Clear aligners – Invisalign®
The invisible Invisalign® aligners are a modern teeth straightening treatment with a series of custom-made clear aligners. They have been on the market for over twenty years and are constantly being refined and improved. Although several more or less successful copies have appeared over the years, Invisalign® is still the number one choice for straightening teeth with clear aligners.
Advantages of the Invisalign® treatment:
- The aligners are transparent, aesthetic and significantly more comfortable to wear than traditional braces;
- The aligners are removable, so they enable better and easier oral hygiene, which reduces the possibility of teeth staining or the formation of caries;
- Contrary to treatment with fixed braces, after which white spots (enamel decalcification) appear in as many as 40 percent of men and 22 percent of women, their appearance does not occur following treatment with Invisalign®;
- Pressure applied to the teeth during treatment with the Invisalign aligners is significantly lower than with traditional braces, resulting in minimal pain;
- Because of the minimal pressure that is applied to the teeth, the Invisalign® treatment is especially suitable for those with weak bones due to diseases of the periodontal tissues (periodontal disease);
- The Invisalign® treatment does not cause tooth abrasion, which occurs at the point of contact between the tooth and the bracket of fixed braces;
- No damage or inflammation of the gums occurs, which is often caused by the arch of fixed braces;
- As the Invisalign® aligners are removable, individuals can play musical instruments or sports during orthodontic treatment without the need to wear mouth guards;
- Computer simulation enables you to see how your teeth will look after using Invisalign® even prior to the treatment;
- Because the clear aligners are made of a safe, high-quality material, they do not cause allergic reactions and the consequent swelling of the gums.
How to get the Invisalign® aligners?
At the initial examination, we perform an assessment of the overall health and cleanliness of your teeth and periodontal tissues. This is a necessary prerequisite to start treatment. Prior to formulating a treatment plan, we require X-rays. While an orthopantomogram (OPG) is typically sufficient for simpler cases, more complex cases will also require a lateral cephalogram or other additional imaging.
We then use a special optical scanner to capture an exceptionally precise image of your teeth. The procedure is more comfortable, faster and more accurate compared to traditional dental impressions.
Simultaneously, we can generate a computer simulation of your teeth alignment.
Ultimately, we can create a comprehensive plan for the movement of your teeth, outlining the specific timing and location of each tooth’s progression, as well as their final positions. Once the plan has been confirmed, we proceed to order the aligners, which you can have fitted in two weeks’ time.
How does teeth straightening with Invisalign® work?
Invisalign® fitting takes about an hour. Attachments, made of the same material that is used in tooth-colored fillings, are applied to certain teeth. These attachments serve to increase the surface area to which the aligners apply pressure in order to facilitate the desired tooth movement. Some teeth are also slightly narrowed in the interdental spaces (interproximal reduction) in order to gain space and correct any disproportion in teeth size. The procedure is not painful and does not affect teeth quality. Below are detailed instructions and a demonstration of how the aligners are fitted to the teeth.
The Invisalign® treatment system is comprised of a series of custom-made aligners. Depending on the patient’s clinical condition and age, we determine the frequency for changing aligners (typically every five to fourteen days). Upon fitting the aligners, you will receive a schedule indicating when to change them, along with a set of aligners intended to last until your next scheduled check-up .
For the most severe orthodontic cases, supplementary orthodontic devices such as intraoral elastics, buttons, levers, mini screws, and partial fixed braces may be required.
At intervals of approximately two to three months, you will visit our practice for a check-up, during which we will assess the fit of your aligners. If needed, we may add additional attachments. During check-ups, we will periodically capture images of your teeth and compare their position with the projected outcome. This will enable us to quickly and accurately determine whether the teeth are adhering to the treatment plan, and make necessary adjustments as needed. In comparison to traditional fixed braces, Invisalign® treatment typically requires significantly fewer unscheduled emergency visits.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Invisalign® aligners are smooth and fit precisely to the teeth. Getting used to them is much easier and faster than with fixed braces. The temporary discomfort experienced during the treatment is also minimal, as the pressure applied to the teeth is accurately controlled by computerized technology.
It is recommended to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, allowing two to four hours for removal during meal times and teeth brushing.
The treatment duration is dependent on the complexity of the orthodontic irregularity, as well as the patient’s preferences and goals.
Who is the Invisalign® treatment system suitable for?
The Invisalign® system can effectively address almost all types of orthodontic irregularities.
We typically categorize the cases that are suitable for the Invisalign® system into:
- simple – i7 (up to 7 aligners),
- medium – Lite (up to 14 aligners) and
- comprehensive (unlimited number of aligners over a period of five years).
Invisalign® is differentiated based on the age of the patient, with separate systems tailored for adults, children, and teenagers.
The Invisalign First® version is designed for young children who still have primary (baby) teeth. Using this version, we can effectively address the issue within a few months, positively influencing the subsequent development of permanent teeth. When the child’s permanent teeth have grown in, the treatment progresses to the Invisalign Teen® version, which is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the developing dentition. Thanks to the preliminary treatment, the duration required for aligning the teeth is significantly reduced.
Why choose us?
Invisalign® is not a device that moves teeth by itself. It is a tool that requires the skill and expertise of a trained professional to effectively utilize.
At Dentavital Oral Health Centre, we are proud to partner with VBO, a company that has successfully delivered confident and charming smiles to over 2,000 patients, and work alongside Dr. Vesna Kaloh, a globally recognized specialist in straightening teeth with the clear Invisalign® aligners. She is an award-winning dentist and one of the top experts at Clear TPS, the company that boasts the largest number of Invisalign® tooth movement plans worldwide.