If your preference is clear aligners, you’re in good company. Over the last twenty years, clear aligners have surged in popularity as an approach to straighten or reposition teeth.
Possibly the most established and widely recognized clear aligner system is Invisalign, introduced by Align Technology in 1998. Since then, additional clear aligner brands have entered the marketplace, including Spark, ClearCorrect, and uLab.
In this piece, we’ll examine what Invisalign can accomplish, how well it performs, and the advantages and disadvantages of this system.
What exactly is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand name for a kind of thin, transparent aligner used in orthodontics. The aligner is crafted from a flexible thermoplastic known as SmartTrack.
As the name implies, this product aims to make orthodontic care “less noticeable,” in the words of the American Association of Orthodontists.
While Invisalign aligners aren’t entirely invisible, these clear trays hug your teeth closely and are far less obvious than the metal brackets and wires of conventional braces.
Which dental problems can Invisalign address?
Invisalign can be applied to several issues, such as crowding and spacing, along with some mild to moderate bite concerns.
The Invisalign website states it can be used to treat the following dental conditions:
- certain forms of overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- open bite
- teeth gaps
- crowded teeth
Although still somewhat limited, research indicates Invisalign may be more suitable for certain problems than others.
For instance, a study suggests clear aligners can be effective at aligning a patient’s dental arches, but they may be less helpful for correcting more severe bite abnormalities.
What does wearing them entail?
The process begins with a visit to an orthodontist, who will capture a 3-D scan of your mouth and jaw. That scan is used to devise a plan for guiding your teeth into their proper positions.
Your orthodontist will then produce a sequence of custom plastic aligners based on that plan. These aligners exert pressure on your teeth, gradually shifting them into the intended alignment.
Following your orthodontist’s directions, you’ll replace one set of aligners with the next roughly every week or two. Normally, you should wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day.
How effective are these aligners?
You may know people who had positive results with Invisalign, but it’s important to look past anecdotal accounts. Currently, there’s limited research conclusively demonstrating its effectiveness.
A 2015 review of 11 studies on Invisalign notes that evidence on their efficacy is restricted.
Existing studies tend to have small participant numbers, and many lack a control group for comparison.
A 2016 paper in the Journal of Orthodontics also highlights the shortage of clinical evidence supporting efficacy claims.
However, based on available data, Invisalign appears to be more effective than some other clear aligner systems. The updated versions introduced by the manufacturer around 2010 seem to have improved Invisalign’s performance by delivering force to the teeth more efficiently.
What factors influence how well Invisalign works?
For Invisalign to be successful, it’s crucial to wear the aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day.
The only times you should remove them are when you are:
- eating or drinking
- brushing or flossing your teeth
- cleaning your aligners
Be cautious when cleaning your aligners. Extremely hot water can warp the plastic, altering the fit and impeding progress and effectiveness.
The complexity of your orthodontic condition also affects Invisalign’s outcome. Treatment may take longer if you have more complicated spacing or bite problems.
Other influences include your sex and age. A study of 30 volunteers found that tooth movement can be influenced by age.
The study reported that tooth movement rates increase modestly between ages 35 and 50, implying Invisalign might be more effective in that age range.
It also found that between ages 50 and 70, tooth movement didn’t decline for women in the same way it did for men.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
To decide whether Invisalign suits you, let’s review the benefits and drawbacks of this treatment option.
How much does it cost?
According to the Invisalign site, the price of Invisalign treatment is comparable to traditional braces.
The Consumer Guide to Dentistry estimates the cost will likely fall between $3,000 and $5,000. The final price depends on treatment duration, the complexity of alignment issues, and your location.
Check with your dental insurance provider, as some plans cover part or all of Invisalign costs.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use it to cover some Invisalign expenses.
For those without insurance coverage, many dental practices and orthodontists offer financing plans. Ask about payment options before committing to treatment.
Is Invisalign a good fit for you?
If you’re thinking about Invisalign, consider these questions to determine if it’s the best selection:
- Do I have a relatively simple crowding or bite concern?
- Do I feel embarrassed about wearing traditional braces?
- Will I consistently wear the aligners for the required hours each day?
- Can I afford the treatment?
- Will I care for them properly?
If considering Invisalign for a teen, evaluate whether they’ll wear and maintain the aligners responsibly.
If your child tends to misplace items frequently, Invisalign—being removable and easily lost—might not be the ideal option.
The takeaway
Invisalign is suitable for addressing crowding and spacing, as well as some mild to moderate bite concerns.
It can be a good choice if your bite and alignment issues aren’t overly complex and you prefer a less obvious alternative to braces.
Discuss your dental needs with your orthodontist or dentist to determine what orthodontic approach is appropriate and whether Invisalign is a viable option. Weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
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