Not so long ago, when we thought of orthodontics, the only thing that came to mind was the image of traditional metal brackets.
But thanks to innovation in this type of treatment, it is now possible to choose from a wide variety of dental appliances.
One of the most popular is Invisalign clear aligners, thanks to their aesthetics and effectiveness.
However, some people may think that Invisalign is not as effective as braces.
To clear up all your doubts, we explain what results Invisalign offers and how it works.
Does Invisalign work? This is how it has evolved
Absolutely, yes: Invisalign can correct almost any malocclusion and dental alignment problem.
As we have pointed out, it is true that many people are suspicious of the results that can be achieved with aligners, precisely because it is a bracket-free, removable orthodontic treatment.
It is possible that this belief is due to the fact that, in its beginnings, Invisalign only allowed cases of slight malpositions to be addressed.
But over the years, the brand that markets the removable splints (Align Technology) has undergone an enormous technological evolution.
Now, it is possible to place intermaxillary elastics in the clear aligners, in case the patient needs them, to obtain the desired smile more effectively.
Invisalign splint
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INVISALIGN SPLINT
Similarly, Invisalign attachments ensure a better grip of the splint, which adapts not only to the mouth but also to each of the teeth.
This advance is what has made it possible to improve the quality, precision and speed of the treatments, obtaining optimal results for the person.
Therefore, Invisalign currently corrects dental crowding, rotations, crossbite, open bite, overbite, separations between the teeth (diastemas), etc.
Features of Invisalign
Invisalign has two main attractions, as well as a number of features that distinguish it from other orthodontic methods.
First, it is a removable treatment based on aligners that are changed every two weeks.
Thus, the person can remove the splints to brush their teeth and eat.
However, the recommended wearing time (22 hours a day) must be respected for the treatment to be effective.
In addition, it does not affect the esthetics of the person because the transparent aligners are practically imperceptible.
Secondly, and despite the initial reluctance of many people, Invisalign has proven to be as effective as braces.
It is very gratifying for patients, since it is not based on braces that cover the teeth, and the results are visible from the first day.
Invisalign can correct any dental alignment and malocclusion problem.
A very predictable treatment
As in any orthodontic treatment, planning is essential because it is the main basis for the results to be as expected.
But in the case of Invisalign, orthodontics is much more predictable because the patient is able to see the results even before treatment has begun.
This is achieved thanks to the ClinCheck software, which we will explain below.
When it comes to braces – whether metal, sapphire or lingual brackets such as Incognito – the dentist can make modifications to the archwires and brackets as the treatment progresses.
However, the professional treating a patient with Invisalign must plan the entire treatment beforehand before ordering the aligners that the patient will require.
To achieve this, the orthodontist must rely on a complete initial study that includes taking 3D impressions with an intraoral scanner, radiographs and photographs.
These samples are sent telematically to Align Technology’s facilities in the United States, together with the orthodontist’s instructions.
The importance of Invisalign Specialization
ClinCheck collects these records and recreates the movements to be made by the teeth, which are sent back to the practitioner for approval.
This is probably the most important step of the entire treatment, since at this point the dentist makes the appropriate modifications until the final version is obtained.
ClinCheck is an approximation of what the final treatment will be, since the information about what the orthodontist wants to achieve has been literally transferred to the software.
However, the planning must be very elaborate.
The mouth works like a gear and to achieve an optimal functional, occlusal and esthetic result, many elements must be taken into account that, at first glance, may seem insignificant.
Achieving a good result is not just a matter of the teeth being, at first glance, well aligned.
Correcting one aspect may be detrimental to another, so it is essential to make modifications to the first ClinCheck before final approval.
Invisalign Software
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CLINCHECK
Therefore, before starting an Invisalign treatment we advise you to choose a dentist specialized in Orthodontics.
Our clinic has three dentists specialized in Orthodontics: Dr. Daniel Hernández, Dr. Andrea Becerril and Dr. Alberto Wintergerst.
All three practice their specialty exclusively and have the accreditation of the brand to carry out their treatments.
In addition to this, the DrAW Dental Clinic in Tijuana has been recognized by Invisalign with the Diamond Provider category.
This is the distinction awarded by the brand to orthodontists with the highest number of patients treated (more than 150 in the last year).
A treatment tailored to your needs
You can choose any dental appliance, but if you do not want aesthetics to be affected, choose Invisalign.
How long does it take to see the first results?
As in any other orthodontic treatment, this answer depends fundamentally on the treatment time and the malpositions to be treated.
In other words, it will take less time to appreciate the results in a 12-month treatment than in a 24-month treatment.
However, regardless of the treatment time, with Invisalign the first results are seen much sooner than with conventional braces.
Since the splints are transparent, there are no brackets, archwires or wires covering the teeth and the evolution is more clearly visible.
For patients, this is a great advantage because it allows them to be motivated throughout the treatment.
Real results with Invisalign
Below, we are going to show you real cases of our patients so that you can see before and after pictures.
Crowding
Before
After
Crossbite
Before
After
Overbite
Before
After
Open bite
Before
After
Tips to achieve good results
We have already said that with Invisalign you can achieve the same results as with any other orthodontic appliance.
However, we want to give you some tips to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted to have.
Experienced professional
The first would be to choose a good orthodontist with as much experience as possible in this type of treatment.
First of all, we believe that for the best results it is preferable to go to an orthodontist, rather than a general dentist.
If the professional you go to is dedicated exclusively to the specialty of orthodontics, it is more likely that he or she has treated numerous patients and has extensive experience in this area.
Our entire team of orthodontists has completed the Official Master’s Degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the UNAM, which has more teaching hours than the degree itself.
And, among orthodontists, we advise you to go to one who is accredited by Invisalign and has been recognized for the high number of cases treated.
As we have previously explained, our clinic is an Invisalign Diamond Provider.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR ORTHODONTIC DOCTORS
Follow your dentist’s instructions
As in any treatment, it is necessary the commitment of the person.
But Invisalign requires more responsibility because it is essential that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
Remember that, for them to be effective, you must wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day and maintain good oral hygiene.
It is also important to clean the splints thoroughly each time they are removed from your mouth to prevent them from acquiring bad odors and bacteria from accumulating.
Keep the scheduled appointments with your dentist so that he/she can keep track of your progress.
Retention phase
To ensure that the good results achieved last a lifetime, it is essential that you use fixed and removable retainers (Essix) once the treatment is finished.
Teeth have a memory and if you do not put a brake on them, they will tend to return to the position they had before wearing orthodontics, no matter what method you have used.
For this reason, the retention phase is one of the most important for you to maintain the correct alignment and occlusion of your teeth.
If you want to improve your smile, you can opt for any dental appliance, but if you want a comfortable, precise and esthetic treatment, Invisalign may be your best option.
