Key Points
- Tooth misalignment is a major dental health problem in the United States.
- Orthodontic care can be inconvenient for many people, especially adults with busy lives.
- Invisalign is a fantastic alternative to more invasive, costly, and uncomfortable orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces.
According to Scientific American, about nine out of every 10 Americans, and billions of people across the globe, experience some form of dental caries (tooth decay or cavities). This is attributable to many different causes, but a few of the main ones are teeth overcrowding and misalignment.1
Over the last two decades, Invisalign has emerged as an effective solution to minor teeth misalignment issues. Invisalign aligners are comfortable, discreet, and removable, making them an attractive option for patients who, for whatever reason, are not interested in metal braces or other prominent orthodontic treatments.
This article explains how Invisalign works and the many benefits it has to offer. Keep reading to find out if it is a viable option for your teeth alignment and general oral health goals, and what to expect on your Invisalign journey.
Table of Contents
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear aligner system used in cosmetic dentistry to straighten teeth. It employs a series of custom-made aligners to gently apply pressure to teeth to gradually shift them into the desired positions.
“Invisalign” is the name brand of the first and most popular system used for these purposes. It was invented in 1997 by an MBA student at Standford University and an orthodontic patient who had experienced relapse following treatment with metal braces.2
Initially, dentists and orthodontists were reluctant to accept Invisalign as a feasible treatment for misalignment. Today, however, it is prescribed by tens of thousands of health professionals, often as an alternative to traditional metal braces.
What Are the Advantages of Teeth Alignment?
Before getting to the distinct benefits of Invisalign, it is worth mentioning that there are some significant advantages to tooth realignment in general. A straighter smile is an obvious one, but it goes far beyond aesthetics.
Misaligned teeth can cause difficulties in chewing and speaking. They can cause uneven wear on teeth. In several cases, uneven teeth can result in jawbone problems, headaches, and other issues.3
Straightening teeth can alleviate many of these issues. People with straight teeth are also less likely to develop cavities and gum disease, among other oral health problems.
What Are the Advantages of Invisalign?
There are many distinct advantages of using Invisalign. These include:
- Discreteness, comfort, and removability
- Convenience and efficiency
- Cost
Discreetness, Comfort, and Removability
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear and discrete. As the name suggests, they are virtually invisible.
Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. There are no protruding metal parts to poke or rub the inside of the mouth. Aligners are sleek and smooth, so there is little risk of sores or irritation. They also make the mouth much less crowded than braces.
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means they do not get in the way of eating or brushing. For this reason, they are easier to care for than traditional braces.
All of these attributes make Invisalign a great alternative for anyone who, for aesthetic reasons, does not want to go with traditional braces. This treatment can be particularly attractive for some patients––such as adults with professional jobs––who might otherwise forego treatment.
Convenience and Efficiency
Another benefit of Invisalign is that it is often more efficient than other treatment methods. Total therapy duration can be significantly shorter than traditional braces. Since Invisalign requires no adjustments, you can also expect far fewer office visits.
Treatment flexibility is another advantage of Invisalign. It involves no special preparation and can be carried out at the patient’s convenience. Also, while not ideal, it is possible to stop treatment for short durations, for extenuating circumstances, then resume.
Also, patients do not need to see an orthodontist to get Invisalign. While an orthodontist can prescribe them, so can any dentist trained in the treatment process.
Cost
A final advantage of Invisalign is that it can cost much less than other orthodontic treatments, including metal braces (more details on cost below).
What Does Invisalign Treatment Entail?
The first step in Invisalign treatment is an exam and consultation with a dentist or orthodontist. They will assess your teeth and determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign.
They will then take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create a 3D digital model. Information about the treatment plan’s goals and the digital model will be used to fabricate the aligners.
Once your dentist has the aligners, you will go in for another visit. They will give you a treatment plan that instructs you on how long to wear each one––usually around two to three weeks.
You will go to regular checkups with your dentist or orthodontist, so that they can gauge how effectively the process is working. However, as mentioned, this does not entail adjustments. The video below will give you an idea of how simple and straightforward the entire treatment process is.
What Is the Downside to Invisalign?
One of the main limitations of Invisalign is that it can only be used to make minor corrections to teeth.4 Major misalignment requires more serious and invasive procedures, such as traditional braces or tooth removal, along with bridges, crowns, or implants.
Another potential drawback to Invisalign is that it requires some willpower from the patient. Since they are removable, there is a greater risk that treatment will be unsuccessful should the patient fail to adhere to the protocol.
Invisalign Cost and Insurance Coverage
The costs of Invisalign can vary, though the treatment is usually between $3,000 and $7,000. There are many factors that can influence the total price tag.
These include geographic location, as well as the complexity and duration of the treatment. More serious issues will require additional aligners, and treatment will take longer to complete (driving costs up).
Many insurance plans will cover Invisalign treatment. However, several variables can come into play.
The main one is that some plans consider Invisalign a purely cosmetic procedure since it can only correct minor misalignment issues. However, as discussed, even seemingly small tooth misalignment issues can cause functional problems, including with chewing, speech, or even jaw development. Your dentist will be able to identify potential issues, which can be submitted to your insurance company and increase your chances of coverage.
If insurance does not pay for your Invisalign treatment, there may be options. Your dentist may offer in-house payment plans or be able to suggest other financing options.
Find Invisalign Dentists Near Me
Now that you understand how Invisalign works and the many advantages it has to offer, you can determine if the procedure is right for you. A trained Invisalign dentist can further advise you on the best options and treatment plans based on your lifestyle and unique dental health goals.
References
- Ungar, Peter, “Why We Have So Many Problems with Our Teeth,” Scientific American, April 2020, retrieved on December 13, 2024, from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-we-have-so-many-problems-with-our-teeth/.
- Lou, Tiantong, and Anthony Mair, “An Historical Overview of Clear Aligner Therapy The Evolution of Clear Aligners” Oral Health Group.com, September 2020, retrieved on December 12, 2024, from: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/an-historical-overview-of-clear-aligner-therapy-the-evolution-of-clear-aligners/.
- Alshammari, Abdulrahman, et al., “Effect of Malocclusion on Jaw Motor Function and Chewing in Children: A Systematic Review,” Springer Nature, National Library of Medicine, January 2022, from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8898242/.
- Li, Bo, et al., “A Retrospective Study of the Accuracy of Invisalign Progress Assessment with Clear Aligners,” Scientific Reports, June 2023, retrieved on December 13, 2024, from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36085-5.