How Effective is Invisalign®?

Want a better smile without the hassle of traditional braces? There’s a popular alternative you’ve probably heard of - Invisalign. With virtually invisible aligner trays, it’s a much more discreet way to align your teeth. How effective is it? Here’s what you should know about Invisalign and how it can help you gain a confident smile.

What Is Invisalign?

It was in the late 1990s that a Stanford University student came up with the idea of using computer technology and 3D printing to create a series of clear, removable aligners that could gradually straighten teeth. Align Technology was founded from that idea, development got underway, and Invisalign was created. It was first marketed in 2000.

Invisalign was a revolutionary approach to orthodontics that gave dental patients an inconspicuous way to align their teeth. Today, this method of using clear, smooth, and comfortable aligners has become a popular option, and it’s what we specialize in here at AlignBar.

How Does It Work?

A series of Invisalign aligners are crafted to fit snugly over your teeth. You wear an aligner for about 20 to 22 hours daily, and every one to two weeks, you switch to a different one to help your teeth gradually move. You’ll have regular checkups to monitor your progress and ensure your teeth are shifting as planned.

The entire treatment can vary depending on the individual or complexity of the case but typically ranges from 12 to 18 months. Many patients start noticing changes within a few weeks.

What Are the Benefits?

One significant advantage of Invisalign over traditional braces is that you can remove an aligner tray anytime you need to eat, drink, brush, or floss your teeth. This makes it easy to maintain your oral hygiene routine without working around wires and brackets.

Additionally, with Invisalign, you won’t have metal wires that show every time you smile, drawing unwanted attention. You can go about your day without worrying that every time you open your mouth, people will notice your braces.

Invisalign can also address problems such as overcrowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, or crossbites.

Is Invisalign Effective? How Is It Different From Traditional Braces?

Both methods will get you results, but there are key differences, which we’ve outlined below.

Consult with your orthodontist so they can recommend the best option that fits your teeth and dental needs. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your treatment if you choose Invisalign:

• Wear your aligners as directed
• Brush your teeth and clean your aligners daily
• Use a retainer case
• Keep up with your appointments
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco
• Avoid excessive drinking

Effectiveness

Invisalign: Effective for mild to moderate dental alignment issues such as crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Traditional Braces: Effective for more major dental issues, including severe misalignments, complex bite problems, and more complicated cases.

Appearance

Invisalign: Clear, almost invisible aligners are often preferred by those who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment.

Traditional Braces: Metal brackets and wires make these more noticeable, although there have been advancements such as tooth-colored or clear brackets that can make them less conspicuous.

Maintenance & Lifestyle

Invisalign: Aligners are removable, making eating and maintaining oral hygiene easier.

Traditional Braces: Extra care is required for cleaning around brackets and wires. There may also be dietary restrictions to prevent damage to the braces.

Treatment Duration

Invisalign: Typically 12 to 18 months.

Traditional Braces: Typically 18 to 36 months.

I’m Interested in Invisalign. What’s the Process?

Here’s our step-by-step process here at AlignBar:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

You’ll meet with our expert Invisalign provider in downtown San Diego, receive a thorough teeth exam, and discuss what you want done to improve your smile. We’ll explain the entire process to you and talk about any concerns you might have.

Step 2: Treatment Plan

Here’s where the analysis takes place. We’ll outline exactly what movements and adjustments will be needed to align your teeth.

Step 3: Aligner Fitting

You’ll receive a series of custom-made aligners (created from a 3D digital scan of your teeth) that you’ll progress through over time. Moving gradually through a series of aligners will gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.

Step 4: Monitoring & Support

We’ll monitor your progress and make adjustments to keep your treatment on track, plus provide any support you need along the way.

Book a Consultation

Your smile is your signature. Why wait? Put some time on your calendar to explore whether Invisalign is the right fit for you.