In this article we will talk about the Invisalign technique, one of these alternatives that we have at our disposal and which stands out, mainly, for being a very comfortable technique and for respecting the patient’s dental aesthetics during the process and an alternative to traditional orthodontics that has become very relevant in recent years.
In recent years, orthodontics has become one of the dental treatments with the greatest demand from patients, something that should not surprise us if we take into account that through orthodontics we will achieve a significant improvement in the esthetics and functionality of our mouth.
Currently, there are many and varied techniques that are applied within the orthodontic sector, a variety that allows us to choose the alternative that best suits our situation, needs and budget.
This information is undoubtedly very helpful and useful, both for patients and for professionals in the sector.
What is Invisalign?
We could define the Invisaling technique as a variety of orthodontics that aims to align the teeth through the use of transparent and removable aligners, which are custom-made, taking into account the characteristics of each patient.
In this sense, it should be noted that this detail will not only provide us with great comfort, but will also make it easier for us to carry out our daily routine related to dental hygiene.
Let’s not forget that traditional braces make brushing difficult, so it is not uncommon for many patients to develop cavities or periodontal disease during the orthodontic process because of the difficulty they have in brushing their teeth properly.
Thanks to Invisalign, all kinds of dental diseases that could jeopardise orthodontic treatment will be avoided.
Invisalign, the most aesthetically pleasing variety of orthodontics
One of the main reasons why many people do not undergo orthodontic treatment is because of the aesthetic problems caused by traditional metal brackets.
Furthermore, we must emphasise that orthodontics is no longer a process practically only focused on adolescents, but that more and more patients of all ages are deciding to improve the aesthetics and functionality of their mouths through this treatment.
This is why one of the great needs of the sector was a variety that respects the aesthetics during the process, being the most recommendable option in this sense.
Thanks to the Invisalign technique, we can correct dental alignment without compromising aesthetics, as it works by means of transparent aligners that are practically imperceptible to the eye.
It should be borne in mind that an orthodontic process lasts between 6 months and 2 years, which is why it is vitally important to opt for a technique that offers both comfort and aesthetics.
Learn all about orthodontic treatment with brackets, remember that this technique is still the most used and with the best results. Don’t forget to consult your family dentist.
What situations can we correct with Invisalign?
Another of the interesting advantages offered by the Invisalign technique is that it adapts to any need that the patient may have.
- First of all, it is an ideal technique for cases of overcrowding, overbite or dental misalignment, these being the most common situations for which an orthodontic procedure is recommended.
- Another relatively common situation that we can solve thanks to the Invisalign technique is to correct those teeth, both upper and lower, that are protruding forwards, a situation that damages both the bite and the aesthetics of the patient.
- Correcting gaps between teeth, as well as crossbites and inverted bites are other cases where Invisalign can be of great help.
It is clear that we are talking about a very versatile technique that offers personalised solutions depending on the needs of each patient. It is clear that this is another important reason why more and more people are opting for this process.
What is Invisalign treatment like?
It is now time to answer one of the most common doubts among patients who wish to undergo this process: What is the treatment like, what does it consist of, how does it work and what does it involve?
As we have explained above, Invisalign uses transparent and removable aligners that have the important function of moving the teeth in a programmed and controlled way, so that each of the stages of the process will be focused on the movement of a group of teeth.
Another detail to bear in mind about this process is that the aligners are custom-made for each patient and this is possible thanks to the significant technological improvements in the sector, which uses 3D digital images to achieve an ideal and effective aligner for each patient.
In addition, the process will be planned through computer programmes where the action plan will be defined through the representation of the dental movements required by the patient until the desired results are achieved.
As with all other orthodontic treatments, it is necessary for the patient to visit the specialist regularly to check and adjust the aligners.
In the case of this technique, it is estimated that the aligners will be replaced every 15 days, although the duration will depend on each case and it will be the specialist who is responsible for deciding and scheduling the appointments with the patient.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
We now answer another of the questions most frequently asked by patients: How long does this process take? Does it take longer than the conventional variety?
In other words, the process will not take the same length of time for a patient who has hardly any dental misalignment compared to another patient who suffers from a more severe misalignment or crowding situation.
In any case, it is estimated that an orthodontic procedure lasts between 6 months and two years.
It is important to know that, in the vast majority of cases, the duration of the process with Invisalign will be similar to that of other orthodontic alternatives, such as metal braces.
Is Invisalign painful?
Any orthodontic procedure is, at certain times, uncomfortable. This is no exception in the case of Invisalign.
As a general rule, the patient will feel some discomfort every time he or she wears an aligner, and this slight pain is a clear indication that tooth movement is taking place. Normally, this discomfort will subside as the days go by.
A frequent question is whether this process is more painful than conventional treatment, and the answer is NO.
The reality is that both treatments require a series of modifications during the process (replacing aligners in the case of Invisalign and adjusting brackets in conventional orthodontics) that cause similar discomfort.
How many hours a day should we wear the aligners?
The fact that we are dealing with removable aligners is not always an advantage given that some patients remove them for too many hours, losing the effectiveness of the process.
In this way, it is estimated that for the treatment to be effective, it must be wornfor at least 22 hours a day. Likewise, this is a process that allows us to remove the aligners for all kinds of daily activities such as eating, brushing our teeth, speaking in public, events, parties, etc.
Considering that metal brackets cannot be removed during the whole process, it is clear that Invisalign offers an important advantage and a compelling reason to choose this type of treatment.
What care should we take after treatment?
As with all other orthodontic treatments, it is common for a retainer to be worn after the procedure to prevent tooth movement.
Once again, it is important to highlight the role of the specialist in this matter, as he/she will be in charge of choosing the type of retainer to be used by the patient, as well as deciding how long he/she will wear it.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
It is now time to talk about the advantages that Invisalign offers us and, of course, we will begin this list of advantages by talking about its important aesthetic function.
Without a doubt, this is the orthodontic alternative that best respects the patient’s dental aesthetics, and this is due to the fact that the aligners are practically invisible.
Another great advantage is their excellent comfort. On the one hand, these aligners can be removed at specific times.
In addition, by not wearing metal elements, we will avoid the annoying chafing and sores that often appear in patients who wear metal brackets.
Undoubtedly, the comfort it provides is one of the main reasons for the success of this treatment.
Finally, we cannot conclude this section without mentioning the extensive information that the patient will have throughout the process, as it has an application that allows the patient to visualise, at all times, what their teeth will look like, step by step, once the treatment has been completed.
How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
We could say that we have reached “the million dollar question” and that is that knowing the price of the Invisalign technique in Mexico is one of the questions that most interest patients, isn’t it?
The reality is that the price of this process in Mexico is higher than other orthodontic techniques. It is estimated that the cost of Invisalign ranges between $45,000 and $70,000 pesos or approximately between $2000 and $3500 USD, although as is usual in these cases, a personalised study of the patient is necessary before establishing a budget.
In conclusion, it is one of the most recommended alternatives for all those people who wish to improve both the functionality and the aesthetics of their mouth, being a technique that offers an adjusted and personalised solution in a wide variety of situations.
In addition, another reason why we should opt for invisible braces lies in the care of aesthetics during the process as well as the possibility of enjoying excellent comfort thanks to their removable aligners.
After getting to know the main characteristics of the invisible technique, we will surely understand the reasons why this is one of the most popular orthodontic methods at present and everything points to this trend continuing to rise in the near future.
Invisalign has become a benchmark in the orthodontic sector and it is expected that more and more people are correcting all kinds of dental problems through this process.
This post is purely informational and does not replace a consultation with the dentist in any way. Contact the smile agents team to schedule an appointment with one of the dentists at Smilers Dental Clinic.