Discover everything you need to know about the Invisalign clear aligner

 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an invisible orthodontic system that moves your teeth through the consecutive change of transparent splints tailored to your teeth. Each splint makes progressive movements on your teeth until they are taken to the position planned by the professional.

What types of Invisalign are there?

Depending on the characteristics of the case, the orthodontist will choose the type of Invisalign treatment that allows him to achieve the goals that he has set.

·      Invisalign Comprehensive: allows you to order the aligners that are necessary for the correction of the malocclusion.

·      Invisalign Lite and Express: the number of aligners is limited, so they are used for the correction of simple cases.

·      Invisalign Teen: designed for adolescents, it incorporates specific functions such as bite ramps for cases where mandibular advancement is required.

·      Invisalign First: allows a first phase of treatment to be carried out in children with primary dentition to end the treatment in adolescence.

Does Invisalign treatment hurt?

The teeth move due to the application of forces, so you will feel a slight pressure on your teeth each time you change the aligner. 

The movement with aligners is much more progressive than with braces. Our recommendation is that you change from one aligner to another, at night.

How many splints will I take with my Invisalign treatment?

The number of splints you wear will depend on the complexity of the case, it is impossible to know the exact number until the doctor's planning is done.

What are "extra aligners" in Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment is usually performed in several stages of aligners, a first stage where most of the tooth movements are achieved, and other stages of improvement.

 The stages after the initial one are called "additional aligners." Between stage and stage, there is usually a small stop, until the new aligners are received in the consultation.

What are Invisalign attachments?

In addition to the Clear Aligners Invisalign, the Invisalign clear orthodontic system relies on the attachments to get the teeth to move to the position the orthodontist desires. 

The attachments are small reliefs that are placed on the teeth, they are very aesthetic, they imitate the color of the tooth. 

They are used to facilitate the application of forces of the aligners on the teeth and that they move.

Will I be able to wear different attachments during the treatment?

Yes, during treatment with aligners it is normal that you can wear different attachments on the same tooth.

In Invisalign treatments it is common for doctors to plan treatment in several stages of aligners. The goals of each aligner stage are different, so it is common for the doctor to remove the initial attachments and scan your mouth to order additional aligners without the attachments.

How are Invisalign attachments removed?

At the end of the treatment, the attachments are polished without damaging the tooth surface.

Will I have to wear rubber bands during my Invisalign treatment?

It is likely, it will depend on the case. Elastics or rubber bands help the orthodontist to direct the movements of the teeth in a certain sense of direction.

 For example, in a case where there is a fang that is up with respect to the teeth next to it, it may be necessary to put a rubber band to pull the fang down.

Does it require a lot of collaboration on my part?

Yes, any orthodontic treatment requires collaboration from the patient. Both Invisalign and braces treatments. The aligners are removable, so if you are not consistent in using the aligners, the treatment will not progress. 

What we can say is that orthodontic treatments with aligners make it easier for the patient to have better dental hygiene during the treatment.

How many hours a day do you have to wear the splints?

For the treatment to be efficient and effective, you must wear your Invisalign aligners at least 22 hours a day. You should remove them to eat, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

How often are Invisalign aligners changed?

The frequency with which the aligners are changed will depend on the type of movement to be made with your teeth, as well as the planning that your orthodontist has made of the treatment. In general, we can say that the aligners are changed every 7-10 days.

How do I brush with Invisalign?

You will be able to brush during your Invisalign treatment as you did before starting your orthodontic treatment. Efficiently, brushing gums and teeth on all sides, and with dental floss and mouthwash.

How are splints cleaned?

You must have a specific brush for your Invisalign. Stroke a bar of mild soap with the brush and rub your aligners on the outside and inside.

 Then rinse them very well with water. It is important that you always have your teeth brushed before placing them in your mouth.

Are there many emergencies with Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment does not usually produce emergencies that limit your activity. Unlike brackets, it is not usual for it to rub or puncture, since there are no wires or so many metals. 

Buttons for the use of elastics can be placed in some moments of the Invisalign treatment. Initially in some patients, these buttons could cause some friction easily solvable with a protective wax.

Can I eat everything?

Yes, the Invisalign aligners are removed to eat, so you can eat comfortably as you did before.

 You should only pay attention not to eat excessively hard things with your teeth, in those moments of the treatment in which you wear buttons for the use of elastics since they could detach.

 Here are some examples: avoid cutting raw carrots or chocolate bars with your teeth.

Can I wear Invisalign if I have implants?

Yes, although the ideal is to start planning orthodontic treatment before implant placement, since the implants do not move, and may limit some movements.

Will it bother me when you speak?

You easily get used to speaking with Invisalign, at no time you will notice that it costs you excessively, since the device is completely adapted to the teeth. In a week you will no longer notice it when you speak and you will have adapted.

Can I do sports with Invisalign?

Invisalign is the ideal treatment for those who practice sports, especially contact sports. In the event of a blow, you will not have sores or abrasions from the appliance and also your teeth are "splinted", that is, joined by the aligner that protects them.

Can Invisalign be used for children?

Yes, Invisalign aligners also allow us to do treatments on children and adolescents. However, it may be necessary to complement it with other types of devices depending on the case. For example, in a case where an expansion of the jawbone is required, the use of a circuit breaker will be necessary.

How often should I visit the orthodontist if I wear Invisalign?

The frequency with which you go to the orthodontist's office will depend on the time of the treatment you are in, usually between 4 and 6 weeks.

How long does the Invisalign treatment last?

The duration of Invisalign treatment depends on the difficulty of the case. It is impossible to predict its duration without a complete diagnosis of the patient.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The price of an Invisalign treatment will depend on many factors. Some of them are:

·      The qualification of the professional who directs the treatment and its updating.

·      The complexity of the case.

·      The clinic equipment.