Invisalign Clear Aligner & Braces: What is it and How it Works

Dental procedures to fix overbites and misalignments (be it for cosmetic or medical purposes) are always a great investment for your oral health. However, the usual metal braces for teeth alignment can be a bit costly. 

The good news is one of the current innovations in the dental field that is both affordable and more teeth-friendly is available to everyone! Invisalign, a more preferred alternative among patients, has gained popularity over the years and is now considered the go-to procedure for teeth alignment. So, what makes Invisalign different, and how does it work?

Invisalign Clear Aligner

Made of translucent, almost invisible polyurethane plastic, an Invisalign aligner, be it from a clinic in Oshawa or Toronto is more popular than metal braces. One of the reasons for this is that clear aligners are more subtle and easily removable. 

If you’re attending a party or function, you can take it off and set it aside when you eat. These features allow it to be less noticeable and more convenient to clean as you’ll be able to remove it and brush it thoroughly after eating. Among the other advantage of Invisalign clear aligners are the following:

• Wider Dietary Selection

Because it is removable, Invisalign aligners allow you to have more versatility when it comes to food choices, compared to having metal braces attached to your teeth.

Patients with metal braces will often complain of pain and difficulty in eating hard and crunchy dishes. With Invisalign, you can simply take them off and proceed to munching on your fried chicken or enjoying hard food like nuts.

• Convenience and Comfort

Made of more flexible plastic material, it allows your gums to feel more comfortable throughout the alignment process. Wearing one lessens the chances for bleeding gums, as patients with metal braces often experience. It also feels less restrictive and will induce less irritation on your mouth on the first few days that you wear it. 

• Protection from Teeth Grinding

Teeth clenching habits are one of the causes for misalignments and teeth size inconsistencies. With Invisalign, you’ll be able to solve 2 problems with a single product as it aligns your teeth while acting as a nightguard. It offers added protection that metal braces simply cannot provide while still doing their main job. 

How It Works 

Just like any misalignment treatment, Invisalign works by applying controlled amounts of pressure on different areas of your teeth to gradually move and adjust them. However, instead of using metal, it’s made of translucent and flexible plastic. So, how do they create your teeth mould? Well, as posted by internet marketing ads on sites for dentists, Invisalign uses highly sophisticated software to design a 3D model that best works for your mouth.

They will then produce 2 sets of aligners; for the top and bottom parts of your teeth. The first set will be given to you and worn for at least 20 hours a day, for 14 days, or depending on the advice of your dentist.

Once this is done, you will then wear the second set of aligners that is responsible for the gradual adjustments. This two-step Invisalign treatment was designed to be able to cater to teenagers who still have developing teeth.

The first set of Invisalign has extra room or eruption tabs to give growing molars some space when they emerge. It’s also marked with compliance indicators, which fade over time. This will serve as a signal for the patient and the dentist to determine whether the Invisalign has been worn appropriately and as prescribed. 

It’s also important to note that to ensure the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment on your teeth, you have to prioritize aftercare. Since it fully encloses your teeth, dentists advise their patients to brush their teeth after every meal as plaque and dirt may build up inside and cause tooth decay. The aligners also have to be regularly cleaned and washed with lukewarm water. 

And, just like treatments with metal braces, one of the best ways to ensure the long-lasting effects of Invisalign is the wearing of a retainer later on. It’s a critical post-treatment step that should be taken seriously for best results.

Braces vs. Invisalign Comparison 

A pair of braces and a set of Invisalign aligners have their own sets of similarities and differences. They both work and function the same way — to fix teeth alignment. However, they have differences that will help you decide on which treatment is better for you. These differences revolve around the following:

• Convenience and Time
  

Because Invisalign removable and colourless is an advantage for people who prefer a more discreet look. They are also more convenient and result in less pain.

Compared to Invisalign, which only has to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours for 6 to 18 months or as prescribed by the dentist, the latter is clearly a more viable option for those who want to have more freedom and versatility.

• Price

When comparing prices and affordability, typical metal braces are less expensive. However, due to the novel technology that Invisalign has created and not to mention its convenience, it is quite understandable that it’s a bit more expensive. 

In the end, whatever the choice you make between the two, they’re both good investments. However, it’s important to note that prices may differ depending on the city you are in. Braces from London may be more affordable than braces in Toronto. So, if you think Invisalign is too expensive in your area, why not opt for treatment in another?

• Maintenance And Care
  

When it comes to cleaning your teeth, both treatments will require extra work on your part. However, since the Invisalign is removable, it can simply be washed and rinsed. Metal braces, on the other hand, need to be carefully flossed and cleaned.

For follow-up visits, metal braces will require a monthly trip to the dentist. While Invisalign wearers will have to schedule every 4 to 6 weeks. 

Maintaining the good condition of your teeth can seem an easy task as it would entail simply following the floss and brush habits taught by your dentists. However, some orthodontic problems like teeth misalignments require clinical intervention and treatment. 

There’s no need to worry though because modern technology has come up with better and more discreet solutions for you. Using state-of-the-art 3D technology and polyurethane material, Invisalign has truly changed the industry. Invest in Invisalign treatments now and enjoy the joys of a brighter smile without having to undergo the usual difficulties of wearing metal braces.