Invisalign Before and After — Understand What to Expect

You may have heard of Invisalign, but you likely haven’t seen it since it’s practically invisible. You may be wondering how something that you can’t see could fix your teeth and give you the smile of your dreams. Let’s find out! 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses custom clear braces rather than standard traditional metal braces to straighten teeth. The purpose of clear aligner trays is to fix teeth that are misaligned or positioned incorrectly.

Invisalign can fix dental problems within a 6- to 24-month period, depending on the condition of your teeth. The time it will take to fix your teeth depends on how much correction is required. If it’s a simple crowding issue, it won’t take long. However, if you have more significant issues like crookedness, then it might take up to two years. 

How does Invisalign work?

Here’s how Invisalign works to straighten your teeth.

1. Personalised treatment plan

The first step to getting Invisalign is partnering with a dentist who will help you come up with a personalised treatment plan.

The bespoke and specific nature of invisible aligners is an advantage because they are created to uniquely fit the patient’s mouth and needs. To get a better understanding of the mouth, the dentist will take moulded impressions, X-rays, and digital pictures.

Next, Invisalign’s dental lab designs the aligners. They utilise software that allows them to estimate the movement of teeth over time for each patient. This permits them to make Invisalign dental aligners correctly. Depending on the laboratory, it generally takes a few weeks to design custom-fitted aligners for patients.

2. Wearing Invisalign braces

After the Invisalign braces have been created, the patient needs to see their dentist again for further instruction. The dentist will review the proper way to wear Invisalign and outline recommendations and expectations. It is essential that patients comprehend how the treatment works before starting. For best results, dentists suggest that Invisalign patients wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. Aligners should only be removed when brushing your teeth or eating and put back in as soon as possible. 

3. Adjustments

After the initial Invisalign phase is complete, adjustments are necessary -similar to braces. These adjustments should be done by the dentist. Adjusting Invisalign trays is less difficult than adjusting braces. The next set of aligners will be given by the dentist instead of having brackets and wires that need to be constantly tightened. The dentist will dispose of the old aligners and insert the next set. 

4. Invisalign Retainers

Dentists suggest that patients wear a retainer post-Invisalign to prevent their teeth from going back to their original state. Retainers are typically only worn during sleep, but in some extreme cases, they may be cemented into place.

Can anyone get Invisalign?

Invisalign is an option for individuals with fully grown adult teeth. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, Invisalign can help you straighten your teeth without the conspicuous look of traditional braces. Many patients feel self-conscious and uncomfortable wearing traditional braces, which can negatively impact their psychological state and prevent them from achieving success. You want your employer to perceive you as a confident and professional individual. You want your friends to look beyond your smile. Invisalign gives you the ability to live without worry, stress, or hindrances often caused by traditional braces.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

Invisalign treatment aligns your teeth by applying a gentle, constant force. Some patients do feel temporary discomfort when they first start wearing a new set of Invisalign aligners, but this typically goes away after a few days. Feeling pressure when wearing Invisalign is actually a good thing, as it means the aligners are doing their job. If you have any doubts or experience ongoing discomfort, see your dentist as soon as possible. 

How much does Invisalign cost in Australia?

On average, the starting price for Invisalign is around $6000. However, the final amount will differ based on your individual case and what needs to be done to produce your desired results.

What are the factors that affect the Invisalign cost?

There are numerous cost-affecting factors with Invisalign, so the final price can be higher or lower than you might expect. 

1. Dentist’s experience

More experienced dentists who are in high demand can charge higher prices. Dental practices that boast a wider reputation may charge higher fees, but you can feel comforted knowing a reliable professional is looking after your smile.

2. Aftercare retainers

It is vital to wear retainers even after you have completed your orthodontic treatment in order to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Even after teeth have been removed, they can still fall back into place over time. Your dentist will likely suggest wearing aftercare retainers all day and even during nighttime. This way, you can prevent your teeth from moving out of place.

3. The complexity of the condition

Invisalign can improve your smile and appearance by correcting almost all dental alignment concerns. With Invisalign, you often see your dentist so they can readjust your treatment plan or add attachments to your aligners that help with more difficult teeth movement. Fixing more serious dental problems generally takes longer and requires more resources, resulting in a higher bill from your dentist.

4. Improvements

Most of the time, Invisalign treatments offer the results that patients want. However, sometimes issues come up. This could include problems such as teeth not moving as quickly as anticipated or not looking quite right according to the original plan. If this happens, your dentist can give you new braces that are designed to help improve your smile. This is why dental check-ups are essential; your dentist can monitor your progress and make changes as needed.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

1. Invisible appearance

One of the many benefits Invisalign trays have to offer is that they are completely clear! Because of this, you don’t have to worry about your smile looking different. If you want to avoid metal wires and brackets, this is a fantastic orthodontic alternative for all ages.

2. Comfort

Invisalign trays are made of comfortable, smooth plastic rather than the metal found in traditional braces. One of the best things about Invisalign clear aligners is that there are no sharp or protruding edges, and the trays are custom-made to perfectly fit your teeth and mouth!

3. Improved cleanliness

You can take the Invisalign trays out whenever you need to brush or floss your teeth – just clean them off and put them back in when you’re done. The trays are also easy to clean! To avoid any potential build-up, simply remove the trays and rinse them with water or brush them lightly with your toothbrush. In order to have a lovely smile at the end of your treatment process, it is important to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout the process!

4. Saves time

By using Invisalign, you will be able to shorten the amount of time spent at the dentist’s office since they typically only need to be seen every 6 weeks. Other teeth straightening options can take much more time and many more appointments.

5. Removable 

The beauty of Invisalign trays is that they are removable! This minor feature makes gargling, eating, and living life much more comfortable than with other orthodontic options.

6. Eat whatever you like

One of the toughest things about getting braces is having to give up certain foods. Unfortunately, you can’t eat some of your favourite foods, especially on special occasions. Foods that are hard, chewy, or sticky are unfortunately not allowed.

Invisalign doesn’t have the same problems as other options. You’re free to eat whatever you want without worrying about trays! 

7. Better oral health

Having straight teeth isn’t just a cosmetic improvement – it also benefits your gum health and dental hygiene overall. Having less crowding and gaps in your teeth makes it easier to care for them, which then leads to better dental health and overall physical health.

8. Beautifully straight teeth

Perhaps the best reason to use Invisalign is that it leads to beautifully straight teeth and an amazing smile – something that speaks for itself.

How to take care of Invisalign?

Taking care of your Invisalign aligners can be quite easy – simply follow these steps! 

1. Do not wear your aligners while you eat

A great perk of Invisalign is that you can remove them when needed. Always take off your Invisalign before eating or drinking – you don’t want to stain them accidentally. While you are wearing your aligners, the only beverage you can consume is water.

2. Brush and floss your teeth every time you take out your Invisalign

If there’s plaque or food trapped in your teeth when you put on your aligners, it could stay trapped for a while! This can be a problem for your dental health because it could result in gingivitis or cavities. Be sure to floss and brush your teeth before wearing your Invisalign aligners. 

3. Soak your aligners daily

Your aligners will last longer, stay clean, and be virtually invisible if you soak them regularly! Add the Invisalign cleaning crystals to a cup of lukewarm water. Allow your aligners to soak in the cup for 15 minutes. Use a toothbrush to clean your tray when you’re done, and that’s it! 

4. Always store your Invisalign aligners in their case when you’re not using them

To ensure your aligners last longer, make sure to store them in their case when you’re not wearing them. 

5. Always rinse your aligners when you take them out

Thoroughly rinse your aligners before putting them back in their case to remove any saliva or plaque. 

6. Clean your aligners regularly

Consistent cleaning is key to maintaining your Invisalign trays. Remember to clean your Invisalign aligners every morning and evening when you’re brushing your teeth. In order to clean your aligners, use toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.

Gently scrub your aligners back and forth. By following these steps, you can clean your aligners and remove any bacteria that could harm your teeth or affect your health. 

7. Do not use abrasive materials when cleaning your Invisalign aligners

Do not use mouthwash, denture cleaner, or soap to scrub your aligners. These ingredients can make your device appear dull and less invisible. As a result, Invisalign aligners will be easier to see when you are wearing them.

Get Invisalign treatment at Boutique Dental Care

If you would like to fix your teeth without having to wear braces, Invisalign aligners could be the option for you. It can give you a straight and beautiful smile, as well as improved dental health. With Invisalign, you’ll be able to get the confidence boost you’ve been looking for; Invisalign’s before and after results can be truly remarkable! Start your journey towards better oral hygiene and a perfect smile today with Invisalign! Contact our Chatswood dental clinic at (02) 9054 5281 now to transform your smile.

References

What to Know About Invisalign and Its Effectiveness
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-invisalign-work

Invisible Aligners for Teeth
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/invisible-orthodontic-aligners#1