Invisalign

Invisible braces or clear aligners like Invisalign are useful for a wide range of reasons. First, like traditional braces, invisible braces are also useful when it comes to teeth alignment. Second, invisible aligners are useful for those who want to straighten their teeth inconspicuously.

The most important reason to get invisible aligners relates to the straightening of misaligned, uneven, or crooked teeth — otherwise known as malocclusion. This is a condition in which your teeth are misaligned due to improper spacing or the improper development of your jaws.

In a healthy set of teeth, the upper and lower arch of your teeth should meet perfectly in the middle. However, if you suffer from malocclusion, your teeth may not meet in perfect alignment. The central line that should run through your upper and lower teeth may be misplaced, the upper teeth may stick out further than the lower teeth (overbite), the lower teeth may stick out further than the upper teeth (underbite), the overcrowding of teeth due to a narrow jaw may lead to crooked teeth, and a number of other issues may occur.

The lack of symmetry and alignment does affect the cosmetic appearance of your teeth. However, malocclusion can also harm other aspects of your body and health. The uneven distribution of bite force can lead to dental damage, you may suffer from teeth grinding, bruxism, sensitive teeth, migraines, and other issues as well.

You may wonder — aren’t there cheaper teeth correction methods that also achieve the same result?

The answer is yes, you also get the same results from other teeth correction methods like ceramic braces or metal braces. However, Invisalign braces are superior to them in the following ways:

• Invisalign braces are transparent braces that most people can’t notice unless they’re actively looking for them. This offers cosmetic benefits during the orthodontic procedure.
• Invisalign braces are removable so you can take them off when necessary, for example, while eating.
• The complete teeth correction procedure finishes within 6 to 18 months, which is far shorter than traditional braces.

The following steps are involved in the teeth correction procedure with Invisalign braces:

• During your initial consultation, the dentist or orthodontist will ask you to bite down on a dental mold so they get an impression of your teeth.
• The dentist will create an online outline of your teeth correction procedure — displaying every single phase in your teeth correction journey along with the result.
• If necessary, the dentist may have to remove some teeth to make enough space in your jaws — this is done only occasionally if you have overcrowded teeth.
• The dentist will send out a request for Invisalign braces to be prepared.
• After a few weeks, the dentist will receive transparent braces corresponding to every phase of your Invisalign journey.
• The dentist will show you how to wear an Invisalign and how to maintain it.
• You’ll have to wear Invisalign braces for at least 22 hours a day for maximum effectiveness.
• You’ll have to return to the dentist every two weeks so they can replace the Invisalign aligners and make sure your treatment is proceeding as planned.
• After you’ve gone through all the Invisalign braces and your teeth are aligned, you’ll have to wear retainers that will help maintain your teeth in the correct position.

The cost of the entire Invisalign treatment ranges from $1,850 to $5,500, depending on several factors.