Would you rather have braces on your teeth or clear aligners?
You’re not alone if your answer is clear aligners. Clear aligners have grown in popularity as a method of straightening or realigning your teeth over the last few decades.
Invisalign, introduced to the market by Align Technology in 1998, is perhaps the oldest and most well-known clear aligner product. Since then, more clear aligners from other brands, such as Spark, ClearCorrect, and uLab, have entered the market.
In this article, we’ll look at what Invisalign in Singapore can do, how effective it is, and the product’s pros and cons.
What exactly is Invisalign?
The brand name Invisalign refers to a thin clear aligner used in orthodontic treatment. The aligner is made of SmartTrack, a flexible thermoplastic material.
As the name implies, this product is intended to make orthodontic treatment “less conspicuous,” as defined by the American Association of Orthodontists.
Although Invisalign aligners are not entirely invisible, these clear coverings fit tightly over your teeth and are much less visible than traditional braces’ brackets and wires.
What kinds of dental problems can Invisalign treat?
Invisalign can treat various issues, including crowding and spacing issues, as well as mild to moderate bite issues.
According to the Invisalign website, it can be used to treat the following dental issues:
- some overbite, underbite, and crossbite problems
- teeth with an open bite gap
- crowded teeth
While research is still limited, it appears that Invisalign may be more effective for some issues than others.
According to a 2017 study, clear aligners can be useful in aligning a person’s arches, but they may not be as effective in addressing more severe bite problems.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Invisalign to help you decide whether this treatment option is right for you.
Invisalign Advantages
- The aesthetic aspect. This is a frequently cited reason for using Invisalign. These clear aligners are far less noticeable than brace wires and brackets.
- You can get rid of them. If necessary, you can physically remove the aligner from your mouth.
- Cleaning your teeth is made easier. If you remove the aligner, you can brush and floss your teeth without having to work around wires and brackets. According to a 2017 study, this can also improve your periodontal health by reducing the number of bacteria around your teeth and gums.
There are fewer potential issues. For example, many people who have traditional braces have stories about a bracket falling off or a wire breaking, necessitating an emergency visit to the orthodontist. With clear aligners, you won’t have to worry about that.
Invisalign disadvantages
- Less effective when dealing with complex issues. While research is limited, Invisalign appears more effective for people whose teeth require only certain types of movement. However, your doctor may recommend another treatment option for more complex issues. Furthermore, if you have bridgework on some of your teeth, Invisalign may not be your best choice.
- Compliance is required. To get the most out of Invisalign, you should wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. If you believe you will be tempted to use them more frequently, this may not be your best option.
- When eating or drinking, remove. You must remove the aligners before eating or drinking. Food or drink can get into them if you don’t. For example, bacteria grow along your teeth or gumline, which can lead to cavities. Also, liquid can seep into them and stain the aligners and your teeth.
Food restrictions When the aligner is removed, you may experience tooth soreness, limiting your food options. Hard foods, in particular, should be avoided.
