What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative method of straightening teeth without braces.

With Invisalign, your teeth move via a series of clear aligners that are custom made for your teeth. Each aligner is slightly different and will move the teeth little by little, until the final result is achieved. Each aligner is usually worn for two weeks before moving to the next aligner in the series.

How long the treatment will take, will depend on your case treatment plan. It is best to talk to the treating dentist about this. Sometimes photos, x-rays and other records may need to be taken to better assess your case.

Example of Invisalign aligner

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear, and a lot less visible that traditional braces. To help with tooth movements in certain directions, sometimes invisalign attachments are bonded to the teeth. These attachments are tooth coloured to reduce visibility.

It is also easier to clean with Invisalign, as the aligners are removable. All you need to do is take out or aligner, then brush and floss normally.

Invisalign aligners in the mouth. Note the “bumps” where attachments are present

Who is suitable for Invisalign?

There are some cases that can be quite difficult to treat with Invisalign. And in these cases, it may be better treated with braces, or a combination of both braces and Invisalign. Your dentist will advise you accordingly.

Personally, I do not usually recommend Invisalign for children and teenagers due to compliance issues. If you do not wear your aligners often enough, the teeth will not move the way we want them to. Sometimes teenagers can be more unpredictable with how well they wear the Invisalign aligners.

If you are interested in Invisalign or would like to know more about it, call us to make a consultation appointment today! For cases where Invisalign is less suitable, we also offer braces!