Invisalign is a popular clear aligner brand used to straighten teeth. Clear aligners are an alternative orthodontic device to metal braces. More people opt for clear aligners because they are less visible and give less discomfort.
Invisalign became available in 1997, and since then, over nine million people have used Invisalign to achieve their designed smile. Invisalign is made with flexible plastic, and each patient will have 3D mouth scans for custom-made aligners.
The aligners do not contain latex, gluten BPA and BPS. They are transparent, thin and fit snugly on the teeth, making them less noticeable.
Invisalign aligners work by applying subtle pressure on specific parts of the teeth to move them into alignment slowly. You will replace the aligners after 1 – 3 weeks. Each set of aligners initiates different teeth movements until your teeth are straight.
You have to wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours daily for optimum results. The remaining hours in a day when the aligners are not in your mouth is for brushing, flossing and eating.
Before your treatment, you need to visit an Invisalign dentist to assess your smile and overall health, take your dental x-ray and 3D scan of your mouth. The dentist will create a treatment plan if you are suitable for treatment. You have to visit the dentist several times during treatment to check your progress.
What can Invisalign fix and its limitations
Invisalign aligners are a good alternative to traditional orthodontic devices for correcting mild to severe teeth alignment issues. Invisalign can correct the following.
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crossbite
- Misaligned baby and permanent teeth
- Open bite
In some cases, Invisalign is not the best treatment option. These options include:
-
Complex malocclusions that require extraction
In this case, Invisalign will give a less accurate result than traditional braces
-
Patients with gum disease and tooth decay
Braces and Invisalign may make oral hygiene difficult. If the patient has tooth decay or gum disease mid-treatment, the result of the treatment may be affected.
-
People with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD)
Invisalign has a link to TMJ problems, and in some cases, Invisalign can increase the severity of jaw pain or cause TMJ problems
Other factors that may affect the suitability for Invisalign treatment include the patient’s age.
Can Invisalign correct an underbite?
The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper teeth in an underbite when you close your mouth. Certain habits in childhood such as tongue thrusting, extended use of a pacifier and thumb sucking can lead to an underbite. Genetics may also cause an underbite.
Invisalign can correct mild cases of underbite. Still,in the more severe cases when the lower jaw is too forward, the patient may need orthodontic treatment and surgery.
How long does it take to correct an underbite with Invisalign?
The duration of treatment for an underbite with Invisalign depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the underbite.
On average, underbite treatment with Invisalign takes 12 – 18 months, but improvement is visible from about two weeks.
Pros and cons of Invisalign treatment for underbite
Suppose you have an underbite and intend to undergo Invisalign treatment. In that case, you need to know the pros and cons of the treatment to make an informed decision.
Some pros of using Invisalign for underbite treatment include:
- Easy to remove for cleaning the teeth and eating
- Almost invisible
- Requires fewer visits to the dentist
- Gradually moves the teeth and more comfortable, unlike the traditional braces
- Shorter treatment duration than traditional braces
The cons of using Invisalign for an underbite correction include:
- It may also need surgery
- can cost more than braces
- get broken or lost, leading to more expenses and longer treatment time
- may it not give your desired result
Invisalign vs braces for underbite treatment
Different studies show no significant difference in Invisalign and braces treatment effectiveness. Both orthodontic devices can effectively correct malocclusion, including underbites.
Most patients prefer clear aligners like Invisalign because they offer more comfort, are easy to clean and are aesthetic with a shorter treatment time.
What is the cost of Invisalign?
Many factors affect the Invisalign treatment cost in the UK. They include:
- The patient’s insurance
- Location
- The dentist’s expertise
- The severity of the malocclusion
The average cost of treatment is £2,500 – £6000. Some insurance plans can cover up to £2,500, while traditional braces cost £1,500 – £5000.
Payment options for Invisalign treatment include:
- Insurance coverage
- Paying from a flexible savings account
- Paying from a health savings account
- Using a monthly payment plan
How to find a suitable Invisalign dentist
When choosing an Invisalign provider, consider the provider’s Invisalign designation. Invisalign providers have four designations: Preferred, Premier, Premier elite and Diamond Plus.
The designations depend on how many Invisalign patients the dentist has treated. Although the provider’s designation is important, it is only an aspect to consider. Ensure you also consider the Invisalign treatment cost in the clinic and how comfortable you feel with the dentist.
You can schedule a free consultation with the provider to determine if they are a perfect fit for you.
You can contact Smile Works Dental on 020 7183 4091 to book a free Invisalign consultation with a dentist in Harley Street
