What Is The Right Type of Invisalign for Me?

Published by Dr. Charles Gemmi

A Board Certified Orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Charles Gemmi has been a practicing orthodontist with Orthodontics Limited since 2000 and is a member of the teaching staff at Einstein Medical Center. Orthodontics Limited is a Diamond+ Provider of Invisalign in Philadelphia and Hatboro, PA.

Who knew there were so many options when it comes to orthodontic treatments? Besides the traditional metal braces, you can also choose tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces that attach to the backs of your teeth and Invisalign aligners. There is no one right answer for everybody and not all treatments are suitable for every situation, so you need to get evaluated by an orthodontist and find your options. For some people appearance during treatment is of the utmost importance and for others it is cost that it is the driving force.

Here is the low down on Invisalign treatment and the different types so you can figure out what the right type of Invisalign is for you:

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment involves wearing clear, plastic aligners. Because they are made of clear plastic, the aligners are practically invisible and most people will not even realize that you are wearing them. They are custom made for you so they will fit comfortably in your mouth. Another perk of choosing this type of treatment is that the aligners are removable so there are no food and drink restrictions and you can take them out to brush and your floss of your teeth, making the whole process a lot easier.

How Does It Work?

Invisalign works differently than traditional metal braces. You get a new set of aligners every couple of weeks and each set of focusing on different teeth. They use the right amount of pressure to shift your teeth gradually. Your orthodontist will map out a custom treatment plan using specialized technology.

Which Type of Invisalign Is Right for Me?

Leaning towards choosing Invisalign? Your decisions don’t end when you choose Invisalign because there are different types to choose from:

  • Invisalign Full are the most common type of Invisalign. It can treat the most complex bite issues. With this type of treatment, you will have top and bottom aligners for about a year to 18 months.
  • Invisalign Lite is better for less complex issues. It is also a quicker solution when you need teeth straightened before you can get cosmetic dentistry work like veneers or crowns.
  • Invisalign i7 is the newest version of Invisalign and is the one that takes the least amount of time. It is perfect if you just have one or two crooked teeth or just a minor crowding issue because you can focus the aligners on just those areas. This is also a good option if you have already had orthodontic work, but your teeth have started to move back into their original spots.
  • Invisalign Teen is geared to teenagers who need braces, but don’t want to be embarrassed by a mouth full of metal. In the teen years, your mouth and teen are constantly growing so these aligners are designed to deal with these issues. These aligners have a compliance indicator which will fade from blue to clear to indicate if your teen is wearing the aligners enough hours in a day.

What Can You Expect from the Treatment Process?

The first thing you should do is schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist who is an Invisalign provider. Remember you don’t need to go with the first orthodontist you consult with. Do your research and get evaluated by at least a few doctors before making your final choice. You want someone who has the skill and experienced needed to help you, but you also want it to be someone who really cares about their patients.

At that first consultation will use a scanning system to make 3D images of your teeth which the orthodontist will use to map out a treatment plan for you. They will discuss with you how your teeth need to move to give you a straighter smile and how long you should expect your treatment to be.

Once your first set of aligners have been made, you will have to come back to the office to get them fitted on. You will need to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out when you eat and brush and floss your teeth.

The aligners themselves are also easy to take care of. You can simply use your toothbrush to brush them and then rinse them out in lukewarm water or you can ask your orthodontist about an Invisalign cleaning kit.

The great thing about wearing Invisalign aligners instead of metal braces is that you don’t have to worry about the braces damaging your mouth when you are playing sports. Because they are removable, you just need to take them off before any of your games or practices. And if you are required to wear a sports mouthguard for any of your teams, you can simply take the aligners off before putting in the mouthguard. You won’t have to worry about it not fitting properly.

Don’t Delay Any Longer

Whether you choose Invisalign or not, remember that it is never too late to improve your oral health. Bottom line is that the longer you put it off the more at risk you are for a myriad of dental issues. Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your oral hygiene. Food can more easily become stuck between crooked teeth and it can be harder to get the toothbrush into those tight spaces in your mouth. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss and to a host of other illnesses. Aesthetics and how we feel about our appearance can also have a big impact on how we feel about ourself and how we interact with others. When you don’t feel good about yourself, unfortunately it shows. When you are self-conscious about crooked, stained teeth or gaps in your mouth, you tend to only give tight-lipped smiles and hide your mouth behind your hands when you are talking.

When deciding if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, keep in mind that Invisalign doesn’t work for every condition, but it is an effective treatment for crossbites, underbites as well as crowding and spacing issues. Cost is also be a factor. Sometimes Invisalign can be a little more expensive than metal braces, but there are plenty of ways to get help with the cost.

Want to learn more? Contact Orthodontics Limited today.

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