Does Invisalign Really Work

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INVISALIGN TREATMENT IN GILBERT, AZ

Does Invisalign Really Work

Invisalign® is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Many patients favor them for their discreet, almost invisible appearance. For many patients, Invisalign can deliver results almost as quickly and as efficiently as traditional metal braces.
Invisalign is available at Dental Design Studio of Gilbert in Gilbert and the surrounding area. We can help you achieve the smile of your dreams without a mouth full of metal.

dentist showing invisalign to patient

The Research on Invisalign

Invisalign is the world’s most popular and advanced clear aligner system. With over twenty years of innovation on its side, it has delivered smiles to over nine million people and over 2.3 million teens. Each patient receives a set of custom-made aligners. The system includes proprietary virtual modeling software, rapid manufacturing processes, and mass customization, and the aligners consist of a patented material.
To achieve the best results, patients must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only when necessary. Such instances include eating or drinking anything other than cool water. Patients must also keep regular visits to both the dentist and the orthodontist. The dentist can ensure the mouth is in optimal health, reducing the risk of Invisalign irritating any conditions. The orthodontist can ensure the treatment’s overall success while also switching out the patient’s aligners.

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Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

There are a few differences between Invisalign and traditional braces.

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Invisalign

The most obvious is aesthetics. When used appropriately, Invisalign is almost entirely inconspicuous — making it perfect for more self-conscious patients. Aligners are also removable, making them more convenient for eating and upkeeping oral hygiene.

Traditional Braces

Metal braces consist of two main components: brackets and wires. These place consistent, gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them gradually. Brackets are attached to the teeth, meaning they cannot be removed. As a result, many patients find them less comfortable than Invisalign, and it is typically more challenging to maintain oral hygiene. Patients will also need to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods to prevent breaking the brackets or having them get stuck between the braces.

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Who Uses Invisalign

While orthodontic treatment is commonly associated with youth, Invisalign is appropriate for both teenagers and adults. The primary difference between Invisalign for teens and Invisalign for adults is a little dot that changes color based on how often the patient wears their aligners. This keeps younger patients accountable for their treatment. Invisalign Teen aligners trays are blue, then turn clear or white throughout their lifetime. The bluer the circle is, the longer the patient must prolong their treatment.
Invisalign for adults is like Invisalign for teens — just without the color-changing circle. Both systems use aligner trays consisting of SmartTrack® material, a patented blend of plastic made exclusively for the Invisalign brand. Invisalign appeals to both teens and adults because their virtually invisible nature makes for a less awkward-looking orthodontic treatment.
Furthermore, patients with more complicated issues with crowding or spacing (such as severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites) may require more intensive treatment. Invisalign is also typically unsuitable for children, as their mouths are usually still developing. Their teeth are still growing and changing, making them too unpredictable for clear aligners.

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FAQ's About Invisalign

girl smiling pointing at her invisaligns
  • How does Invisalign work?

    Dental Design Studio of Gilbert will create a personalized, digital treatment plan that allows him to precisely map out your tooth movements. Your aligners will then be created in the Invisalign lab, where they will be custom-made for your mouth and orthodontic needs. Like braces, Invisalign uses a constant but gentle application of pressure to move the teeth slowly.

  • Can any orthodontist provide Invisalign therapy?

    No. Any doctors who want to offer Invisalign treatment must be specially trained in Invisalign therapy. It is also crucial to keep in mind that not all clear aligners are the same. The Invisalign system utilizes unique, patented technologies that make it the best in its field.

  • How long will it take me to complete Invisalign therapy?

    The answer depends on a case-by-case basis. More complicated cases will require longer treatment. However, the average patient will complete Invisalign therapy within 12 to 18 months. Many start seeing results in a matter of weeks.

  • What are "attachments" and will I need them?

    SmartForce® attachments are small, tooth-colored shapes that allow the aligners to place extra pressure on certain areas of the teeth. They make complex tooth movements possible. Not everyone needs SmartForce attachments. Dental Design Studio of Gilbert can tell you more about what to expect in a one-on-one consultation.

  • Is Invisalign safe?

    Yes. Invisalign aligners have been FDA-cleared since 1998, and they are classified as Class II medical devices today. Both the aligner and retainer materials consist of medical-grade polymers, without any BPA, latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, or epoxy.