Invisalign: All you need to know
Worldwide, Invisalign braces are becoming increasingly popular. It is effective, convenient, and looks great too. Invisalign is a method that uses transparent aligners that cover your teeth and gradually move them into the perfect place. They are less evident than typical metal braces since they are transparent
Traditional metal braces are significantly less comfortable than Invisalign clear aligners, which are composed of BPA-free plastic. Invisalign braces are designed to give you a smile you deserve and are more aesthetically pleasing compared to traditional metal braces.
A great smile can boost your confidence, self-esteem and increase your overall happiness. But is Invisalign the best option? Here is everything you need to know about Invisalign:
How does Invisalign Work?
What Are The Benefits of Invisalign?
Aside from the fact that it is nearly invisible, there are numerous advantages to using Invisalign. Most Invisalign treatment plans last between 18 and 24 months. Some Invisalign treatment plans for minor issues can be completed in less than a year.
Your orthodontic conditions determine the length of your treatment. Many factors influence treatment time and your orthodontist will be able to provide an accurate estimate.
When deciding how and where to straighten your teeth, one of the most crucial factors to consider is comfort. Invisalign is constructed of a thin plastic that is contoured to the mouth, which patients often find more pleasant.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, patients can maintain proper dental hygiene more easily. Brushing and flossing your teeth is possible without having to negotiate around brackets or wires.
You may also use whitening toothpaste because you don't have to worry about brackets.
Is Invisalign as Effective as Braces
When used appropriately, Invisalign can be just as effective as braces. Traditional braces may be a better option for you if you are easily distracted. Patients who use Invisalign must be consistent in their use of aligner plates, or the treatment will be ineffective.
Invisalign can cure teeth that are crowded, crooked, gapped, or spaced, overbites or underbites, open bites, and crossbites.
How Does Invisalign in South Africa Work?
When you visit an orthodontist, they will design a treatment plan for you that predicts how the aligners will move your teeth with each set of trays.
The treatment plan and aligners are digitally tailored to exert just the right amount of pressure to gently shift each tooth over the course of 12 to 24 months. Once the aligners are in your hands, it is vital that you wear them for 20-22 hours every day.
Invisalign Treatment Process
A typical Invisalign treatment process is as follows:
Invisalign Side Effects
Before getting Invisalign, there are a few things you need to consider: firstly, the side effects of it. Yes, Invisalign has several side effects. Headaches are one of the most common side effects. Some people using Invisalign will develop headaches as a result of their treatment.
The majority of patients who encounter these adverse effects do so at the commencement of their treatment. Patients haven't been used to the pressure their aligners impose on their teeth, and they're not used to having anything in their mouths for lengthy periods of time, so these side effects are pretty common.
The most common side effect is soreness and discomfort. You may experience some mouth pain or discomfort as you adjust to your invisible braces when you first start your Invisalign treatment. This may happen again as your treatment progresses and you receive new aligners. In most circumstances, this discomfort may be readily handled with over-the-counter medicine and will go away fast.
Another side effect that patients experience is the possibility of an allergic reaction. While allergic reactions to Invisalign aligners are exceedingly rare, they can occur because of the unique material used in their manufacturing.
Invisalign cost
Globally, Invisalign costs an estimate between $3,000 and $7,000. Factors that affect the price include the complexity of your treatment, dentist experience, where you live, and aftercare costs.
If your treatment is very complex and a timely process, you will have to pay extra as you go through treatment. Invisalign treatment is quite expensive but in many ways better than braces.
How Much Does Invisalign in South Africa Cost?
In South Africa, you can expect to pay between R48 000 and R110 000 for Invisalign treatment. However, your personal orthodontist or HIPP Orthodontics can give you a better estimate of how much your treatment will cost.
Most dental insurance policies cover Invisalign just like standard braces but check with your provider beforehand to see how much coverage they offer. It all depends on the extent of care you require.
Should I Get Invisalign for My Kids?
"Brace face" may be a phrase your child will never have to hear.
When it comes to straightening children's teeth, metal braces are no longer the first line of treatment. Invisalign treated 4.3 million patients aged 17 and under in 2016.
If you're wondering, "Should I get Invisalign for my kids or teens?" keep reading for three factors you should consider.
Invisalign vs Braces: What’s the difference?
If you're deciding between braces and Invisalign, to straighten your teeth or your child's teeth, you probably have a lot of questions.
Which is more efficient? Which is less expensive? Finally, even if it is slightly more costly, you want to choose the treatment that will do the job. So, which is better for you or your child: Invisalign or braces?
Invisalign vs Braces: Getting Straight to the Basics
Invisalign and braces are both used to straighten your teeth while also improving your smile and dental health. Customers first started using Invisalign in 2000, so it does not have the same history as braces.
Braces are made from metal brackets that glue to your teeth and are held together by wires and tiny rubber bands. You can now get brackets that closely match the colour of your enamel. You can even get them in colour if you want to create a fashion statement with your mouth!
Invisalign is intended to be easily removable and virtually invisible. Aligner trays made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic are worn over your teeth to move them subtly and gently. X-rays, photographs, and impressions will be used by your specialist to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth and configure your aligner trays accordingly
Invisalign vs Braces: Which Will Work Best For You?
| Cost | R***** | R***** |
| Colour | Invisible and clear | Typically metal brackets, we also have a whole host of different braces options |
| Treatment time | Includes 22-24 hours/day for 6 to 18 months, depending on individual patient needs | Requires 24/7 treatment time for over 2 years, depending on individual patient needs |
| Maintenance | Mostly brushing and rinsing trays in lukewarm water | Brushing and flossing brackets and wires. Also, regularly brushing your teeth |
| Follow up visits | Every two weeks, you must change your aligner trays. You can expect to visit us every 4 to 6 weeks. | About once a month. |
Invisalign vs Braces: What are the Pro’s and Con’s
Pros of Invisalign
Cons of Invisalign
Pros of Braces
Cons of Braces
Invisalign is Not Ideal For Patients Who:
Tips to look after your Invisalign
For Invisalign to be effective, you have to take care of it daily. Here are five tips to take care of your Invisalign
Tip : 1 Make cleaning an everyday habit
Your Invisalign should be cleaned daily. Cleaning your Invisalign trays regularly is one of the best ways to keep them in good condition. Get into the habit of brushing your teeth in the mornings and nights to clean your teeth. To do so, carefully clean both of your aligners with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. This will immensely aid in removing germs from your aligners, Which may otherwise cause damage to your teeth or possibly negatively influence your health.
Tip : 2 When cleaning your Invisalign aligners, avoid using abrasive materials
Remember that abrasive liquids like soap, mouth wash, and any other cleaner soap can turn your Invisalign whiter, making it less transparent. The best option is to use toothpaste. Toothpaste has the right pH and ingredients to clean and not damage your Invisalign.
Tip : 3 Soak your Invisalign aligners at least once a day
Before putting your aligners in their case, rinse them to eliminate any remaining saliva or plaque. It's crucial to rinse them out even when you're not at home since they can become a breeding ground for bacteria! As a result, before you take them out, make sure you find a sink or a drinking fountain.
Tip : 4 Tip 4: Do not eat with your Invisalign on
Soaking your aligners helps maintain them odour-free, sanitary, and almost entirely transparent! Simply place the Invisalign cleaning crystals in a small cup of lukewarm water to clean them. Then, place your aligners in the cup for 15 minutes to soak.
Tip : 5 Invisalign aligners should be kept in their case
When you eat or drink anything, it is recommended to take off your Invisalign. The best part of an Invisalign compared to braces is that you can remove it whenever you want. When you invest in Invisalign, you must commit to taking care of it. Otherwise, you will end up extending your treatment and having to pay way more than the initial cost.
If you’re looking for a way to straighten or align your teeth and get that Hollywood smile, Invisalign is for you. Patients who previously would not have considered braces are now considering Invisalign. However, for many others, the decision is based on price. When you leave them on while eating, you can damage and stain them permanently. Also, only drink water when wearing your Invisalign.
Invisalign in South Africa
At HIPP Orthodontics, Dr Jacqueline Cupido and her team are committed to developing exceptional, healthy, and attractive smiles in a welcoming, patient-centred atmosphere.
We believe that orthodontics is about enhancing our patients' confidence and lifestyles, not just straightening teeth.