The Magic Behind Invisalign: How Does Invisalign Move Your Teeth
Crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic concern related to having a beautiful smile, although achieving a perfect smile is highly valued these days; they can also impact your oral health.
Crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean around crowded or tilted areas, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease . Additionally, misaligned teeth can affect how your teeth come together when biting, placing excessive stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, which may lead to jaw pain .
Although crooked teeth may affect daily communications and practices, some people are still reluctant to address the issue because they refuse to wear metal braces during treatment. Invisalign is currently the leading orthodontic solution for those seeking fast and discreet orthodontic treatment.
If you’re still unsure how Invisalign can move your teeth faster and more effectively than traditional braces, this comprehensive guide explains what Invisalign is and how it can help you achieve your dream smile discreetly.
Invisalign is one of the most frequently mentioned brands in the UK private healthcare sector, referenced by 56% of the UK dental clinics. Book a consultation with our expert orthodontists to know if you are a good candidate.
First, let’s understand what Invisalign is
Invisalign is a removable orthodontic device that moves the teeth using a series of clear aligners. Each aligner is used for 1 or 2 weeks to achieve a specific movement, then it is replaced with the next set, which continues from the previous aligner end to help achieve another movement.
The number of aligners to be used and the treatment duration depend on the complexity. However, Invisalign can produce faster treatment compared to conventional orthodontic braces.
The science behind Invisalign: how can it move teeth
Invisalign operates on the same principle as conventional orthodontics, which involves applying sufficient force in a specific direction to induce bone resorption on the compressed side and bone deposition on the tension side. What makes Invisalign unique is the method by which these forces are applied and how the aligners are fabricated.
During your initial visit, our experts will capture images of your current tooth positions, identify any issues, and engage in a thorough discussion with you to understand your needs and expectations.
These images will be uploaded to specialized 3D software, which our professional orthodontists use to virtually move the teeth to achieve the smile you desire. This can give you a premonition of what your teeth will look like.
The amount and direction of each tooth’s movement help determine the number of aligners required and how each will be fabricated. The specific design of each aligner is then sent to the Invisalign laboratory for fabrication.
Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, thermoplastic material that is:
- Safe and BPA-free
- Flexible, providing increased comfort
- Strong enough to apply the required force.
- Durable
Each aligner is designed to achieve a specific tooth movement in a precise direction. Once the desired movement is accomplished, the next aligner is used to facilitate the subsequent adjustment. The sequential use of Invisalign aligners enables gradual tooth movement through gentle force, making the orthodontic treatment comfortable for the patient.
In doubt about Invisalign’s effectiveness in achieving your dream smile? Click here to hear what our patients say about their Invisalign experience with us.
Compared to conventional braces, Invisalign can offer
- Swift teeth alignment: Invisalign can help achieve the perfect smile you have always dreamed of in a shorter time compared to orthodontic braces.
- Comfortable treatment: the Invisalign aligners are customized according to your teeth position and apply a gentler force, making it more comfortable.
- Discreet: the invisible aligners are fabricated from a transparent material, so they can go unnoticed by most people, which is a main prerequisite for many people who refuse the metallic braces’ appearance.
- Fewer check-ups: the detailed treatment planning of Invisalign involves the fabrication of a series of aligners you will need without the need for customization or adjustments, compared to the need for frequent wire tightening of conventional braces.
- Easier oral hygiene: being removable devices makes the teeth cleaning during daily brushing and flossing easier to perform compared to the challenges faced during cleaning beneath the wires and around the brackets.
However, the disadvantages of Invisalign include its relatively high cost compared to conventional orthodontic braces and its limitations in treating severe tooth malalignments or cases requiring bite correction. Such cases are better addressed using traditional braces.
Looking for affordable Invisalign treatment in London? Book your consultation with our experts to learn more about our comfortable payment plans.
Care and maintenance tips for your Invisalign aligners
- Wear your aligners for 20-22 hours daily for fast and efficient treatment.
- Remove your aligners before eating or drinking to avoid staining.
- Clean your brush using a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Use finger pressure to seat your aligners and avoid biting forces to fit them.
- Never use hot water or harsh detergents to clean your aligners to avoid damage.
- Keep your aligners away from pets and keep them in their protective box when not in use.
Retention after Invisalign treatment
All orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, require retention after the treatment is completed due to the natural tendency of teeth to return to their original positions. Retention must be maintained continuously throughout life; if retention fails at any point, the teeth will relapse.
There are several types of retainers available, either fixed or removable. Fixed retainers involve attaching a wire to the back surface of the teeth to support them in their new position, while removable retainers are similar to Invisalign aligners. These are clear trays worn throughout the night.
During your final visit after completing your Invisalign treatment, our dental experts will discuss the best retainer option for you.
Your dream smile is achievable with Invisalign treatment at Dulwich Dental Office.
Step confidently into the future of orthodontics with our premium Invisalign treatment. At Dulwich Dental Office, we are passionate about guiding every patient on their journey to a radiant, dream-worthy smile. As London’s top Invisalign provider, we have transformed over 3,000 smiles and counting.
Invisalign is an innovative orthodontic treatment that provides fast, efficient, discreet, and comfortable teeth alignment, avoiding the metallic appearance of traditional braces. Contact us to begin your journey toward a more beautiful smile with Invisalign.
