Does Invisalign Really Work
Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Many patients favor them for their discreet, almost invisible appearance. For many patients, Invisalign can deliver results almost as quickly and as efficiently as traditional metal braces.
Invisalign is available at Hatcher Dental Studio in Phoenix and the surrounding area. We can help you achieve the smile of your dreams without a mouth full of metal.
Invisalign is the world’s most popular and advanced clear aligner system. With over twenty years of innovation on its side, it has delivered smiles to over nine million people and over 2.3 million teens. Each patient receives a set of custom-made aligners. The system includes proprietary virtual modeling software, rapid manufacturing processes, and mass customization, and the aligners consist of a patented material.
To achieve the best results, patients must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only when necessary. Such instances include eating or drinking anything other than cool water. Patients must also keep regular visits to both the dentist and the orthodontist. The dentist can ensure the mouth is in optimal health, reducing the risk of Invisalign irritating any conditions. The orthodontist can ensure the treatment’s overall success while also switching out the patient’s aligners.
There are a few differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.
The most obvious is aesthetics. When used appropriately, Invisalign is almost entirely inconspicuous — making it perfect for more self-conscious patients. Aligners are also removable, making them more convenient for eating and upkeeping oral hygiene.
Metal braces consist of two main components: brackets and wires. These place consistent, gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them gradually. Brackets are attached to the teeth, meaning they cannot be removed. As a result, many patients find them less comfortable than Invisalign, and it is typically more challenging to maintain oral hygiene. Patients will also need to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods to prevent breaking the brackets or having them get stuck between the braces.
Hatcher Dental Studio will create a personalized, digital treatment plan that allows him to precisely map out your tooth movements. Your aligners will then be created in the Invisalign lab, where they will be custom-made for your mouth and orthodontic needs. Like braces, Invisalign uses a constant but gentle application of pressure to move the teeth slowly.
No. Any doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must be specially trained in Invisalign therapy. It is also crucial to keep in mind that not all clear aligners are the same. The Invisalign system utilizes unique, patented technologies that make it the best in its field.
The answer depends on a case-by-case basis. More complicated cases will require longer treatment. However, the average patient will complete Invisalign therapy within 12 to 18 months. Many start seeing results in a matter of weeks.
SmartForce® attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes that allow the aligners to place extra pressure on certain areas of the teeth. They make complex tooth movements possible. Not everyone needs SmartForce attachments. Hatcher Dental Studio can tell you more about what to expect in a one-on-one consultation.
Yes. Invisalign aligners have been FDA-cleared since 1998, and they are classified as Class II medical devices today. Both the aligner and retainer materials consist of medical-grade polymers, without any BPA, latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, or epoxy.