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We understand that orthodontics is something new to many patients. That is why we provide you with answers to the most frequently asked questions our patients have on the subject of “Invisalign”. This is how you start your treatment optimally prepared. Furthermore, there are tips for emergencies, if everything does not work out as you imagine.
Treatment with Invisalign is an attractive and inexpensive alternative to normal braces and can now be used for almost all tooth misalignments.
One of the best ways to see the effectiveness of Invisalign is by reading people’s genuine and honest opinions. Those who have previously worn Invisalign praise the effects the clear aligners have when it comes to fixing underbites, crossbites, teeth spacing, and more. Click here to read honest and raw reviews that are clear-cut with no paid sponsorship to get a true understanding of what people really think about Invisalign.
1. What is Invisalign anyway?
The Invisalign system has become an indispensable part of modern orthodontics, such as at Austin orthodontist. So it corrects misalignments of the teeth. The big advantage is the low visibility. While conventional systems are optically more or less important, Invisalign is known as the invisible braces. So-called aligners are used to correct misalignments. These are individually manufactured and adapted. You just click the splints over your teeth. That is why the splints only fit one patient at a time. They have to be made individually. Each splint changes the dentition. You move your teeth according to the previously established treatment plan.
It is particularly beneficial that the treatment can be used at any age and for almost all malpositions. There are many different treatment options. Teens use Invisalign teens. Infants get Invisalign first. Slight crowds or gaps are treated with Invisalign express. Invisalign lite is suitable for moderate misalignments and the orthodontist treats complex cases with Invisalign comprehensive.
2. How does Invisalign work?
First, of course, you make an appointment in the practice for an examination. The orthodontist checks whether you are suitable for an Invisalign treatment. If there is no tooth decay or inflammation, treatment can begin. The patient is scanned first. The orthodontist works with this scan. With Invisalign, the practitioner simulates the end result before the treatment. This simulation is called clincheck. Using the software and with the help of artificial intelligence, the algorithm calculates the necessary intermediate steps to achieve the goal. The simulation is modified by the orthodontist and individualized for the patient. Again and again, the teeth are moved virtually. As long as everything is really right. And of course, the gearing is good too.
An aligner is made for every single step. The patient receives a series of splints that are numbered consecutively. You start with a splint. Each additional splint moves the teeth a little further towards the end position. Because every treatment is planned individually for the patient. This planning is very important. It determines the end result. If mistakes are made here, there will be problems later. In other words, the teeth do not become straight. Unfortunately, there is no control in the legislation that only the practitioner can make this plan.
3. Is Invisalign really transparent?
Yes. it’s almost invisible too. It is therefore hardly surprising that adults, in particular, like to use Invisalign. With the system, you are not severely impaired in your private life or at work. And outsiders often do not even notice that the aligners are being worn. Incidentally, the system is not only transparent but also absolutely gentle.
The conventional metal brackets in particular have damaged teeth in the past. The longer the treatment, the more lasting the damage caused by inadequate dental care. From a distance of 80 cm, the Invisalign splints are no longer noticeable to your counterpart. That is why many patients and companies speak of “invisible braces”. So dental care is very easy. That’s why Invisalign is used more and more with children.
4. How do I clean my aligners?
Aligners are best cleaned with liquid soap or toothpaste and cold water. It is important to never boil the aligner or put it in the dishwasher or washing machine. Because aligners deform in the heat and lose their effectiveness. If the aligners are calcified, a mixture of vinegar and water will help. Simply mix vinegar essence and water in a ratio of 1: 1 and insert the aligners for 30 minutes.
5. What can I eat and drink during the treatment?
Aligners are removed when eating whenever possible. The colorings in food, such as curry, turmeric, or saffron, discolor the aligners. If you are hungry in between and do not have the opportunity to remove the rails, we recommend light and soft foods. Bananas, yogurt, fish, rice, and pasta can therefore be eaten well with Invisalign.
6. How is success checked?
Successful treatment is guaranteed when the splints fit perfectly. It is therefore necessary to check the fit when using Invisalign. The aligners are also changed again and again. Because these are always adapted to the current status quo of the treatment progress and must therefore be replaced from time to time. The individual treatment progress is documented by the attending physician and is incorporated into the further design of the treatment plan. The orthodontist determines how often the splint is changed. Most practitioners switch every 7, 11 or 14 days. Please do not shorten the intervals yourself. Of course, we orthodontists are always available for you if you are unsure.
7. What if the teeth are still crooked after the treatment?
You can then either work with pressure points in the aligners in order to reach the final end position. Another option is to scan the patient again and order more splints. This is called case refinement. Buttons, munchies, and fitters can also help to move your teeth a little more. Sometimes the orthodontist will also perform what is known as an approximal enamel correction. Because if the teeth are too tight, this can also hinder movement.
