Does Invisalign Work?


An alternative to traditional braces has been correcting smiles for over 20 years —Invisalign. Some of the benefits of Invisalign are quite obvious, so it begs the question: does Invisalign actually work?

Like any corrective procedure, the results you get from wearing Invisalign are a little different for everyone. It depends on how much correction is necessary in the first place and how committed you are to following care instructions. If you’re curious about trying Invisalign, reach out to Garcia Dental Care to book a consultation.   

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the brand name of one of the most popular clear aligners in dentistry. Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that fit over your top and bottom teeth to adjust tooth position and correct dental issues. This orthodontic treatment is an alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces.

As the name suggests, Invisalign aims to fix your teeth less noticeably, creating a near-invisible look with the clear, custom-fit aligner trays. With the expertise of our dentists and Invisalign’s proprietary technology, trays are custom manufactured to fit your mouth and move teeth in desired directions.

The aesthetic effect is one of the primary advantages of Invisalign. For people who want to avoid the look of bulky bracket braces, Invisalign provides a barely noticeable orthodontic solution. The aligners are removable, which is another big plus for Invisalign. Eating and brushing are much easier compared to conventional braces.

What Issues Can Invisalign Correct?

There are several types of dental issues that the Invisalign system can correct. Although more complex alignment issues are not as easy to fix with Invisalign. Invisalign claims that the following dental issues are all treatable cases:

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign corrects crooked teeth by using a series of clear aligner trays that push the teeth in certain directions. The whole process begins by booking an appointment with one of our dentists. Here’s a framework for how the Invisalign system works:

  1. 3D Imaging & Smile Mapping

Using their proprietary 3D scanning technology, your smile is mapped out by Invisalign’s software. This creates a sequential set of aligner trays that account for the changes in your teeth as time passes. These aligners are to be replaced every week or two.

  1. Creating Your Invisalign Aligners

Once your teeth and jaw have been digitally scanned, your mouth map is used to create your treatment plan. Using the patented SmartTrack material, aligners are manufactured according to the progression of your correction timeline. This material is designed to apply constant, gentle force to your teeth while remaining comfortable and inconspicuous. 

  1. Start Wearing Invisalign

Your doctor will bring you in to try on your first aligner and set you up for success. You will be provided personal instructions for your treatment plan and be given all the information to make your Invisalign experience the most effective. You will be asked to visit our office every 6 weeks or so while using Invisalign. It’s important to maintain these appointments

Getting Results You Want

Getting the best results with Invisalign requires some cooperation from the patient. The aligners are designed to be removed for eating and drinking or for other short periods. But because the aligners are removable, it’s very important to stay committed to keeping them in. Invisalign works best when you follow the treatment plan and your dental professional’s instructions.

To achieve intended results, Invisalign aligners must remain on your teeth for at least 22 hours a day.

How to Help Your Invisalign Perform

Along with making sure your aligners are in for the vast majority of the day and night, there are some other habits to keep while using Invisalign that will help you get better results. Try the following things to keep your aligners invisible and doing their job:

  • Keep your aligners clean using the Invisalign cleaning system. Following the cleaning protocol will help keep your Invisalign, well, invisible. This will also protect your teeth from bacteria that can build up on your aligners. 
  • Take your aligners out to eat and remember to put them back in. Taking your aligners out will help keep them clean and free of food debris or loose food. We suggest carrying an aligner case when out for the day.
  • Avoid drinks that will stain your aligners, such as tea and coffee. Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed when eating and drinking. Make sure that you are only drinking water if your aligners are in, to keep them transparent and less noticeable.
  • Don’t use very hot water when cleaning your aligners. The plastic material used for forming the aligners may warp slightly when exposed to high heat. Keeping your aligners true to form will elicit the best results.

Smiling With Confidence the Whole Way Through

There is some evidence that suggests Invisalign is more effective than other clear aligners on the market. Many people experience great results after using Invisalign and sticking to the treatment plan. If you are looking to improve your smile and don’t want to deal with wires and brackets in your mouth, Invisalign is a worthy choice.

Book an appointment with our team at Garcia Dental Care to begin the process for straight teeth. Invisalign lets you smile confidently the whole way through the alignment process. And there’s a good chance it will work for you.

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