Invisalign braces, sometimes called 'clear braces', are a relatively new solution to straightening and correcting teeth without needing visible or bulky dental braces. But what are they made of, which allows them to work effectively without being clearly visible? And how do the dental and care procedures differ from traditional braces? This article aims to answer these questions and outline the Invisalign process and how it could benefit those who want to keep their teeth neat and healthy.
Read on to discover essential information to help you decide whether Invisalign is the best option for your teeth straightening journey.
What are Invisalign braces?
Invisalign is a clear retainer or aligner that stays on your teeth to correct their position and gently straighten them. The aligners are removable and personalised to your teeth, making them a gentle method without being clunky or obvious.
What are Invisalign braces made of?
The key components and advanced features of Invisalign braces are:
SmartTrack material
- SmartTrack is a patented, completely clear thermoplastic material. It can be moulded around an individual's teeth and allows for completely functional mouth movement.
Polyurethane resin
- This material provides strength and flexibility, making it both durable and comfortable.
BPA-free materials
- Invisalign is made from a material that is free from bisphenol A and phthalates (BPA), which means it meets the specifications for being completely safe for oral use.
3D-printed
- Each aligner is custom-designed to the individual patient using digital scanning to make sure the product fits perfectly.
How does the process work?
In your early appointments, your dentist or orthodontist will check your teeth and their health and alignment to see whether Invisalign suits you. They will also explain the procedure in more detail and how to care for your teeth while you're using Invisalign.
Once you've decided on Invisalign, they will scan your teeth with a machine like an iTero scanner, for example, which generates a 3D image. Sometimes, your dentist will show you the scan in an animation so you can see the mould before it is printed using a 3D printer.
After the Invisalign has been printed, a fitting will be done to check that it is comfortable and wearable.
Following this, you will return to the dentist every 6 to 8 weeks to check up on your improvement and potentially make some adjustments to the fittings.
What do you do post-fitting?
After getting your Invisalign, you will be given all the information from your dentist. The key takeaways will be:
- Wear your retainer all day (including at night). The amount of time wearing it will reduce
- Clean your retainer daily
- Avoid heat on your retainer
- Remove your retainers before eating or smoking
- Brush your teeth after eating or smoking before putting your retainers back on
How long does Invisalign take?
The length of the full treatment will depend on the misalignment of the patient's teeth when they first attend the dentist and get the Invisalign fitted. The main rule of thumb is that Invisalign takes about the same time as traditional braces. However, it is important to know that dentists recommend you continue to wear the retainer at night indefinitely.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
The most obvious and popular reason people choose Invisalign over traditional braces is that it is virtually invisible (the clue is in the name). Hence, people feel more confident knowing that the dental work is not impacting their appearance.
In terms of practicality, they do not impede anything you can do. Unlike metal braces, they are very unlikely to cause any harm or cuts to your mouth. Once your routine is nailed, they will not bother you or be noticeable to others.
Is Invisalign for you?
If the above benefits appeal to you, why not get Invisalign? It is a gentle and aesthetically pleasing solution to straightening your teeth and improving your overall dental health.
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