Let’s keep it simple: Invisalign is a brand of clear, removable aligners—thin plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth and gradually move them into a new position. You usually change to a new set every one or two weeks, with each aligner moving the teeth a little further until they reach the planned position.
OK, that was the super-simple explanation—and for most people, that is probably all you need to know! However, if you would like to understand what is really going on, keep reading. Don’t worry, it’s not a long read.
Invisalign is a brand, just like BMW, Nissan, Nike or Adidas. It is not the only clear-aligner system available, and your dentist may recommend a different provider. Although most aligners work using the same basic principle, the technology, materials, treatment-planning tools and level of clinical support can vary considerably between brands.
This type of teeth-straightening treatment is called orthodontics, and clear aligners are one option within this area of dentistry. There are several systems available, including Invisalign, 3M, Quick Straight Teeth and Six Month Smiles.
For straightforward cases, the particular brand may be less important than the experience of the clinician planning and overseeing your treatment. However, we have come to believe that Invisalign is the strongest option for more complex aligner cases because of its advanced planning technology, extensive clinical support and ability to monitor treatment closely.
Invisalign’s digital system allows us to plan each stage of tooth movement and check whether the teeth are following that plan. Its Virtual Care AI system, used with the Invisalign Lens and My Invisalign app, also enables patients to submit clear progress photographs between appointments. This helps us identify tracking problems earlier and provide advice when needed.
Aligners are particularly useful when a few front teeth have become crowded, rotated or spaced apart. They can also be ideal if you had braces when you were younger but—like many people—didn’t wear your retainer as instructed. If your teeth have started moving back towards their original positions, aligners may offer a simple and discreet solution. They are removable, comfortable and fit very snugly over the teeth.
A small word of warning: although aligners can now treat increasingly complex problems, they still cannot do everything. Significant crowding, difficult rotations or certain bite problems may be treated more predictably with fixed braces—or with a combination of techniques. If your dentist recommends fixed braces, there will usually be a good clinical reason. Most dentists are lovely people, so don’t be too mean to us!
Finally, let’s talk briefly about cost. Clear-aligner treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case, the system being used and the amount of clinical support required. Following a recent change in the VAT treatment of aligners, prices have increased by approximately 20%. This is now reflected in treatment fees across the industry, although the exact cost will still depend on your individual needs and where you receive treatment.
The most important thing is not simply choosing a well-known brand. It is having a proper assessment, understanding what aligners can realistically achieve and choosing an experienced clinician who will plan, monitor and support your treatment from beginning to end.
— Dr Abraham McCarthy