Is Invisalign Worth It? | Clarksburg Dental Center

When properly aligned, your upper teeth should very slightly overlap the lower teeth. This evenly distributes bite force which allows you to effectively and efficiently chew your food.

According to research, approximately 75% of the population has some level of malocclusion, also known as “bad bite” or misalignment. This includes several issues, including:

• Crowded/crooked teeth
• Misalignment of upper and lower teeth when biting down
• Insufficient room for all teeth to erupt

These issues can lead to a variety of dental problems, including:

• Enamel damage
• Tooth decay
• Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, leading to gum disease and other issues
• Uneven tooth wear
• Difficulty speaking and eating
• Mouth breathing
• TMJ disorders

The type and severity varies from one patient to another. Since the late 1990s, Invisalign has become the most commonly used treatment for mild to moderate malocclusions- especially for older teens and adults who are concerned with their appearance.

In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about Invisalign treatment at Clarksburg Dental Center in Germantown.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces for treating mild to moderate dental misalignments. If you have a severe misalignment, you may require traditional braces or surgery.

This is a system of clear aligner trays, similar to a retainer. The trays are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth, placing even pressure on them to push them into proper alignment. The result is a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile. In addition, straightening teeth can resolve functionality issues as well.

The aligners are designed to be removed while eating and while taking care of oral hygiene- but should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Your treatment plan will involve several aligners, which are changed out every 1 to 3 weeks based on the type and severity of your malocclusion.

What are the advantages of Invisalign?

There are several advantages associated with Invisalign treatment:

• Invisalign is virtually invisible
• Invisalign aligners are transparent, which means even at close range, they are almost invisible. Most people won’t notice them unless you mention that you are wearing them.
• Invisalign clear aligner trays are removable
• Invisalign aligners can be taken out for eating and for taking care of oral hygiene. This means that you can eat what you like, and you don’t have to worry about food restrictions. In addition, your risk of tooth decay is reduced because you can brush and floss as usual without having to work around brackets and wires.
• Invisalign is effective for minor to complex cases
• Invisalign alone is effective for mild to moderate cases of malocclusion. However, the aligners can be used along with attachments, which are buttons made of tooth-colored resin attached directly to the teeth. The attachments act as anchors to allow the aligners to better grip certain teeth.
• Invisalign offers a comfortable fit
• Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, which means there are no brackets or wires to worry about.

What are Invisalign aligners made from?

Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade plastic known as SmartTrack, which is patented for Invisalign. It is free from both phthalate and BPA, making it 100% safe.

How to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment?

There are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment, including:

• Wear aligners for closer to 22 hours a day if possible. While you can take them out to eat/drink and brush/floss your teeth, you should wear them as much as possible to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Change your aligners as instructed but save the previous aligner in case something happens to your new set. This will give you something to wear while you wait for your replacement. When you do receive your replacement, start the 1 to 3-week period over to prevent too much delay in your progress.
• Practice good oral hygiene habits by brushing at least twice daily, flossing at least once, and using mouthwash. This will keep your mouth healthy and clean, preventing tooth decay. If you must have tooth decay treated with a filling or dental crown, you will delay your progress.
• Keep your aligners clean by rinsing them every time you remove them and before putting them back in. Additionally, brush them twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and liquid soap.

Invisalign vs competitors: Are alternatives to Invisalign just as good?

The popularity of Invisalign led other companies to create their own aligners. However, these tend to be more self-directed without the involvement of an orthodontist or other dental professional. Some of the other brands are thicker, which means they are harder to get used to. Others are thinner and seem to be less effective. Treatment times are generally longer with other options as well.

Who is a candidate for Invisalign?

Candidacy for Invisalign treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. This system is designed to treat mild to moderate malocclusion. However, when used with Invisalign attachments, it may also be appropriate for more complex cases. It is not the best option for significant gaps or severely crooked/rotated teeth.

Additionally, this treatment is typically recommended for older teens and adults, since compliance is a major factor in the effectiveness of treatment.

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation with Clarksburg Dental Center Today

If you have mild to moderate malocclusion and are interested in learning more about your treatment options, including Invisalign, schedule your consultation with the team at Clarksburg Dental Center today. We can show you how Invisalign treatment can benefit you.

We are located on Crystal Rock Drive in Germantown. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Our extended hours allow us to work with patients who are unable to take time off work. We offer a variety of dental services including general, cosmetic, and restorative procedures, for the entire family.

Invisalign FAQs

Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces. Millions of patients have undergone treatment since it was introduced. Still, many patients have questions. Below are some of the most common ones that we get. If your questions and/or concerns have not been answered, we’ll be happy to address them at any time.

• How long does Invisalign take?

  For most mild to moderate misalignments, Invisalign takes 12 to 18 months. However, if you have a very mild misalignment, your treatment may only take 6 months, and if you have a complex misalignment, you may need up to 24 months.

• How does Invisalign work?

  Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against the teeth. This puts even pressure across the entire arch, gradually pushing the teeth into their appropriate position in the jaw. Each aligner moves the teeth about 0.33 mm.

• Does Invisalign hurt?

  Invisalign puts pressure on the teeth, causing them to move in the jawbone. Therefore, you can expect some mild discomfort- especially when you are just starting out or when you switch to a new set of aligners. However, the aligners are smooth and do not require wires and brackets, which means there’s no risk of mouth cuts and sores associated with treatment.

• Can Invisalign fix an overbite?

  Yes, according to research, Invisalign is effective for resolving most mild to moderate overbites, as well as other malocclusions including gaps, crooked teeth, open bite, crossbite, and underbite. In some cases, it can also fix more complex conditions when used in conjunction with Invisalign attachments.