Besides making you self-conscious about your smile, misaligned teeth can lead to oral health issues like plaque and calculus build-up, increased risk of cavities, and gum disease. For many, metal braces are still the go-to solution to fix uneven teeth, but there is an alternative – Invisalign.
Every four in five orthodontists in the US and Canada prescribe Invisalign as their preferred method to straighten teeth. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that help straighten your teeth without discomfort or making you feel conscious about your smile.
In this post, we will cover everything about Invisalign, including its benefits, how it compares to other treatments, and why it has become so popular.
Let’s get started.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of transparent and removable BPA-free plastic aligners to gradually straighten your teeth. These aligners are tailored to fit over your teeth.
The treatment begins with a digital scan to create a 3D model, which your orthodontist or general dentist uses to map out a detailed treatment plan. Your practitioner will check your first set of aligners to make sure they fit properly over your teeth.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to swap your aligners every one or two weeks. While the practitioner will not adjust your plastic aligners, they will schedule periodic check-ups to see if the teeth are shifting as planned.
The Major Pros of Invisalign
Aesthetic Appeal
What most people like about Invisalign is its aesthetic appeal. Unlike braces, which stand out, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. This makes it the preferred treatment for those who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic appliance
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than wearing braces. First, they do not have any metal parts whatsoever, which nearly eliminates the risk of irritation or sores. Second, they are tailored to fit your teeth, adding to your comfort throughout the treatment.
Convenience
Invisalign aligners are more convenient than traditional metal braces. You can remove them when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This flexibility allows the patient to eat whatever they want and continue with any pre-existing brushing and flossing routine.
Effectiveness
Orthodontists and general dentists use Invisalign to treat crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other issues. With an in-depth 3D scan, your practitioner can create a detailed plan. You can see how the treatment will progress and what your teeth will look like even before putting on your first set of aligners.
Shorter Treatment Time
Typically, the treatment can last up to a year, but some patients can complete it in as little as six months. The Invisalign clear aligners are already planned and do not require continuous adjustments. But your practitioner will see you for periodic check-ups to ensure that you are on track.
How Invisalign Compares to Other Treatments
Other than Invisalign, there are three teeth straightening options – traditional braces, lingual braces, and ceramic braces.
Let’s see how Invisalign compares to them:
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Appearance
With its BPA-free, clear aligners that perfectly cover your teeth, Invisalign certainly looks better than traditional braces. Most people, especially teens and young adults, who are conscious about their looks, love that these aligners are practically invisible.
Comfort
Invisalign aligners are more comfortable as they are made with smooth plastic, while traditional braces have metal brackets and wire that can lead to cuts on the inside of the cheeks. Additionally, these aligners are customised to fit your teeth, which means fewer chances of mouth sores and gum irritation.
Maintenance
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easy to clean them. Experts recommend cleaning them with water every night and gently brushing them with a soft-bristled brush to remove any food particles. However, cleaning fixed braces is more challenging and may increase the risk of plaque buildup and dental issues.
Duration
Teeth straightening is a lengthy process, but Invisalign offers better results in a relatively shorter time. While the average time is about a year, some patients can complete their treatment in six to eight months. But as with any other orthodontic treatment, complex issues may require longer treatment.
Invisalign vs. Lingual Braces
Appearance
Lingual braces may have a slight advantage hand when it comes to visibility or the lack thereof. These braces are placed behind the teeth, which makes them invisible from the front. Plastic aligners, although transparent, can be visible from up close.
Comfort and Speech
Though virtually invisible, lingual braces can cause tongue friction and wire poking, which may lead to discomfort and even affect your speech. But being smooth and custom-fit, Invisalign aligners generally provide a more comfortable experience.
Maintenance
Cleaning lingual braces can be quite the task since they are placed behind your teeth. However, removable aligners are easy to clean, and they also make daily brushing and flossing easier.
Invisalign vs. Clear Ceramic Braces
Appearance
Thanks to their tooth-colored brackets, clear ceramic braces are far more discreet than metal braces, but they are still more visible than Invisalign aligners.
Comfort
Although you can use orthodontic wax to reduce discomfort, ceramic braces can be just as uncomfortable as their traditional counterpart. If you want a more comfortable way to straighten your teeth, Invisalign aligners might be more your speed.
Cost
Sometimes, ceramic braces may cost less than plastic aligners but more than traditional braces. However, that may not always be the case. The cost may vary depending on how complex your orthodontic issue is. Ask your dentist about Invisalign and the cost of ceramic braces and other benefits before making your decision.
Why Invisalign Has Become So Popular
Invisalign treatment has been around for more than two decades, but it continues to be popular.
Here’s why:
Advances in Technology
What tips the scale in favor of Invisalign is the cutting-edge technology. With advanced 3D imaging, an orthodontist or general dentist can design plastic aligners that perfectly fit your teeth and a treatment plan that defines each stage clearly.
Patient Satisfaction
The most obvious reason behind the growing popularity of Invisalign is that it offers far better patient satisfaction than other options.
Typically, patients love Invisalign treatment because:
- It’s more comfortable and discreet.
- Plastic aligners are removable and easy to clean.
- There is no restriction on what you can eat or drink.
- Although you need to come in for check-ups, these dental visits are fewer and less invasive.
Easily Available
Invisalign is readily available throughout dental clinics across Canada. Many third-party insurance companies also cover the cost of plastic aligners. You might need to check details with your insurance provider, but if your plan includes orthodontic coverage, you may be able to have a portion of treatment covered by your insurer.
The Next Step
All things considered, Invisalign is a great way to align your teeth and bring back your beautiful smile. It’s discreet, comfortable, convenient, effective, and may not need as much time as conventional braces to get the desired results. That’s one of the reasons why it is so popular.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, or want to learn more about Invisalign, we can help. At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we strongly believe in educating our patients, about whichever treatment options they choose.
Call 416-932-2222 or book your appointment online.
