Invisalign is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces .
As of April 2008, more than 730,000 patients have completed or are currently in treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Your Invisalign treatment consists of a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that you change every two weeks for the next set of aligners. Each aligner is individually manufactured for your teeth, and your teeth only. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position prescribed by your dental practitioner.
If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other treatment works as comfortably as Invisalign.
Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life. Check out the benefits below:
Treatment comparison
When it comes to considering your options for a smile makeover, it's easy to see Invisalign’s clear advantages which provide another reason to smile. Compare Invisalign to other teeth straightening options below.
Invisalign
Fixed Braces
How does it work?
Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without wires or brackets.
Fixed braces use wires and brackets to move your teeth into straighter alignment.
Nearly invisible.
No. Most fixed braces are noticeable.
Removable during treatment.
No. You cannot remove fixed braces until treatment is completed.
Treatment doesn't involve metal that can irritate teeth and gums.
No. The metal wires and brackets used can cause mouth irritation.
Allows you to brush and floss normally during treatment.
No. Fixed metal braces hinder the ability to reach the entire tooth/gum area when flossing.
Provides a clear defined and virtual treatment plan from the start to the completion of treatment.
Although your dental practitioner has a clear defined treatment plan, you will not be able to see what your teeth may look like during and after treatment.
What about veneers?
Veneers can complement and can be used in conjunction with Invisalign to improve the shape or colour of your teeth. Should you have a chipped or irregular tooth, veneers can be used to finalise your treatment and smile after your teeth have been straightened with Invisalign.
While veneers offer many advantages in combination with Invisalign, veneers as a standalone option to address a cosmetic issue can have distinct disadvantages that should be considered very carefully before agreeing to treatment.
With veneers, the entire front surface of the tooth enamel is permanently removed and replaced with a thin piece of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic glued over the front of the teeth. This is an irreversible procedure as natural tooth enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer. When using veneers as a dental straightening solution only, more tooth enamel than necessary may need to be removed. If used in combination with Invisalign, the amount of enamel that needs to be removed may be minimised.
Veneers are not a permanent solution. They can chip or break, requiring you to replace them on an individual basis, which can be very expensive. They also have a life expectancy of about 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the veneers purchased. Since your tooth enamel has been removed, most patients have no choice but to replace their veneers, incurring the same high costs every time they have to get a new set.
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, as veneers are a purely cosmetic procedure, they don't correct the position of your teeth or correct bite problems. Instead of straightening teeth as Invisalign does, a veneer simply covers up the imperfections. Invisalign offers you naturally beautiful, healthy teeth. It's a solution worth smiling about!
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