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Invisalign®

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The most beautiful smiles are the ones that not only look lovely, but are healthy and well-functioning, too. Traditional metal braces were the only option to straighten teeth for many years, but now patients have the choice of achieving their dream smile with clear, removable aligners. Our skilled cosmetic dentists offer Invisalign and SureSmile® orthodontics to reposition the teeth and improve your bite without the metal parts associated with other techniques. While our team can assess the best system for your unique needs during a consultation, we find that SureSmile® offers more versatility in the types of treatable concerns when compared to Invisalign.

Curious to learn if this discrete approach can help your smile be its very best? Talk to us today to determine if SureSmile® or Invisalign is right for you.

WHAT IS INVISALIGN®?

Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that uses digitally-guided and computer-assisted design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to generate a series of clear aligner trays to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment. Rather than use metal wires and brackets, as traditional braces do, Invisalign offers a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment that is more comfortable than the alternative, as well as removable. While Invisalign has helped countless patients, not every person is a good candidate for this system and treatment is usually most successful for individuals who have fairly straightforward orthodontic concerns. Dr Tam and our orthodontists encourage patients interested in clear aligners to ask about treatment with SureSmile®, which can address a broad spectrum of problems including overcrowding, spacing, large gaps, open bites, cross bites, underbites, overbites, and general crookedness in teeth.

Invisalign® vs. SureSmile®

SureSmile® is a sophisticated, cutting-edge clear aligner option designed to straighten your teeth without the need for metal braces. This advanced digital aligner system involves custom fabrication of clear aligners, which work to guide your teeth into the proper alignment as indicated by your treatment plan. Notable among the treatment’s many benefits, SureSmile® improves the comfort of your visit by digitally scanning your teeth and bite to obtain extremely precise measurements without messy putties or dental molds. Unlike Invisalign, SureSmile® is also often able to treat a wider range of orthodontic concerns and can be very effective in correcting simple to complex cases. In comparison, Invisalign comes with certain limitations that may restrict the types of concerns that can be treated. Dr Tam and our practice appreciate the ability to offer patients with more complex orthodontic issues an effective, comfortable, and removable clear aligner system via SureSmile®.
In addition, SureSmile® aligners are made of a thinner thermoplastic material when compared to Invisalign, which can allow patients to acclimate to wearing them relatively faster than treatment with Invisalign. SureSmile® also uses patented, state-of-the-art software to individually assess the dimensions of each tooth in the creation of your aligners. This comprehensive customization typically offers patients a much more personalized treatment, as well as a more comfortable fit for their aligners.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN®?

SureSmile® and Invisalign can give patients more confidence during the process of aligning their smile and bite. The invisible aligners are more inconspicuous when compared to treatment with metal braces, allowing individuals to straighten their teeth with a larger degree of discretion. Chief benefits of Invisalign often include:

  • Ability to treat your teeth without obscuring your smile
  • Removable when eating and drinking, so there are no food restrictions
  • No irritation or discomfort usually associated with traditional braces
  • Easier to brush and floss your teeth without navigating between wires and brackets
  • Fewer office visits necessary when compared to traditional braces
  • Can achieve the desired result in the same time as (or faster than) treatment with braces

Straightening your smile and bite with SureSmile® also offers the same advantages listed above with the goal of being as least intrusive to your daily life as possible. These flexible, thermoplastic aligners can resolve many of the same concerns that usually warrant traditional braces. Dr Clarence Tam and our talented team of dentists would be happy to evaluate the state of your smile and bite to help determine the best teeth-straightening system for your needs.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INVISALIGN®?

Invisalign can address some of the same orthodontic concerns as traditional metal braces, but may not be the best treatment option to resolve more difficult or unique issues with spacing or occlusion (the state of your bite). If you have very severe misalignment or malocclusion (bad bite), Invisalign may not be for you — fortunately, many patients with simple to complex concerns are able to achieve successful results with SureSmile® clear aligners. The SureSmile® system is known for its ability to treat a myriad of orthodontic problems during an efficient and comfortable treatment process. Dr Tam and our dental team would be happy to evaluate your concerns and goals to identify the best clear aligner treatment for your needs.

INVISALIGN® VS. TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES

Both orthodontic techniques are designed to move the teeth into better alignment. When your teeth are misaligned, they can cause damage, decay, eating and speaking difficulties, and self-consciousness. Traditional metal braces place pressure on all of the teeth in an arch, which can cause more discomfort. The metal parts can also cause friction and pain where they rub. Traditional braces are also permanently attached to the teeth and cannot be removed without dentist or orthodontist assistance, unlike SureSmile® and Invisalign, which uses clear, removable trays. Since they are removable, patients can now floss more easily between the teeth without metal wires in the way.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN® WORK?

Your treatment plan will be developed during your initial consultation. Digital imaging will be used to create a customized program that is broken up into a series of two-week treatments. For each of these treatments, you will wear an aligner that is designed to gently move your teeth closer to their final position. You should wear each aligner as much as possible—aim for at least 20 hours a day, though we recommend 22-23 for the best results—only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You can of course take them out for other reasons, just be mindful about how long you go without them.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT RESULTS FROM INVISALIGN®?

Invisalign can often provide results faster than traditional braces, but it’s important to remember that everyone is different. With Invisalign, most patients arrive at their new, straighter smile in as little as 9-18 months. SureSmile® can provide the desired results in a relatively faster treatment period, often achieving the final outcome in 6-18 months depending on each patient’s orthodontic plan. During your initial consultation, we can give you a better idea of how long your treatment will take.

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HOW LONG DOES INVISALIGN® LAST?

Invisalign can straighten your teeth and bite for the long-term future, provided that you are diligent about wearing your retainers after treatment. These retainers keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions and help ensure your new smile lasts indefinitely. The majority of patients can even limit wearing their retainers to a nightly basis—as long as they are worn consistently, there should be no need for retreatment.

WILL INVISALIGN® HURT?

Treatment typically doesn’t cause any pain, but a gentle pressure as you are getting used to wearing your aligners is common. This is usually a sign that Invisalign is working by softly guiding your teeth into the proper positioning. In fact, one of the primary benefits of the Invisalign system is that patients often find it a much more comfortable alternative to the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces, which can poke and irritate the gums.

HOW MUCH DOES INVISALIGN® COST?

The price of Invisalign will depend on how many aligners you need, how complex your treatment plan is, and whether your program needs any adjustments (in the case of not wearing the aligners long enough to achieve the ideal progression in the two-week period, for instance). Generally speaking, Invisalign costs between $4,200 and $10,000 depending on complexity, which is often similar to or potentially less expensive than the cost of metal braces. SureSmile® costs slightly less than Invisalign and typically offers a more affordable clear aligner system, often making SureSmile® a more preferable teeth-straightening method for Auckland patients.

ARE THERE ALTERNATIVES TO INVISALIGN®?

Invisalign is not the only clear aligner system that can straighten your teeth. If you would like a discreet cosmetic treatment to realign your bite, our team also offers SureSmile® by Dentsply Sirona to guide teeth into the correct positioning without the inconvenience of metal braces. These aligners work similarly to Invisalign, using a series of custom-crafted transparent aligners to move teeth into the desired alignment. For some patients, SureSmile® may be a more ideal treatment to correct any spacing and/or biting concerns. Our friendly team will help you fully review your options during your consultation.

If you’re only bothered by mild misalignments affecting individual teeth, you may not need a treatment plan as extensive as Invisalign clear braces to achieve your goals. In some cases, composite or porcelain veneers can be the best restoration to improve symmetry and alignment amongst the affected tooth. Veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells placed over the front of teeth to hide common dental flaws, including shortness, deep stains, gaps, chips, and minor misalignments. Not only do they closely resemble natural enamel to provide realistic results, but they can be bonded to your tooth in no more than two office visits! This means that if porcelain veneers are confirmed to be an effective solution to your concerns, you can gain a straighter smile in as little as two weeks. That said, veneers can only treat minor misalignments and are not suitable to correct biting problems or widespread crowding/crookedness in the teeth. Dr Tam can go over all available options with you during your first appointment.

Additional Invisalign® FAQs

What is Invisalign® Teen?

Invisalign Teen works exactly the same as Invisalign for adult patients, only the special considerations of the developing adolescent jawbone are taken into account. Since issues with teeth crowding and jaw alignment often make themselves known during the teenage years, most younger patients more effectively achieve their smile goals with SureSmile®, as this system can correct a wider range of orthodontic cases. In our experience, teens far prefer the conveniences of these clear, removable braces over metal braces. Not only can younger patients enjoy the freedom of an unrestricted diet, but they also spend less time cleaning their teeth since there are no metal wires or brackets to maneuver around when brushing and flossing. What’s more, teens often find that wearing clear aligners is less invasive and bothersome when playing sports and other recreational activities.

Learn More About Invisalign Teen

How do I clean my Invisalign® aligners?

Cleaning your aligners is simple—just brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush under lukewarm water. We suggest doing this at the same time as your daily and nightly teeth-cleaning regimen to ensure your aligners remain as pristine as possible. Just be careful to avoid exposing them to hot water! Extreme temperatures can warp the plastic and disrupt the timeline of your treatment. Lastly, we encourage you to brush your teeth after consuming blueberries, pasta sauce, coffee, wine, curry, and other staining agents. This will help your aligners remain clear and prevent accidental discoloration.

Can Invisalign® straighten just my top or bottom teeth?

Yes, but the ability to straighten one dental arch alone varies from patient to patient depending on the extent of misalignment. Since repositioning one row of teeth often requires accommodations to be made to the opposite jaw, treating just the top or bottom teeth without addressing the adjacent row can lead to an unbalanced bite. Our team will recommend the best course of action for your needs once we’ve had a chance to assess your concerns in person.

Will Invisalign® change my speech?

Speaking with your Invisalign aligners may take some getting used to. It’s not uncommon to have a mild lisp when you first start treatment, but your speech should return to normal within a day or two as you become accustomed to the feeling of wearing your aligners. SureSmile® aligners are generally crafted using a thinner type of thermoplastic than Invisalign, which can cause less of a risk of speech impediments.

Does at-home teeth straightening work?

Although at-home teeth straightening treatments, such as mail-order braces, have gained some attention in the media, it’s important to clarify that these DIY systems are not only often ineffective—they can also be unsafe. Orthodontic treatment should only take place under the care and supervision of a certified dentist, and at-home methods run the risk of lasting damage to your jawbone and oral health. This can lead to more costly and invasive treatment than you would have required if you had sought the care of an orthodontist in the first place. If cost is a concern, Dr Clarence Tam and our team of dentists believe necessary dental work should never be sacrificed due to financial burden. We offer flexible and affordable dental financing through reputable third-party lending companies. Please call our office to learn more about our various payment options.

Should I use Invisalign® chewies?

Invisalign chewies are small, soft cylinders that can help your aligners conform more snugly around your teeth. Invisalign aligners are capable of straightening your smile through gentle pressure, but they only work if they’re situated properly around your teeth. If the positioning of a new set of aligners feels off, chewies can help seat your aligners correctly around the teeth, encouraging a snug, proper fit. Our team will talk to you about whether chewies are recommended for your unique treatment plan and, if so, explain how to use them.

What can I eat with Invisalign®?

Invisalign aligners can be removed during all mealtimes, so you can finally enjoy an unrestricted diet while you’re undergoing treatment. Patients typically appreciate the ability to eat the chewy, gummy, and sticky foods they would have otherwise had to avoid during traditional orthodontic treatments. We strongly advise removing your aligners when consuming anything other than water, including before sipping beverages or chewing gum.

Will Invisalign® fix my overbite?

Invisalign can indeed treat biting issues, including overbites and underbites; however, each patient is examined on a case-by-case basis. Not all orthodontic concerns can be properly addressed with Invisalign, so our team will evaluate your needs to determine whether SureSmile® would be more effective in achieving your smile goals.

Will I have to wear my Invisalign® retainers forever?

Yes, wearing your retainers is a key factor in the longevity of your results after treatment. Unfortunately, the teeth will gradually migrate back to their original positioning without retainers to keep your smile in the correct alignment. The good news is that retainers typically only need to be worn at night while you’re asleep to preserve your results.

Can I leave my Invisalign® aligners in when I drink beverages?

Since Invisalign aligners are vulnerable to the effects of sugar and other staining agents, it’s necessary to always remove your aligners before drinking beverages (other than water). Exposing your aligners to juice, wine, coffee, and other liquids can cause the clear thermoplastic to take on a yellow or discolored sheen, potentially making your treatment more noticeable. Plus, if your aligners become damaged by staining agents or extreme temperatures, this can prolong the length of your treatment as you wait for a replacement set.
Does Invisalign sound like a good fit for you? Find out for sure by contacting our practice and scheduling a consultation. We can help you find the right treatment at the right price for your needs.