Invisalign (otherwise incorrectly known as Invisaline) are transparent braces for the teeth that are used as an alternative to metal braces or brackets.
Invisalign is more popular as the appliance is “invisible” and does not compromise on the facial appearance, while fixing the teeth alignment.
Invisalign was developed by Align Technologies in 1999. It uses clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten teeth or move them as required. It is currently the most popular orthodontic appliance as it is more attractive than the metal braces, eliminating self consciousness, and thus used more frequently in treating minor misalignment conditions.
When to Use Invisalign
Invisalign is recommended for the more mature patient with complete permanent teeth, who are able to follow the appropriate directions in using the appliances, to ensure successful treatment. These include being mindful of the duration that the aligners need to be worn in a day, the food and drink that can be consumed while wearing the aligners, regular followup visits to the dentist.
As per Align Technologies, use of Invisalign is possible for the following dental problems:
- Over-crowded teeth – Cases where the jaw space is not sufficiently comfortable for all teeth to fit. (1-5mm)
- Widely spaced teeth – Cases where there are missing teeth or irregular jaw structure resulting in spaces between teeth. (1-5mm)
- Overbite/overjet – Cases where the upper teeth protrude over the lower jaw
- Crossbite – Cases where misalignment causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the front or side lower teeth
- Mild teeth relapse – Cases were teeth have relapsed to their original position after the removal of traditional braces
- Simple malocclusions – Certain cases of bite irregularities
How to use Invisalign
Invisalign has improved on an already existing method of removable teeth aligners which were first introduced in the 1940s. The Invisalign method is simpler, and requires only one set of teeth impressions and photographs to form the appliance whereas the earlier aligners needed many impressions.
This simple technique is enabled by Align Technology’s use of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processes. The impression is used to develop a 3D computer projection showing how the teeth can be gradually moved in the required position. This enables the development of a custom made set of aligners to facilitate the movement. A typical treatment includes about 20-30 aligners per set for the upper and lower teeth.
The set is of aligners are given by the dentist as one or two at a time in order to manage the treatment. The aligners should be worn in the specific order recommended in order to bring about the required alignment of the teeth, in small increments of about .25 to .33 millimeters. Each aligner should be worn for about 2 weeks for s minimum of 20 hours a day. They can be removed during eating, drinking and brushing/ flossing. Though the total treatment duration depends on the particular dental condition, most people complete the treatment in one year or less.
When Invisalign is not appropriate
For specific instances of misalignment or complex occlusion problems, the traditional wire and bracket braces are more appropriate than Invisalign.
Though not “invisible”, the traditional braces are now smaller and more effective than they used to be.
A dentist will be able to determine and provide advice about the appropriate treatment for a particular condition and the possible alternative options. In general, traditional braces are the preferred option in the following instances:
- Crowding and spacing (Greater than 5mm)
- Skeletal malocclusions
- Discrepancies involving centric-relation/centric-occlusion (how the upper and lower jaw joints and jaw muscles close together)
- Severely rotated or tipped teeth
- Open bites in the front and back of the mouth
- In cases of multiple missing teeth.