Orthodontics allows us to have the smile we have always wanted: aligned, harmonious and functional.
The interest of the adult population in orthodontic treatments has not stopped growing and, as a consequence, very esthetic and discreet methods have emerged.
Thus, people who are more demanding with their image, who do not want to see their esthetics affected during the time they wear orthodontics, can opt for invisible orthodontics.
Although this category includes Incognito lingual brackets and Invisalign clear aligners, in this article we would like to explain how the second technique works.
What does Invisalign orthodontics consist of?
Invisalign is one of the most popular methods at DrAW Dental Clinic.
The good results it offers, together with the fact that it is a bracket-free and removable orthodontic appliance, has convinced many of our patients.
In addition, the fact that it is an invisible dental appliance makes it a very attractive option for adults who want to correct their teeth.
Not only that, but another advantage of Invisalign is that it is painless.
As it is removable and has no metal parts, unlike braces, it is the system that generates the least discomfort and dental emergencies.
The Invisalign technique is based on two fundamental actions:
Planning by the orthodontist:
This is the basis of any treatment of this kind, because in all cases it is necessary to perform an orthodontic study.
It is the dentist who plans the micro-movements of the teeth to achieve optimal occlusion and alignment.
The realization of these movements is based on sets of splints:
They are made to measure and the person must change them according to the specialist’s guidelines, although as a general rule it is every 2 weeks.
Transparent aligners
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INVISALIGN ALIGNERS
On some occasions, the splints themselves are not capable of performing certain micromovements necessary to obtain the desired results.
For this reason, the dentist sometimes places attachments on the outside of certain teeth.
These are small composite beads that are cemented onto the tooth surfaces.
Their purpose is to serve as a support for the aligners.
Does Invisalign work in all cases?
Orthodontic treatments respond to the need to address malocclusions and dental malpositions in order to achieve a completely aesthetic and functional smile.
Invisalign is as effective as other fixed orthodontic techniques such as, for example, metal or sapphire brackets.
Its mission is to correct dental alignment – crowding, crooked teeth, diastemas… – and malocclusions – overbite, open bite… -.
The brand that markets the aligners, Align Technology, has been developing improvements in recent years.
Currently, Invisalign is a method suitable for correcting any problem that requires orthodontics.
Invisalign is an orthodontic system based on removable splints that are changed every 2 weeks.
There are different versions depending on the needs of each patient, being Invisalign Lite indicated for mild cases and Invisalign Full suitable for severe malocclusions.
What are the advantages of Invisalign treatment?
In addition to being effective, it has other advantages over fixed orthodontic systems:
It is removable
The splints are removable, so you can take them off to eat and brush your teeth.
This feature makes Invisalign the most comfortable treatment, as there are no restrictions on eating.
Better oral hygiene
Precisely the fact that it is a removable appliance greatly facilitates oral hygiene.
In fact, it is the most suitable treatment for patients with controlled periodontal disease.
In addition, you can clean your splints in a very simple way.
Discreet system
As it is a transparent appliance, the aligners are practically imperceptible to the eyes of other people and can only be seen at short distances.
Highly predictable orthodontics
Invisalign incorporates a virtual 3D software called ClinCheck that allows you to see, even before starting treatment, the micro-movements and the final result.
ClinCheck software
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INVISALIGN CLINCHECK
The exception: orthognathic surgery and orthodontics
However, the orthodontist may not recommend Invisalign in a very specific case.
There are adults who present a more complex degree of malocclusion due to its origin not only in the dental position, but also in their bone structure.
In this case, since the development of the maxillary bones has already concluded, it is necessary to perform a surgical intervention to modify the size and position of the bone mass.
For this purpose, orthognathic surgery is used, which is always combined with orthodontic treatment.
In this circumstance, the use of a fixed dental appliance is indicated, whether they are metal, sapphire or lingual brackets -such as Incognito-.
Therefore, the Invisalign removable system is not the most indicated and is the only case in which a specialist may advise against its use.
However, these are general explanations, so we recommend that you consult your case with a dentist you trust to obtain a personalized diagnosis.
Types of Invisalign
As we have said, one of the main advantages of this type of invisible appliance lies in the personalization of orthodontics.
Therefore, Invisalign offers three types of treatments according to the needs of each person:
Invisalign Lite
This is the shortest version of Invisalign treatment and includes a maximum of 14 sets of braces.
Invisalign Lite is indicated, therefore, in cases of mild malocclusion that do not require too many months of orthodontics (approximately one year).
Invisalign Full
On the other hand, we find Invisalign Full, designed for more complex cases that require longer treatment.
The main advantage is that it includes an unlimited number of splints, so the treatment time can be very variable.
Specifically, it can be up to 18 months in moderate cases and up to 36 months in severe cases, although as a general rule the average duration of an orthodontic treatment does not usually exceed 24 months.
Once the orthodontic specialist has performed the orthodontic study and planning, the patient will know exactly how many months he or she will wear Invisalign.
Invisalign Teen
Although Invisalign is not usually seen in children, teenagers can opt for this more discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment that does not interfere with their daily life.
These splints, specially made for them, incorporate a small indicator that is very useful for parental control, since it is possible to keep track of the number of hours they have been wearing them.
If they are not worn for a minimum of 22 hours a day, the treatment is not effective.
Another benefit of Invisalign Teen is that, in case of breakage or loss of an aligner, up to 3 aligners can be replaced free of charge.
The Invisalign treatment, step by step
If you want to improve your smile and you believe that Invisalign is the most suitable transparent orthodontic method, the first step you should take is to see a specialized orthodontist.
Once at the clinic, you will undergo an orthodontic study, to which we have previously alluded.
Based on this, the dentists will analyze your case and draw up a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
At DrAW Dental Clinic we have cabinets equipped with all kinds of technology and equipment to perform dental tests.
In this way, we can obtain a complete diagnosis of the person without having to travel to other specialized centers in Tijuana.
Personalized fabrication of the splints
Through the ClinCheck software, to which we alluded earlier, the specialist designs all the splint sets that the patient will need.
Therefore, the specialist knows what state the teeth will be in at all times, before the initial orthodontic treatment.
Once the study and planning have been carried out, it is time to order the invisible appliances, i.e. the aligners.
Since the splints are custom-made, it is necessary to take a sample of your mouth to send it to Align Technology’s facilities in the United States.
To speed up time and prevent the model from getting lost, the sample is taken using a 3D intraoral scanner and sent telematically.
At DrAW Dental Clinic, we believe in the importance of using the latest technologies to facilitate both the diagnosis and the treatment plan.
The aligners will arrive at the clinic in approximately 10 days.
It will be then when, at the next consultation, the orthodontist will place your first set of Invisalign splints and explain to you what care you should follow from now on.
You have started your treatment!
Be responsible
In order to obtain optimal results, a great deal of commitment is required on the part of the individual.
The course of treatment
At each visit, your orthodontist will give you a new set of aligners along with two more.
At home, it is essential that you comply with the times set by your specialist, as this is the only way for the treatment to achieve optimum results.
As the change of splints is done approximately every 14 days, the frequency of check-ups at the clinic is every 4 to 6 weeks.
During these visits, which are estimated to last about 15 minutes, the orthodontist will check whether the process is proceeding as planned.
The fact that the check-ups are spaced out over time makes Invisalign the most suitable treatment for people who live outside Tijuana and who cannot come to the capital so often.
Invisalign Refinements
Another phase of Invisalign is the refinement phase.
If, at the end of the treatment, the dentist considers that better results can be obtained, it is possible to request the creation of new splints to perfect the alignment.
Depending on the individual and his or her circumstances, a greater or lesser number of aligners may be ordered.
Use of retainers
Once the last set of splints has been removed from the mouth, the retention stage begins, an essential stage in any orthodontic treatment.
The results obtained with braces do not last a lifetime without an adequate retention system.
This is because teeth have memory, and will always tend to return to their initial position.
After finishing treatment with Invisalign – or any other technique – the orthodontist will place fixed and removable retainers in both arches.
Fixed retainers are thin sheets of wire that are cemented to the inside of the teeth.
Removable retainers (Essix) are splints similar to those used in Invisalign orthodontics.
Keep the Essix in its box
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RETENTION PHASE
Initially, you should wear them all day and gradually reduce the time they should remain in place, but always following the advice of your orthodontist.
The retention phase is as important as the active orthodontic procedure.
Thanks to the use of retainers, you can ensure the stability of the results in the long term and, therefore, the success of the treatment.
The price of Invisalign orthodontics
The cost of Invisalign varies according to the duration of the treatment, i.e., depending on whether it is Full or Lite, the price is different.
To give you an idea of how much Invisalign orthodontics costs, we can say that prices range from 3,500 € (in the case of Lite) and from 4,430 € (in the case of Full).
If you need Invisalign Teen aligners, the price starts at 4,430 €.
Even so, bear in mind that the only way to obtain a complete estimate is to visit our dental clinic so that the orthodontic specialists can evaluate your case.
The price of invisible orthodontics with Invisalign includes:
All the splints you need for your case.
Complete orthodontic study (photographs, x-rays, taking impressions).
Professional oral hygiene: one or two, depending on whether you wear the Lite or Full version.
Possible dental emergencies related to orthodontics.
Check-ups during and after treatment.
Retainers (fixed and removable).
Tips for orthodontics with invisible braces to be an effective treatment.
All orthodontics requires the involvement of the patient.
However, Invisalign requires a greater commitment because, as it is removable, it is necessary to follow a series of guidelines to ensure its efficiency.
How long should I wear the splints?
We have already mentioned that the aligners should be removed to eat and brush our teeth.
However, it is essential that they are worn for at least 22 hours a day.
During treatment it is not advisable to smoke or snack excessively for hours at a time.
These habits reduce the time you wear the splints, lengthening the treatment time considerably.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO START YOUR ORTHODONTICS
Maintain good oral hygiene
Invisalign is a more hygienic method, as it allows access to all the nooks and crannies of the mouth.
Even so, it is vitally important that you maintain good oral hygiene routines so that the procedure does not damage your teeth.
Therefore, you should brush your teeth after every meal and help yourself with other auxiliary hygiene devices, such as dental floss or interproximal brushes.
This will keep your mouth free of bacteria and food debris.
Keep the splints clean – and wash them every time you remove them – to maintain not only good oral hygiene, but also to preserve the transparency of the aligners.
In addition, specialists recommend the use of a special tablet for denture hygiene at least once a week.
Go to your check-ups with the orthodontist
With Invisalign you have a high degree of commitment, but you cannot neglect the review with the dentist.
In fact, much of the success of the treatment depends on thorough planning by the specialist who will address the case.
But in addition, he or she must periodically review the correct course of treatment.
For this reason, we advise you to respect the reviews scheduled by the orthodontist.
At DrAW Dental Clinic, the doctors who will carry out your treatment are Dr. Daniel Hernández, Dr. Andrea Becerril and Dr. Alberto Wintergerst.
Invisalign Treatment
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INVISALIGN REVISIONS
All of them practice their specialty exclusively and have been accredited by the Invisalign brand to carry out their treatments.
The brand has also awarded us the Diamond Provider category: a distinction given to orthodontists who have dealt with the highest number of cases in the last year.
Respect the retention phase
Although some orthodontic treatments are shorter than others, the minimum duration is usually 12 months.
Therefore, after finishing this process and having obtained the smile you have always wanted, it is logical to want to maintain these results for life.
To do so, remember to use your retainers following your dentist’s instructions.
If you have any other questions or want to contact us, you can do so through the contact form on our website or by calling +1 619 372 5409 🇺🇸 +52 664 590 8321 🇲🇽 .
We are waiting for you!
