Invisalign & Clear Aligners Therapy

Clear aligner therapy is a system of virtually invisible aligners used to move the teeth, rather than fixed braces. At GPA Dental we use Invisalign.

 

In consultation with your dentist you will determine which system is the better alternative for your treatment, depending on the complexity of your needs.

invisalign & clear aligners therapy - Orthodontic braces 1 - Invisalign & Clear Aligners Therapy
invisalign & clear aligners therapy - Orthodontics Braces1 1 - Invisalign & Clear Aligners Therapy

Benefits of clear aligners

With clear aligner therapy, there are 4 primary benefits:

  • You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing due to the nearly invisible aligners
  • Aligners are removable, therefore you can eat normally and at the same time, brush and floss your teeth to maintain oral hygiene
  • With no metal brackets / wires in your mouth, there will be less irritation and lesser visits to the dentist to get adjustments
  • Clear aligners allow you to preview how your straight teeth will look even before you start treatment
How long will treatment take?

Depending on the severity of individual cases, treatment may vary from 6 months to 2 years with an average treatment lasts around 12 – 14 months.

How does Invisalign, for example, effectively move teeth?

With controlled force on the teeth, Invisalign aligners are able to move teeth through the appropriate placement. The main difference is that Invisalign also controls the timing of the force application. At certain stage, only specific teeth are allowed to move, and these application are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

How do I know if I am a candidate for Invisalign?

Your Invisalign-accredited dentist will determine if Invisalign is a suitable treatment for you.

What conditions would make me unsuitable for clear aligner therapy?

Three types of tooth movements have been found to be less predictably achieved with clear aligner therapy alone:

 

• Complex extrusions

• Severe derotations of cylindrical teeth

• Closure of large spaces usually associated with extraction of teeth other than lower incisors.

What is the minimum age for clear aligner therapy?

Almost everyone over the age of 14 is eligible for the treatment as long as their second (12 year old) molars are fully erupted.

I am currently wearing braces – can I make the switch to the Invisalign?

Some form of combination of braces and aligners are being used on many patients, however you should consult your dentist to evaluate and suggest the best possible treatment for you.

Does Invisalign work on overbites (overjets) and how?

Yes, these aligner systems can correct mild to moderate overbites. The aligners create a force on the front teeth causing them to intrude, thus correcting the overbite.

Are crowns a factor in clear aligner treatment?

Crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign treatment. However small composites call attachments are sometimes bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated.

Can Invisalign close gaps in my teeth?

Yes, both systems can close spaces between teeth easily, however the location and size of spaces will need to be evaluated.

Will the treatment be painful?

In the early of each stages of treatment, most people experience temporary, minor discomfort. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure when the aligners are sequentially moving your teeth. This discomfort normally goes away a couple of days after you insert the new aligner in the series.

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