Do you have crooked teeth that you try to painstakingly hide every time someone takes a picture of you? Wouldn’t you want to feel more confident during those moments? Sure, you can get braces just like everyone else. But what if I told you there is actually an alternative that doesn’t stand out like braces and is in fact, invisible?
Enter Invisalign, a revolutionary treatment in Singapore for straightening your teeth without bringing too much attention to yourself. From the name itself, Invisalign promises to be “invisible” or unnoticeable while giving you the benefits of braces.
Also known as clear tray aligners, Invisalign uses a series of custom-fitted mouthpieces to slowly but surely move your teeth to a much more ideal position. There are other brands of clear aligners, but Invisalign has stood out from the rest for its ease of use and popularity.
Who can get Invisalign?
Before you go and spend a fortune on Invisalign, take note that they are not always the recommended treatment for crooked teeth. As Dentaleh recommends, to know whether or not Invisalign is for you, you should first meet your dentist for a consultation.
Aligners are usually prescribed only to adults and teens and for mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth. For more dramatic cases, braces are often the only option available. For children, it all depends on the assessment of the dentist. Their teeth are still in the process of growing and trying to align them may have some unwanted effects.
Why not just get braces?
There are a few advantages Invisalign offers that braces do not. First, you won’t have to suffer what people call “metal mouth”, which is a common occurrence with metal braces. Invisalign is also less conspicuous compared to braces which practically announces itself to everyone each time you open your mouth. Finally, Invisalign can be freely removed if needed, especially when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.
How does Invisalign fix your teeth?
Before you get fitted for your clear aligners, your dentist will first assess your teeth and formulate a treatment plan to get your teeth to their correct positions. Every one or two weeks, you will be fitted with a new version of Invisalign that will slowly adjust the position of your teeth.
Invisalign is manufactured using a special plastic that is comfortable enough to wear while applying just enough pressure to specific parts of your teeth to get them moving. Another great thing about Invisalign is that it is removable. If you know someone who has had braces, then you also know how much of a pain they are when eating or brushing. Thankfully, you can avoid that with Invisalign since they can be removed and reattached with ease — unlike braces.
Is orthodontics like Invisalign done purely for aesthetic purposes?
Achieving a great smile is not the only purpose of getting Invisalign or braces installed. A lot of people with misaligned or crooked teeth have a hard time taking care of them due to brushing and flossing becoming a more complex task than normal. This can lead to poor oral hygiene and health, which can lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease.
How long is the Invisalign treatment plan?
The total period needed before you see the final results depends greatly on how your teeth look and how much they have to be adjusted. If your case is a mild one, the whole treatment can be done in just 10 months. For more complex arrangements, it can take up 24 months to get the desired effect.
Take note though that Invisalign and other clear aligners are not as precise compared to braces when it comes to moving and adjusting your teeth. This means that if your dentist requires some small, precise adjustments for your teeth, he/she may ask you to wear braces for a few months to finish the treatment.
Is Invisalign suitable for both children and adults?
Invisalign is usually recommended for teens and adults. Children may also be fitted with Invisalign clear aligners, but due to their age and the care that clear aligners require from them, dentists usually recommend traditional metal braces for them.
How do you clean Invisalign clear aligners?
Your clear aligners must be cleaned daily, preferably when you are also brushing your teeth. The most recommended way of cleaning Invisalign is by using a specific cleaning kit for your Invisalign system. Just follow the instructions and your aligners will be good as new.
Another option is by using a retainer cleaning solution, which is slightly more affordable than the cleaning kit. However, make sure you use a trusted brand to ensure that it does not damage your aligners.
Is Invisalign expensive?
Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign is typically more expensive. However, the cost difference is not that big as you think. Invisalign clear aligners cost about $4500 to $6500, depending on the complexity of the misalignment. Braces, on the other hand, will net you about $3000 to $5000 for a full set. The price of Invisalign is also set by the dentist, so if you want to save some money try to compare the prices of Invisalign on different dental clinics in your area.
If you have an insurance policy, it may also cover part of the costs for the Invisalign treatment. Some dentists offer a flexible payment plan to patients so that he/she would not have to pay for the full cost of the treatment immediately. Finally, some companies may offer a health savings policy where part of your salary gets deducted and put into an account that is used purely for medical reasons. This can make the process of saving for Invisalign easier.
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