Teeth misalignment is one of the most common dental issues around the world. The primary treatment for many years was traditional metal braces. This involved placing brackets on the teeth and running an archwire through them to pull the teeth into proper alignment.
In the late 1990s, an orthodontic patient decided that there had to be a better way. He got to work creating a system based on the retainer he received when he completed his treatment. This is when the Invisalign system was born.
Dr. Avi Matha at Normandale Dental understands how the Invisalign system works. He can use it to successfully resolve your mild to moderate malocclusion. In this article, we’ll explain what makes Invisalign superior to other treatment options.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a series of transparent aligners that look very similar to a retainer. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly against your teeth. This puts even pressure on the entire arch to push the teeth into alignment.
While the dentist will work with you to create your personalized treatment plan, the process is somewhat self-directed. You will be given your entire system upfront and instructed to change out the aligners every 1 to 3 weeks based on your condition. You must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for maximum results.
What Types of Malocclusion can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign is effective at resolving the following conditions:
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Overjet
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gapped teeth
- Open bite
- Crowded teeth
Invisalign Advantages Over Other Options
Invisalign offers several advantages over other options, including:
Better Aesthetics
Traditional braces require unsightly brackets and wires, which is why many people avoid orthodontics if possible. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are transparent, which means they are almost invisible- even at close range. Therefore, no one ever has to know that you are wearing them unless you mention it. This allows you to discreetly transform your smile.
Faster results
Traditional braces can take 24 months or longer to resolve misalignments. Invisalign, on the other hand, has been proven effective within 12 to 18 months- and sometimes in 6 or less if the misalignment is very mild.
Fewer dental visits
If you have traditional braces, they will loosen over time due to the shifting of the teeth- which means you’ll need to visit the dentist every few weeks to have them adjusted or tightened. Invisalign clear aligners can be changed at home every few weeks based on your personalized treatment plan. This means that you will visit the dentist less than half as often as you would with traditional braces. The only reason for the visits is to monitor your progress and determine if you are still on the right track or if adjustments must be made to your plan.
Solves other issues
In some cases, sleep apnea is due to tooth misalignment. By straightening your teeth, you also resolve the other issues.
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene can be a challenge with traditional braces because of the wires and brackets. This is why many orthodontic patients end up with cavities while they are straightening their teeth. Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed, which means you brush and floss your teeth as usual.
Other Treatment Options for Teeth Straightening
The primary treatment option for misaligned teeth is braces, which come in several different styles. However, they all work the same- slowly forcing teeth into proper alignment in the jaw. On average, treatment with braces takes about 12 to 24 months but can take up to 36, depending on the severity of your malocclusion. In some cases, a procedure known as interproximal reduction must be used, which involves filing down the teeth to create space or even the edges.
If your misalignment is very slight, you may be able to use dental veneers to improve the aesthetics of your smile. This doesn’t address the positioning of the teeth but makes them appear straight. If your malocclusion is due to jaw misalignment, surgery may be required in addition to traditional braces.
Invisalign vs Braces
| Invisalign | Braces |
| Treatment time is typically 12 to 18 months but may be longer or shorter depending on the type and severity of malocclusion | Treatment time is typically 12 to 24 months but may take up to 36 for complex malocclusions |
| Treatment can be expedited by wearing aligners 22+ hours a day Invisalign does offer an Express option for very mild malocclusions | Treatment can be expedited by visiting the dentist every few weeks for adjustments and by keeping teeth clean |
Benefits include:
| Benefits include:
|
| Cost ranges from around $1,200 to $8,000 depending on type and severity of malocclusion | Cost ranges from around $3,000 to $7,000 depending on type and severity of malocclusion |
| Dental visits approximately every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor progress, switch to new aligners every 1 to 3 weeks at home based on your treatment plan | Dental visits every 2 to 3 weeks for adjustments/tightening |
| Some discomfort when first starting treatment and when switching to a new set of aligners due to the pressure of the aligners on the teeth, No wires/brackets to cut cheeks, lips, or tongue | Brackets and wires can cut cheeks, lips, and tongue Pressure of the archwire pushing on the teeth can be uncomfortable |
| Can be removed for brushing/flossing teeth and for eating/drinking anything but water | Cannot be removed until the end of treatment by the dentist |
| No food restrictions since aligners can be removed for eating/drinking | Must give up foods that are crunchy or sticky, must limit foods and beverages that are excessively sugary |
| Virtually invisible, even at close range | Can be seen, even from a distance |
| Ideal for mild to moderate misalignment, may be effective for complex cases along with attachments | Ideal for all types and severity of malocclusions |
Invisalign
Treatment time is typically 12 to 18 months but may be longer or shorter depending on the type and severity of malocclusion
Braces
Treatment time is typically 12 to 24 months but may take up to 36 for complex malocclusions
Invisalign
Treatment can be expedited by wearing aligners 22+ hours a day
Invisalign does offer an Express option for very mild malocclusions
Braces
Treatment can be expedited by visiting the dentist every few weeks for adjustments and by keeping teeth clean
Invisalign
Benefits include:
- Removable
- Easier to maintain oral hygiene
- No food restrictions
- Virtually invisible
Braces
Benefits include:
- Usually covered under dental insurance
- Effective for more severe malocclusions
Invisalign
Cost ranges from around $1,200 to $8,000 depending on type and severity of malocclusion
Braces
Cost ranges from around $3,000 to $7,000 depending on type and severity of malocclusion
Invisalign
Dental visits approximately every 4 to 6 weeks to monitor progress, switch to new aligners every 1 to 3 weeks at home based on your treatment plan
Braces
Dental visits every 2 to 3 weeks for adjustments/tightening
Invisalign
Some discomfort when first starting treatment and when switching to a new set of aligners due to the pressure of the aligners on the teeth,
No wires/brackets to cut cheeks, lips, or tongue
Braces
Brackets and wires can cut cheeks, lips, and tongue
Pressure of the archwire pushing on the teeth can be uncomfortable
Invisalign
Can be removed for brushing/flossing teeth and for eating/drinking anything but water
Braces
Cannot be removed until the end of treatment by the dentist
Invisalign
No food restrictions since aligners can be removed for eating/drinking
Braces
Must give up foods that are crunchy or sticky, must limit foods and beverages that are excessively sugary
Invisalign
Virtually invisible, even at close range
Braces
Can be seen, even from a distance
Invisalign
Ideal for mild to moderate misalignment, may be effective for complex cases along with attachments
Braces
Ideal for all types and severity of malocclusions
Treatment with Invisalign offers many benefits over traditional braces and costs about the same. The major difference is that dental insurance will typically cover a portion of treatment with traditional metal braces and some will not cover Invisalign treatment. Our office staff will work with your dental insurance provider to determine your coverage. If you do not have dental insurance or you still need help paying for treatment, we can explain our financing options. These allow you to get the treatment you need, and break up the fee into easy-to-manage payments over time.
Is Invisalign Worth It?
Most patients would agree that Invisalign is well worth the investment. The cost is comparable to traditional braces and the benefits far outweigh the costs. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign treatment for your mild to moderate tooth misalignment, schedule your consultation with Dr. Avi Matha at Normandale Dental in Bloomington.
We are located at 5300 Hyland Greens Drive, #100. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We can evaluate your misalignment and help you decide if Invisalign is right for you.
Invisalign FAQs
Below are some of the questions that the team at Normandale Dental has heard about Invisalign treatment. If you have others that are not addressed here, please feel free to contact us via phone, office visit, or our website.
Can Invisalign fix crossbite?
Yes, Invisalign has been proven effective for fixing mild to moderate dental misalignment, including crossbite.
How many times a day can you take Invisalign out?
You can take Invisalign out for up to 4 hours a day. You should take your aligners out any time you are eating or drinking anything besides water, as well as when you brush and floss your teeth.
What are the restrictions for Invisalign?
There are a few restrictions for Invisalign treatment, including no smoking or eating/drinking while wearing the aligners. These activities could damage or stain the aligners, causing them to be ineffective.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Invisalign treatment has been proven effective in resolving overbites, as well as other conditions including mild to moderate underbite, crossbite, open bite, and more. However, in order to be effective, aligners must be worn as directed.
