If you’ve been thinking about starting orthodontic treatment to align your teeth and give you a perfect smile, you’ve probably heard of Invisalign or clear aligners. It’s no wonder, as they have brought about a real revolution in the world of orthodontics.
Before, orthodontics meant wearing metal or ceramic brackets, which we used to associate with teenagers. Those braces affect the image, and that’s why many adults didn’t want to start orthodontic treatment. But this new Invisalign invisible orthodontics is the solution.
What is Invisalign and what types of orthodontics are there?
Invisalign consists of invisible, removable braces that are made from a virtual model of your teeth. No brackets or wires are used, so the discomfort that these used to cause disappears. They must be worn for at least 22 hours a day, so you only have to take them off to eat and brush your teeth.
At Gross Dentistas Dental Clinic we work with three types of Invisalign orthodontics:
- Invisalign i7: these treatments are short and simple, so they are used when you want to solve slight movements or correct relapses of a previous orthodontic treatment. They take between 2 and 3 months and consist of 7 aligners that can be placed only in the upper arch, in the lower arch or in both.
- Invisalign Lite: used for intermediate treatments that are more durable, lasting between 6 and 8 months. Invisalign gives us the option of ordering 14 aligners and, if we want to continue improving the result at the end, they include a second phase with another 14 aligners at no additional cost. They are used to close spaces, rotations, slightly open bites…
- Invisalign Comprehensive: includes orthodontic treatments that require more than 14 aligners and therefore last more than 6 months. Malocclusion changes can be made in the three planes of space and with any complexity. Invisalign offers the option of obtaining aligners for 5 years in case the treatment is extended, the treatment has to be interrupted for any reason or possible movements that may have occurred if the retention recommendations have not been followed have to be solved.
What are the phases of Invisalign orthodontic treatment?
It begins with a first visit to make a general diagnosis in case a treatment prior to orthodontics is required, followed by a dental cleaning.
This is followed by the first consultation with the orthodontist takes place. A scan of the patient’s mouth will be made with the iTero intraoral scanner. It will give us a real image of the inside of the mouth and a simulation of what the result could be like after Invisalign clear aligners.
The next step is to do a complete orthodontic study that includes intraoral and extraoral photographic records, orthopantomography, teleradiography and/or dental CT in adults or in specific cases. We will also obtain a record of the teeth thanks to the iTero intraoral scanner. In this way the orthodontist will know if the Invisalign treatment is suitable for your case.
The next step is to do a virtual planning with the Clincheck software, which will allow you to see how your mouth will move during the treatment and how it will look when we remove the Invisalign braces.
Now the moulds will be made and a new aligner will be made for each virtual movement. Every 7 days or so you will have to change the aligner, something that at first can cause a little pressure on the teeth but which is very comfortable afterwards.
Finally, you will only need to have check-ups at the dentist’s office approximately every 6 to 8 weeks. Here we will see if any changes need to be made to the treatment to achieve the expected result.
Ask for an appointment if you would like more information about Invisalign clear aligners.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.