effective.
Our modern planning software turns these scans into a customised treatment plan. You'll see a virtual preview of your smile's enhancement, mapping out each step of your teeth movement. This technology allows us to:
- Calculate proper tooth movements and visualise the bite as treatment progresses
- Determine treatment duration
- Design your custom aligner sequence
If you wonder how does Invisalign work, it follows a structured way. Each set of aligners applies carefully calibrated pressure to specific teeth. This firm force stimulates the natural bone remodelling process, allowing teeth to shift gradually into their planned positions. The SmartTrack material ensures predictable, controlled movements of 0.25mm per clear aligner.
While Invisalign is a good option for many, it's important to consider the overall options associated with orthodontic treatments. If you're also exploring options like dental implants in conjunction with your Invisalign treatment, you might be wondering about insurance coverage for such procedures. Learn how Innova Dental can assist you in navigating insurance coverage for dental implants, including flexible payment plans and superannuation usage for a healthy, confident smile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Invisalign Treatment
As now you know how does Invisalign work, your dental journey unfolds through these steps:
1. Initial Fitting
- Receive your custom-made clear aligners
- Learn proper insertion and removal techniques
- Get attachments fitted if needed for complex movements
2. Aligner Progression
- Wear each set for 1-2 weeks as prescribed
- Switch to new aligners at home following your treatment schedule
- Notice gradual tooth movement with each new set
3. Daily Wear Requirements
- Keep aligners in place for 20-22 hours daily
- Remove only for: Eating and drinking/ Brushing and flossing/ Special occasions (brief periods)
4. Tracking Your Progress
- Use your Invisalign app to monitor wear time
- Follow your personalised schedule for aligner changes
- Store previous aligners safely as a backup
Each aligner set brings you closer to your dream smile, working thoroughly to shift your teeth into desired positions.
Maintaining Oral Hygiene During Invisalign Treatment
Proper oral hygiene remains essential during your Invisalign treatment. Your clear retainers create a close-fitting environment around your teeth, making thorough cleaning vital for preventing decay and maintaining fresh breath.
Daily Care Routine:
- Brush and floss your teeth after each meal
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water
- Clean aligners with a soft toothbrush
- Avoid hot water - it can warp the plastic
- Store aligners in their protective case
Preventing Plaque Build-up:
- Remove aligners while eating or drinking
- Rinse mouth with water if brushing isn't possible
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria
- Schedule regular dental check-ups for comprehensive care
- Keep aligners clean and bacteria-free
A consistent cleaning routine protects both your oral health and your aligners' clarity. Clean aligners are less noticeable but scores well at straightening your teeth. It's important to note that various factors, including genetics, can impact your oral health. At Innova Dental, we take a judgment-free approach to personalised care, understanding that poor oral health isn’t always due to lack of brushing.
Monitoring Your Progress and Treatment Duration
At Innova Dental our dentists use Dental Monitoring virtual care technology, which enables your progress to be reviewed remotely between visits. Our dentist will guide you on how this system works and whether it may be appropriate for your treatment plan.
Using your smartphone and the Dental Monitoring app, you'll capture images of your smile and send them directly to our team. With this approach, we can monitor your treatment progress in real-time, providing timely feedback and adjustments as needed to make optimal results. We will also see you every 2-3 months in person at the practice. These appointments allow us to:
- Monitor tooth movement progress
- Make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan
- Provide new sets of aligners
- Address any concerns or questions
Treatment duration varies based on your specific needs. Simple cases might take 6-12 months, while complex treatments can extend up to 24 months. Key factors affecting treatment time include:
- Initial tooth position
- Amount of movement needed
- Compliance with wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily
- Individual response to treatment
Our modern scanning technology creates detailed progress reports, showing the exact position of your teeth at each stage. These digital scans help us ensure your treatment stays on track for optimal results.
However, if you are experiencing severe dental issues that may require procedures like root canal treatment, it is crucial to address these before continuing with your Invisalign treatment. This will ensure that we can yield desired results from your orthodontic journey.
Post-Treatment Care and Retainers
Your stunning new smile deserves lasting protection. Wearing clear retainers after Invisalign treatment safeguards your investment by maintaining the alignment achieved during treatment.
Vivera® Retainers: Made by the creators of Invisalign, these custom-fitted retainers use the same SmartTrack material. Their durability and clarity ensure reliable protection while remaining virtually invisible.
Your orthodontist will create a personalised retention plan based on your specific case. Consistent retainer wear prevents tooth movement and protects your smile for a prolonged time.
However, if you're considering further enhancements to your smile beyond what Invisalign can offer, such as veneers, it's essential to consult with a cosmetic dentist. These professionals can provide veneers that enhance your smile with natural, lasting results through personalised care.
Why Choose Invisalign? A Reliable Orthodontic Solution
Invisalign is a key orthodontic treatment for smile makeovers. Our seasoned dental team combines clinical knowledge with modern digital technology to deliver proper, predictable results.
The Invisalign system offers:
- Modern 3D imaging for proper treatment planning
- Custom-made aligners crafted to your unique dental structure
- SmartTrack® material technology for optimal tooth movement
- Digital outcome simulation showing your projected results
This personalised approach, combined with our knowledge, creates a seamless path to your dream smile.
Start Your Journey With Us!
Whether you're interested in Invisalign treatment or thinking about dental implants, Innova Dental is here to assist you. We recognise that selecting between orthodontic treatment or dental implants is an important choice. That's why we're dedicated to equipping you with all the necessary information to make a well-informed decision about your oral health.
Prepared to begin your journey? Schedule your consultation now:
- Give us a call directly
- Utilise our online booking system
- Reach out to us via our website