Invisalign Clear Aligners: 12 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Invisalign clear aligner is the popular option for transparent teeth straightening without traditional braces. Despite offering numerous advantages over traditional braces, Invisalign requires stricter compliance and should only be done at reputable and qualified dental addresses. Therefore, it's important to be familiar with relevant information before making your choice.

12 Most Commonly Asked Questions About Invisalign

Due to the high level of interest and inquiries about Invisalign, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that many people have about Invisalign. We hope that our readers will gain valuable insights to choose the superior teeth straightening method for achieving "even, beautiful, and radiant" smiles.

1. Is Invisalign better than braces?

Traditional braces involve attaching metal brackets and wires to your teeth, while Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligner trays to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position.

Clear aligner trays are more comfortable as they don't cause irritation to teeth and gums like metal brackets and wires. Another advantage is that you can remove the clear aligner trays before meals, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.

However, the greatest advantage of Invisalign is its aesthetic appeal, as few people will notice that you're undergoing teeth straightening.

2. How does Invisalign work?

Similar to traditional braces, Invisalign consists of a series of aligner trays that gently move your teeth over time to achieve the desired alignment. Invisalign is suitable for the following cases:

• Crowded teeth, when there's not enough space in your jaw for all your teeth.
• Spacing issues, when there are gaps or spaces between your teeth.
• Crossbite, when both upper and lower jaws are misaligned, causing one or more upper teeth to bite inside the lower teeth and possibly on both the front and sides.
• Overbite, when the upper teeth cover a significant portion of the lower teeth.
• Underbite, when the lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth, often due to the lower jaw being larger than the upper jaw or the upper jaw being underdeveloped.

3. Are clear aligners suitable for all age groups?

Initially, clear aligners were designed for adults, but now they're also used for older teenagers and younger individuals. Therefore, clear aligners are suitable for people of all ages.

4. What's the average treatment duration?

The treatment duration for clear aligners varies from person to person, but the average time is around one year (12 months).

5. What is Propel and how does it work?

Propel is a new technique used in combination with clear aligners to accelerate teeth straightening, reducing treatment time by up to two times. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and involves creating small perforations in the gums to stimulate a biological response that speeds up tooth movement.

6. Is Invisalign expensive?

The cost of Invisalign treatment is generally comparable to the cost of traditional braces. Some types of insurance provide partial coverage. Dental clinics often offer discounts or financing options that cater to the financial plans of patients.

In general, the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from 80 to 150 million VND (~3300 - 4200 USD),depending on the chosen dental clinic.

7. Is it necessary to remove the aligners while eating?

Eating with aligners in place can damage them, which may impact the teeth straightening process. Therefore, it's advisable to remove the aligners before eating.

8. How to clean the aligner trays?

Invisalign trays can be cleaned using the provided solution at the dental office. This helps keep the trays and your mouth feeling fresh with a minty taste. You can also clean the trays using a wet toothbrush, but avoid using toothpaste and brush gently to prevent scratching.

9. Is it true that others can't notice when you're wearing aligners?

It's difficult to notice clear aligners because they're made from specialized, transparent materials. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are discreetly designed.

10. Do aligner trays affect speech?

Speech may be slightly affected during the first few days of wearing aligner trays. However, after about one week, your speech should return to normal.

11. Do you need to wear retainers after Invisalign treatment?

Teeth are continually shifting, and to protect your investment in teeth straightening, it's recommended to wear retainers after completing Invisalign treatment. Retainers are designed for comfortable wear and help maintain the desired teeth alignment.

12. Is teeth straightening really necessary?

Crooked teeth provide favorable conditions for hidden bacteria growth and development. Teeth straightening is a long-term investment in oral health. In this regard, clear aligners can help reduce discomfort and enhance aestheticism, and prevent teeth from falling out prematurely.

In spite of the high cost at first hand, this orthodontic method help to save money as requiring less time and additional procedures, or you can choose to make payment for Invisalign in installment.

Nobody is born perfect, but at least teeth straightening ensures some level of perfection, making your face radiate with confidence.