Invisalign has revolutionized the world of orthodontics, providing a modern and discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
If you’re looking for a way to straighten your teeth without the visibility of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign could be the perfect solution for you. But what exactly is Invisalign, and how does it work?
In this guide, we’ll explain what Invisalign is, how it works, and why it’s an excellent choice for adults and teens looking for a more subtle way to straighten their teeth.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used in orthodontics to straighten teeth.
These aligners are made of a smooth, transparent plastic material that is custom-made to fit over your teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, brush, and floss without restrictions.
Each set of aligners is designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position, offering a more comfortable and discreet alternative to conventional braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
The process of getting Invisalign is relatively straightforward, and the results are achieved in a series of carefully planned steps:
1. Initial Consultation and Custom Treatment Plan
The first step in the Invisalign process is an initial consultation with an experienced orthodontist at Every Smile Dentistry in Pretoria.
During this visit, your orthodontist will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment goals.
Using advanced 3D scanning technology, your orthodontist will map out a customized treatment plan, showing you a digital preview of how your teeth will look at the end of your treatment.
2. Custom-Fitted Aligners
Once your treatment plan is finalized, a series of custom clear aligners will be created specifically for you.
These aligners are made of smooth, medical-grade plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, there are no wires or brackets to irritate the inside of your mouth.
3. Wearing the Aligners
You will wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Every 1-2 weeks, you’ll switch to the next set of aligners in the series, gradually moving your teeth closer to their final position.
4. Regular Checkups
You’ll need to visit your orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. These checkups allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and provide you with the next set of aligners.
5. Final Result and Retention
Once your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll receive a final set of retainers to keep your teeth in place and prevent any shifting. It’s important to wear your retainers as instructed to maintain your new smile for the long term.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign has become a popular choice for people seeking orthodontic treatment because it offers numerous advantages over traditional braces:
1. Discreet Appearance
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them an ideal choice for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces. This makes them especially popular among adults and teenagers who are self-conscious about wearing braces.
2. Removable and Convenient
One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable.
You can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, meaning there are no dietary restrictions or special cleaning tools required.
This also makes maintaining good oral hygiene easier compared to traditional braces.
3. Comfortable Treatment
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, which is much more comfortable than the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. There are no sharp edges or wires that can irritate the inside of your mouth, making Invisalign a more comfortable option for many people.
4. Shorter Treatment Time
Invisalign treatment can sometimes be completed more quickly than traditional braces, with many patients seeing results in 12 to 18 months. The duration of treatment will vary based on your individual case and how closely you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
5. Fewer Office Visits
Since Invisalign aligners are customized and you switch them out on your own, you may require fewer visits to your orthodontist for adjustments.
This makes Invisalign treatment more convenient and less time-consuming compared to traditional braces, where regular adjustments are needed.
Invisalign Cost in South Africa
The cost of Invisalign treatment in South Africa typically ranges between R18,000 and R30,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment. The total cost may vary based on factors such as:
- The severity of your dental issues: More complex alignment problems may require more sets of aligners, which can increase the overall cost.
- Treatment duration: Longer treatment plans will typically result in a higher overall cost.
- Orthodontist’s experience: An experienced orthodontist may charge more for their expertise, but this often results in better treatment outcomes.
At Every Smile Dentistry in Pretoria, we offer competitive pricing for Invisalign and can provide you with a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate during your initial consultation.
Is Invisalign Right for You?
Invisalign is an excellent option for many people, but it may not be suitable for everyone. The treatment is most effective for those with mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Slightly crowded teeth
However, more complex cases, such as severe bite problems or major tooth movement, may require traditional braces or a combination of different treatments.
At Every Smile Dentistry, our experienced orthodontists can help determine if Invisalign is the best option for your specific needs. We’ll discuss your goals and recommend the most effective treatment plan for achieving a straighter smile.
Why Choose Every Smile Dentistry for Invisalign in Pretoria?
At Every Smile Dentistry, we are proud to offer Invisalign treatment to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Here’s why we are the right choice for your Invisalign journey:
- Experienced Orthodontists: Our team has extensive experience with Invisalign and can provide personalized care throughout your treatment.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest technology to ensure precise treatment and create the best possible results for our patients.
- Affordable Treatment Plans: We offer competitive pricing for Invisalign and flexible payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
- Comfort and Convenience: Our goal is to make your Invisalign treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible, with fewer office visits and no dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Invisalign is an innovative, discreet, and comfortable orthodontic treatment that can help you achieve a straighter smile without the need for metal braces.
With its removable aligners and the ability to straighten teeth without anyone noticing, Invisalign is a great choice for those looking for a more subtle way to improve their smile.
If you’re considering Invisalign in Pretoria, Every Smile Dentistry is here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if Invisalign is the right option for you!
