What You Need to Know About Invisalign

Are you or your child looking to straighten teeth with Invisalign? I have written a quick guide for you to help you understand Invisalign better before heading to a dentist or orthodontist.

Invisalign has changed the way patients like you straighten teeth. It is now known as one of the best substitutes for traditional braces. In fact, Invisalign has become the go-to treatment option for those seeking for a more discreet and comfortable orthodontic solution. 

Whether you are an adult who wants to smile confidently, or are considering orthodontic options for your child, this article will give you brief insights into how Invisalign in Singapore can be a good solution for crooked or misaligned teeth.

Table of Contents:

• What is Invisalign?
• How Does Invisalign Work?
• Can Invisalign Treat All Orthodontic Issues?
• What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Fix?
• What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Not Fix?
• Pros and Cons Of Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic treatment that is considered as an alternative to traditional braces. It corrects: 

• Misaligned bite
• Gaps
• Crooked teeth. 

Correcting these can help you achieve a better smile and dental health. 

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign uses custom-made clear aligners that are invisible when placed on the teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

If you are looking to get Invisalign, the first step is to book a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist for a comprehensive orthodontic assessment. Based on your dental condition, a personalised treatment plan will be created. Custom clear aligners will be made for you. 

The custom clear aligners apply gentle pressure and gradually shift the teeth into their desired position. Your aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours per day. Each set is ideally worn for around two weeks before progressing to the next set. 

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, it is possible for you to remove it during meals, or when you brush and floss your teeth. 

The clear and almost transparent appearance of Invisalign makes it an attractive choice for both working adults and young teenagers who want a discreet way of straightening their teeth. Throughout your Invisalign treatment, it is necessary to pay regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist to monitor progress and get a new set of aligners. 

Can Invisalign Treat All Orthodontic Issues?

Although Invisalign is an effective solution to many orthodontic issues, it is not a miracle worker. At times, it is still necessary to undergo braces before Invisalign treatment. 

What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Fix? 

Crooked teeth

This is perhaps the most common issue that Invisalign can fix. Invisalign gently pushes the teeth into their proper position which results in a straighter smile. If crooked teeth is left untreated, it can make way for gum disease, tooth decay, and difficulty speaking.

Gaps between teeth

Invisalign can also address gaps between teeth by gradually shifting them together. This improves the smile. It also prevents food from getting stuck between teeth.

Crowded teeth

Crowded teeth are another issue that Invisalign can fix. The aligners work to create more space in the mouth by pushing the teeth apart, allowing them to align properly. Crowded teeth can lead to difficulty brushing and flossing, which can make way for other oral health issues.

Misaligned teeth

Invisalign treats teeth that are crooked, gapped, or crowded, as well as misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even jaw pain. By using custom-made aligners to gradually shift the teeth into alignment, Invisalign can alleviate these issues and create a more comfortable and functional bite.

Underbite and overbite

Invisalign can also correct underbites and overbites, which is when the lower teeth goes past the upper teeth and when the upper teeth protrude past the lower teeth, respectively. 

Invisalign aligners can apply the necessary pressure to gradually shift the teeth, therefore improving the alignment of the bite and creating a more comfortable and functional mouth.

Open Bite and Crossbite

In addition to underbites and overbites, Invisalign can also help with open bites and crossbites. Open bites are when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. Meanwhile, crossbites occur when the upper and lower teeth do not properly align.

What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Not Fix?

Severe Orthodontic Problems

Although Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, severe cases need other treatments. Severe orthodontic problems, such as extreme overbites, crossbites, and jaw misalignments, may require surgery to correct. 

Large Tooth Gaps

While Invisalign can address gaps between teeth, it may not be able to fix larger gaps.

Teenagers with Primary Teeth

Invisalign is typically recommended for patients with permanent teeth. Teenagers with primary teeth may need to wait until their adult teeth have fully developed before beginning Invisalign treatment.

Pros and Cons Of Invisalign

There are pros and cons to getting Invisalign in Singapore. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Pros:

Virtually invisible appearance

Invisalign are clear and blend in with the teeth, making them a discreet option for orthodontic treatment.

Removable

The ability to remove the aligners for eating and oral hygiene makes Invisalign a convenient option.

Comfortable

The aligners are made from smooth plastic and do not have brackets or wires, making them more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.

Effective

Invisalign can straighten teeth and improve bite alignment in just one to two years.

Cons:

Requires discipline

As stated above, Invisalign must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day to be effective, which requires discipline and commitment.

Can be more expensive

Invisalign is more expensive compared to traditional braces. It becomes pricier depending on the severity of your current orthodontic condition. 

Requires regular visits to the orthodontist

Regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary to monitor progress and receive new aligners, which can be inconvenient for some patients.

The Bottom Line

Invisalign is a fantastic aesthetic and orthodontic solution if you are looking for discreet teeth straightening. To assess your suitability for Invisalign treatment, it is best to head to a dentist or orthodontist you trust. We are here to help! Contact us today!

Please feel free to call our clinic at:

• Choa Chu Kang Dental Clinic – Call +65 6769 5833
• Dental Clinic Yew Tee – Call: +65 6767 9502
• Jurong East Dental Clinic – Call +65 6251 3098
• Dental Clinic Teck Whye Lane – Call +65 6219 5898
• Sunshine Place Dental Clinic – Call +65 6493 2587