Invisalign clear aligners and braces - a comparative analysis... Which will correct your bite better and faster?

The brand name comes from the English word “invisible”, which means “invisible”. They are truly invisible even from a distance of 20-30 centimeters, which makes them the most aesthetic option for correcting a bite.

Invisalign was the very first aligner to appear on the orthodontic market. All other brands focused specifically on this system, which today has existed for more than 20 years. The company created a real revolution in the field of bite correction and won recognition among doctors and patients around the world.

Indications for installation

  • crowding of teeth (except in severe cases),
  • gaps in the dentition: trema and diastema,
  • slight displacement of the teeth of one jaw relative to the other,
  • incorrect position of one or more teeth,
  • use from the age of 12-13 years.

Brand benefits

  • highest aesthetics,
  • fast and predictable results,
  • individual production using computer modeling,
  • the most famous aligner system with a long history,
  • patented material that does not cause allergies.

Expert opinion
Rustamova Gunel Bakhmanovna Dentist-orthodontist Work experience 3+

“Contrary to popular belief, Invisalign aligners can solve almost any bite problem – even difficult cases. This is confirmed not only by my personal practice, but also by numerous clinical studies1.”

Among the disadvantages of Invisalign aligners is their rather high price. It is due to the use of computer modeling of the treatment process, the use of expensive materials, as well as the delivery of a complete set of mouth guards from the manufacturer.

Manufacturing process

The American company Align Technology was the first to produce aligners and quickly gained recognition among patients and doctors around the world. The brand name Invisalign comes from the English word “invisible”, which translates as “invisible”. The product entered the market in 1999. Four years later, the study of the method of treating orthodontic pathologies with the help of mouth guards was officially included in the programs of higher medical educational institutions in the United States. A little later, aligners began to be used in European countries, and then in Russia.

Production has now moved to Mexico. This made it possible to significantly reduce costs due to the fact that labor costs less there. For the production of personal mouth guards, 3D computer modeling technologies, digital images of the jaws and high-tech equipment are used. The human factor does not affect the process; people only exercise control over the operation of the equipment. For this reason, errors in the manufacture of orthodontic devices are minimized. All data obtained is sent to a specialized laboratory, where a whole series of plates is produced at once for the entire course of treatment. Depending on the specific clinical case, there can be from 10 to 40 pieces.

Specialists working in the company are constantly engaged in research activities and improve treatment methods.

What is included in the diagnosis

Preliminary diagnostics in our clinic are performed using high-precision imported X-ray equipment ORTHOPHOS XG. This stage is necessary to identify indications and contraindications for occlusion correction using aligners.

The second stage of diagnosis is making individual impressions or scanning with an iTerro device, which allows you to create a 3D model of the jaws. Based on this model, personal mouth guards will subsequently be manufactured in production in the USA. When using this technology, there is no need to make physical impressions.

Based on the data obtained, a step-by-step therapy algorithm is developed using special software. ClinCheck technology allows digital interpretation to predict the progress of defect correction and visualize the final result. It should be noted that our clinic’s specialists are certified to use Align Technology products.

How they work

The aligners look like clear caps. They cover the teeth only to the height of the crowns, without extending to the gums. For the manufacture of structures, a patented medical thermoplastic material is used, which has no analogues. It is absolutely safe and does not cause allergic reactions.

The finished products are smooth, elastic, without sharp corners. Under their influence, the dentition gradually shifts in the direction specified and modeled by the orthodontist. Each mouth guard is replaced with a new one after two weeks. Its internal cavity is smaller in size than the previous one. Due to this, the necessary pressure is constantly applied to the teeth.

Operating principle of mouth guards

INVISALIGHN aligners correct your bite using a virtual 3D model made from digital photographs of your teeth. Thin transparent aligners, like a thick expensive glove, envelop your teeth, gradually bringing them into the correct position, making their rows even and beautiful. Caring for mouthguards is simple and does not require special preparation. They are removed during oral hygiene and for eating. You can clearly see the process itself in the picture below:

Every two weeks you need to visit your doctor to replace the aligners with new ones that correspond to the changes that have occurred during this period. Although the technique can be based on the production of several sets of mouth guards at once for a long period with their independent replacement according to the terms prescribed by the doctor. In this case, a visit to the clinic to assess the effectiveness of treatment and the necessary correction will occur once every one and a half to two months. The price of Invisalign in Moscow and other services at our Southwestern dental clinic will pleasantly surprise you!

Indications

Indications for the use of Invisalign aligners are the following pathologies:

  • trema (holes between teeth of any location, except for the central incisors);
  • diastema (gaps between the central incisors);
  • cross bite (the upper and lower rows of teeth cross each other when the jaw closes);
  • mesial bite (lower jaw protrudes forward);
  • open bite (most of the front and side teeth do not touch each other);
  • crowding of teeth (when fangs and incisors creep on each other);
  • incorrect location of one or more dental units.

Also, the designs are suitable for consolidating the therapeutic results achieved after wearing braces.

It should be noted that Invisalign aligners do not solve serious orthodontic problems. In such cases, other treatment methods should be chosen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Invisalign systems have become popular for a reason. They really have many advantages, which has been proven by patient reviews over many years of practice. Here is the complete list:

  1. Reliable fixation in the oral cavity (due to the presence of special attachments).
  2. Fast and predictable results.
  3. High efficiency
  4. Aesthetics. Even at close range they are invisible when smiling and talking. This eliminates psychological discomfort for the patient during treatment.
  5. No pain.
  6. Hypoallergenic.
  7. Functionality. It is possible to carry out bleaching and remineralization procedures simultaneously.
  8. Easy care.
  9. Do not violate diction.
  10. Do not injure the oral mucosa.

The disadvantages include the high cost of the products. It is due to the use of expensive materials and the use of computer modeling. Also, the price includes shipping from the manufacturer.


Comparison of Invisalign aligners with braces

Another significant disadvantage is that manufacturing a set of aligners takes a long time.

Duration of therapy

The time required to obtain the final result depends on the complexity of the clinical case. On average, according to the official Align Technology website, it takes about 1 year, which corresponds to 24 sets of aligners.

The doctor can announce the approximate duration of therapy in a specific situation only after diagnosis and development of an algorithm for the treatment process.

Treatment

Before starting therapy, the oral cavity must be sanitized. It is necessary to treat caries and gum disease and remove plaque.

Preliminary diagnosis includes several activities:

  • oral cavity scanning;
  • photographing the face from different angles;
  • taking impressions of teeth;
  • performing an orthopontogram or computed tomography (to assess the quality of bone tissue).

The following stages of treatment:

  • production of individual aligners;
  • fixation of the mouth guard.

Depending on the existing pathology, the course of therapy lasts from three months to 2 years. The design will have to be worn 22 hours a day, removed only when eating and brushing your teeth. It should be placed in an individual container equipped with holes for ventilation. Every couple of months you need to visit the orthodontist so that he can monitor the process and make adjustments if necessary.

At the end of the course, a retainer is placed to preserve the results obtained. It is a metal thread that is attached to the inside of the teeth.

Price

Since the Invisalign system is an innovative technique that corrects bite problems based on individually developed treatment, its cost is significantly different from similar methods of teeth straightening.

But even within the same clinic, you can notice a difference in prices. This is understandable, since pricing is influenced by several determining parameters:

  • The complexity of the design of the apparatus , which depends on the severity of the anomaly and the peculiarities of the formation of the dentition.
  • Number of aligners To correct it, it may be necessary to install the device on both jaws. In this case, the cost doubles.
  • Treatment period. When choosing a longer and gentler option, you will need a larger number of mouth guards, which will increase the final price.
    To save money, you can opt for a set with a minimum number of aligners. But in this case, it should be borne in mind that the treatment will be quite painful.

Depending on the clinical picture and the chosen option, the average cost of correction using Invisalign varies in the range of 230–350 thousand rubles .

The doctor outlines in detail the advantages of the option he has chosen, but the final cost is determined only by the patient , taking into account all the dentist’s recommendations.

Care

To install the mouthguard, you need to rinse it under running water and carefully place it on your teeth. Every day you should clean the surface of the device from plaque. To do this, you will need a soft or medium-hard toothbrush and toothpaste. Periodically, the aligners are subjected to antiseptic treatment and placed in a disinfectant solution.

Other recommendations for caring for the structure:

  • stop chewing gum;
  • no smoking;
  • do not expose to high temperatures;
  • remove while eating.

Features of nutrition when wearing mouth guards

There are no dietary restrictions while wearing aligners! It is only prohibited to consume chewing gum and sticky candies (taffy): they can stick to the surface of the device or get into the space between it and the teeth, which will create a favorable environment for the development of caries and tartar.

When studying Invisalign reviews online, you will note that mouthguards do not require compliance with any strict rules and regulations. With aligners, a person does not change the usual rhythm of life and does not become a hostage to circumstances. When purchasing braces on Ozernaya in Moscow or another city, you can be sure that the new dental product will not become a stumbling block in changing your established daily routine and hygiene. You will also be able to eat foods that you enjoy.

Before sitting down at the table, it is enough to remove the aligners. After eating, they are washed with running water so that bacteria and harmful microorganisms do not accumulate in them. Then, with a slight movement of the hand, the system is put into place, continuing to work as usual and changing your teeth for the better.

Famous politicians, show business and cinema stars noted the ease of use. Since the aligners are invisible on the teeth from the outside, you are unlikely to notice them on your favorite stars. However, representatives of the star Olympus wore Invisalign; photos of Invisalign can be found on our website. Among the fans of the orthodontic system you will find Khloe Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, Eva Langoria and others. They have repeatedly left reviews about the Invisalign system, confirming its high status and orthodontic excellence.

For teenagers

The Invisalign system is not used in children because it is intended only for fully formed teeth. But it is suitable for teenagers who have already lost all their baby teeth. The company specially developed a Teen version for them. This is a slightly modified version, better suited to the needs of teenagers. A special indicator is built into the design. It changes color if the device is not worn for the required number of hours per day.

Invisalign aligners are an ideal option for correcting minor malocclusions. But it is important to remember that good results are achieved only by carefully observing the timing of wearing each mouthguard.

Why is self-discipline needed?

  • If a person experiencing certain inconveniences periodically removes the system out of self-pity, the program developed for him will be disrupted and the treatment may be ineffective.
  • A set worn by mistake will also lead to the same result - for example, not the 5th, as scheduled, but the 6th. Each new mouthguard must strongly compress the teeth and move them a little more, and when worn incorrectly, the process is interrupted, which negatively affects its result.
  • A duplicate of a lost or broken mouthguard will have to be ordered from an American laboratory, which will take time, and the next stage of correction will be skipped.

Invisalign: reviews

Svetlana Kedrovskaya, 24 years old:

“I had one crooked tooth, but it really ruined my smile. I visited the dentist and he suggested orthodontic treatment with Invisalign aligners. The doctor said that they are made by an American company and are of very good quality. In the end, I made up my mind and we made impressions to use them to make a personal series of mouth guards. I’ve been wearing them for 7 months now, the tooth has almost straightened out, but the treatment is still ongoing.”

Lyudmila Malinina, 30 years old:

“I wore Invisalign aligners to correct my bite. The treatment is expensive, but no one noticed the mouth guards because they are transparent. I'm pleased with the result. The whole correction process took 10 months.”

Orthodontic correction using aligners

Service
Price

Orthodontic correction using aligners in patients with mixed dentition. Flexiligner KIDS system. KIDS diagnostics (1 arc).

10000P

Orthodontic correction using aligners in patients with mixed dentition. Flexiligner KIDS system. KIDS diagnostics (2 arcs).

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Orthodontic correction using FlexiLigner aligners with permanent bite. QUICK-ONE kit (1-5 aligners, 1 arch)

40000P

Orthodontic correction using FlexiLigner aligners with permanent bite. EASY-ONE set (6-10 aligners, 1 arch), 1 correction

70000P

Orthodontic correction using aligners. TRUE SMILE system. Ortochek. 3D modeling

10000P

Orthodontic correction using aligners. TRUE SMILE system. Perio Safe Ultimate Kit (7-13 steps)

130000P

Orthodontic correction using aligners. TRUE SMILE system. Perio Safe Ultimate Plus Kit (from 14 steps)

150000P

Orthodontic correction using aligners. TRUE SMILE system. KidSmile kit (1-6 steps)

45000P

Rating
( 2 ratings, average 4 out of 5 )
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