INVISALIGN

                                          INVISALIGN

Invisalign…..something that we have heard about so much but always wondered what “exactly” is it and how it works? Right ?

 Well, to put it in simple terms, it is an aesthetic and removable orthodontic treatment option for patients. It is a procedure of attaining straighter teeth with a series of removable, virtually invisible aligners

Invisalign is gaining favor amongst patients and more and more people are opting for Invisalign especially for cosmetic reasons. I mean who likes a metallic smile.... right !??!

WHY INVISALIGN ?

Well the first question that will pop into anyone’s mind would be why Invisalign ?

Amongst others, the major advantage is patient compatibility.

Here are a few more advantages that invisalign offers:

ØThe aligners are completely transparent therefore virtually more difficult to detect than traditional braces (hence, more popular amongst adults)

Ø As they are removable there are no restrictions on eating...so u can eat everything without the risk of damaging brackets and wires. So you can enjoy your favorite bubble gum now !!

Ø  The aligners can be removed to eat, drink, to clean their teeth and to get regular dental checkups.

Ø Computerized treatment planning is compulsory as part of the Invisalign protocol.  This allows the prospective patient to review the projected smile design, learn how long the treatment is going to take, compare different plans and make a more educated choice.

Ø Invisalign treatments have been claimed** to be quicker than traditional appliances.

Ø From a dentists view point, invisalign avoid many side effects of traditional fixed appliances. Unlike all other types of orthodontic treatment, it prevents the ill-effect on gums and supporting soft tissues and will not cause the roots of the teeth to shorten (root resorption). Demineralization or tooth decay occurs in up to 50%of patients because the brackets cannot be removed for eating and cleaning, which is unlikely to happen in case of invisalign.

Ø New aligners are given every 2weeks. As a result the aligners give less force per week and so are less painful for the patient than fixed appliances that are tightened every six weeks and apply greater forces. Hence fewer calls at night by patients complaining of pain !!

** the claim that Invisalign is faster than traditional braces has been challenged by the Invisalign review which points out that there are other brace appliance systems that take half the time (incorporating surgery or temporary implants that insert into the patient’s bone to accelerate the procedure).

INVISALIGN : There’s one for everyone…..

Invialign offers various products for the dentist to choose from. Dentists can choose which product they would like to use depending upon the severity of malocclusion and needs of the patient:

Ø INVISALIGN FULL : Provides the full spectrum of treatment options, gives maximum flexibility and maximum range of treatment for severe malocclusion cases.

Ø INVISALIGN EXPRESS : A shorter duration treatment for alignment of teeth as a precursor to pre-restorative work and treating minor crowding or spacing cases.

Ø INVISALIGN TEEN : All the features of invisalign full plus additional features that address the unique orthodontic needs of non-adult comprehensive patients.

Ø INVISALIGN ASSIST : An invisalign treatment that comes with compliance indicators, progress tracking tools and detailed pre-planned appointment schedules.

HOW TO SELECT CASES??

Most cases can be treated using Invisalign. Depending on the severity of malocclusion the cases can be divided into Simple, Moderate or Severe Cases.

Simple Case:

•  Crowding with lingually tipped teeth
•  Spacing with flared anterior teeth.
•  Rotations of less than 40 degrees
•  Extrusion, if required, not more than 2.5mm for individual teeth
•  Overjet correction - 4mm or less
•  Midline correction - not more than 1mm per arch

ANY CASE not falling within these parameters is then divided into Moderate or Severe case. These cases require a longer duration for treatment and hence increased cost of treatment.

Simple cases can be treated using Invisalign Assist or Invisalign Express whereas for Severe to Moderate cases, Invisalign Full with a broader treatment spectrum has to be used.

THE TREATMENT PROTOCOL:

Here’s a step by step process to make you more familiar with how the treatment process works –

 1)  Talk to an Invisalign Provider: You (or your dentist) should be an experienced Invisalign Preferred Provider. This is an important medical and financial decision for you - that's why choosing the right doctor and the right treatment plan is crucial. Make sure you, have received the proper Invisalign training so that you can truly evaluate the patients’ needs and determine how Invisalign can help them. During the consultation, discuss your case in detail to determine if they are a good candidate for Invisalign. Ask your patients to take the Self Assessment ahead of time to see if he\she may be a good candidate 

2)    How to Start: Orthodontist or the general dentist takes impressions x-rays       or photographs and sends them to align technology. The impression is put through CT scan from which computer creates a 3-Dmodel.Custom software simulates the movement of teeth in stages. The orthodontist reviews the simulation online using align technology’s “CLINCHECK” and approves or modifies the treatment.

3)    Custom Aligners Fabricated: Once approved a plastic resin aligner is manufactured for each stage of computer simulation and sent to the dentist. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.   Attachments, also called buttons, are bonded to teeth that need to be rotated or moved more than other teeth. Patients can expect as many as fourteen attachments. They are tooth colored and made of glass like substance. Elastic wear (rubber bands) are also used to move the teeth forward or back ,relative to the jaw, thus accomplishing anterior or posterior corrections. Interproximal reduction is used at the contacts to allow for a better fit.

4)    Occasional Check-ups: Approximately every two weeks, new set of aligners are provided advancing the patient to the next stage of treatment. To monitor the progress occasional checkups, usually only every six weeks or so, are conducted by the dentist.

5)    Length of Time Until that Spectacular Smile is Reveled: While every case is unique, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. The length of treatment is comparable to that of braces for teens, but since the teeth won't be covered by wires and brackets, you'll be able to see improvement much sooner ! For best results and a timely outcome, you should wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, throughout your entire treatment.

6)    Cost Of Treatment: the average treatment cost for the patient is between     $3500 - $8000 or 1.5 lakhs - 4lakhs

DISAVANTAGES:

Every treatment has its pros and cons and so does invisalign. While most of you would already be frowning at the treatment cost the other few disadvantages are:

Ø Does not rely on cephalometric radiographs and does not take into account patient’s facial profile.

Ø Largely dependent on a patient habits and their cooperation. Success is based on a patient’s commitment to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20-22hours a day, only removing them when they are eating, drinking or brushing their teeth.

Ø As mentioned, they are more expensive than traditional wire and bracket systems.

Ø Because the aligners can be removed there is always a chance of losing them.

Ø Certain teeth are problematic for Invisalign aligners to rotate.

Ø May cause slight lisp at the beginning of treatment. This usually disappears as the patient becomes used to the treatment.

Ø Made of polyurethane that may cause allergic and toxic sensitivity reactions.

Ø If patient compliance is not good the next set of aligners will not fit and a new set of aligners will be necessary adding to the cost.

There are other options out there to straighten up ones teeth but Invisalign offers a greater level of comfort, confidence and convenience with minimal interference on how one lives and a positive impact on how one appears and feels about oneself.

Written and Edited by Dr. Aditi and Dr. Mahit Bhatt