The Benefits of Invisalign Aligners

Dental Wellness Clinic

06 Jun 2024

#invisible braces

Discover the many benefits of Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign is quickly becoming the world’s preferred method for straightening teeth. The many benefits of Invisalign include flexibility in the wearing of the aligners, fewer visits required to the orthodontist, and a more straightforward oral hygiene routine compared to braces.

But many people don’t understand how these “invisible” braces work and how they can effectively straighten teeth. We’ll answer some of the commonly asked questions about the benefits and drawbacks of using Invisalign so you can decide whether Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

How Long Does a Complete Treatment Take?

Invisalign treatments vary, depending on the amount of alignment your teeth require. There are several types of Invisalign, including Invisalign Express and Invisalign Full, designed to treat different levels of misalignment. The treatments typically take anywhere between three to eighteen months.

How Many Hours a Day Must I Wear the Aligners?

Most orthodontists agree that Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least twenty to twenty-two hours a day. You should sleep with them in and only remove them for meals and cleaning. Removing them for more than the recommended amount of time can lead to repeated discomfort when wearing the aligners, and lengthen the total treatment time.

How Do the Aligners Straighten Teeth?

Invisalign aligners work on the same principle as standard metal braces. They utilize pressure to slowly force the teeth into alignment over time. The Invisalign treatment consists of a series of slightly differing trays. Each tray is worn for a period of time as directed by your orthodontist. Once your teeth have conformed to the alignment of one tray, it's time to move to the next tray, positioned slightly closer to the ideal position of your teeth. When you’ve successfully worn all the trays for the prescribed amount of time, you should have a beautifully straight smile.

Cleaning Your Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners are made of medical-grade thermoplastic polymers. Over time, these polymers can turn yellow and become discolored before it's time to move to the next tray in your treatment. The best way to keep the trays perfectly clean is to remove them before eating or drinking coffee, tea or colored sodas.

If, despite these precautions, your trays are looking slightly discolored, dentists recommend lighting brushing the inside of the tray with a clear antibacterial soap applied to a soft toothbrush. Don’t use toothpaste on the trays as toothpaste contains abrasives that will scratch the clear thermoplastic and dull the clarity.

Is the Treatment Painful?

The pressure provided by the trays means that for the first few days of the treatment, or after moving to the next tray in your set, you may experience some discomfort. The discomfort generally disappears within a week as your teeth adapt to their new position.

Most people are perfect candidates for Invisalign.

How Do I Know if I'm Suitable for Invisalign?

Invisalign can correct most dental alignment problems, although severe misalignment may take longer to correct than it would with standard braces. Still, the overall benefits of Invisalign can outweigh the extended time requirements.

If you have a typical amount of misalignment and are diligent about maintaining a thorough daily oral hygiene routine, you’re a perfect candidate for an Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is suitable for adults, teens, and children, so age is not a barrier to treatment.

Where Can I Get Invisalign Aligners?

BDMS Wellness Clinic on Wireless Road in Bangkok offers many types of dental health services, including quality Invisalign treatments. We also provide: