Complete Guide to Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear, removable aligners to correct dental alignment. These aligners are custom-made for each patient using advanced 3D scanning technology, ensuring a perfect fit and effective treatment.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign treatment follows a series of carefully planned steps to ensure the best results:

1. Initial Consultation

   • At Clínica Dental Cots, the process begins with an initial consultation where we assess your dental health and discuss your goals. If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we will take impressions, x-rays and photographs of your teeth.

2. Personalised Treatment Plan

   • Using the impressions and scans, a digitised treatment plan is created. This plan shows the precise movements of your teeth during treatment and allows you to see a virtual representation of the final result.

3. Manufacture of the Aligners

   • Based on the treatment plan, a series of customised aligners are fabricated. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately 1 to 2 weeks before being replaced by the next in the series.

4. Use of Aligners

   • Aligners should be worn at least 22 hours a day. You can take them out to eat, drink (except water), brush and floss your teeth.

5. Follow-up visits

   • You will have regular visits with your orthodontist to make sure your treatment is progressing as planned. These visits are usually every 6-8 weeks.

6. Retention Phase

   • At the end of treatment, you will be provided with retainers to hold your teeth in their new position. It is crucial to wear the retainers as directed to prevent the teeth from shifting back into their original position.

What Makes Invisalign Different from Traditional Braces?

1. Aesthetics

• Invisalign: The aligners are clear and virtually invisible, making them an ideal cosmetic option.

• Traditional Braces: Metal brackets are visible, although there are more aesthetic options such as ceramic brackets.

2. Comfort

• Invisalign: The aligners are soft and do not irritate the gums or the inside of the mouth.

• Traditional Braces: Brackets and wires can cause discomfort and irritation.

3. Hygiene

• Invisalign: The aligners are removable, which makes oral hygiene easier. You can brush and floss as usual.

• Traditional Braces: Cleaning around brackets and wires can be more difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Feeding

• Invisalign: There are no dietary restrictions because you can remove the aligners to eat.

• Traditional Braces: You should avoid certain hard and sticky foods that can damage the brackets.

5. Visits to the Dentist

• Invisalign: Follow-up visits are less frequent and shorter.

• Traditional Braces: Visits for adjustments are more frequent and may be longer.

Benefits of Invisalign

1. Discretion

   • The clear aligners are almost invisible, allowing for discreet dental correction.

2. Comfort

   • The aligners are soft and comfortable, with no wires or brackets to cause irritation.

3. Removables

   • You can remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss, making oral hygiene easier.

4. Predictable Results

   • The digitised treatment plan allows you to predict outcomes and make precise adjustments during the process.

5. Fewer Visits to the Orthodontist

   • Follow-up visits are less frequent and tend to be shorter.

6. Reduced Lifestyle Impact

   • You can still enjoy your favourite foods and maintain good oral hygiene without complications.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Invisalign is ideal for a wide variety of dental alignment problems, including crowding, gaps between teeth, crossbite, overbite and underbite. However, not all cases can be treated with Invisalign. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is through a consultation with one of our orthodontists at Clinica Dental Cots.

Conclusion

Invisalign offers a modern and effective alternative to traditional braces, providing a more aesthetic and comfortable option for correcting dental alignment. At Clínica Dental Cots, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible smile with personalised, high-quality treatment.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, don't hesitate to contact us - we're here to help you make the best decision for your dental health and transform your smile!