If you are exploring your options for teeth straightening treatments, you have probably come across Invisalign®. This system of clear aligners gradually moves the teeth into the desired position discreetly and with minimal changes to your lifestyle. It isn’t as simple as showing up at your dentist or orthodontist and requesting this treatment as there are several different types of Invisalign and it may be that not all are suitable for you. To help you with a little background information before you speak to your dental care professional, here is a quick rundown of the types of Invisalign that might be suitable for your smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a very popular teeth straightening treatment which uses clear, wafer thin aligners made from medical grade plastic to gradually move the teeth into better alignment. A new set of aligners are used every two weeks to exert the exact forces on the teeth needed to complete this gradual shift in position.
Used for: crooked, misaligned, gappy or overlapping teeth.
Benefits: virtually invisible aligners which can be removed for eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth.
Invisalign Lite
Invisalign Lite is a very useful treatment for patients with minor orthodontic issues. It uses a maximum of 10 transparent aligners to gradually move the teeth into a more desirable alignment. As there are fewer aligners than with the standard Invisalign braces, treatment can often be completed within as little as six months. It can also be used to help move your teeth into a better position before you have other cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers, crowns or bridges.
Used for: minor crowding, small gaps between the teeth or poor alignment between upper and lower teeth.
Benefits: shorter treatment times and less expensive than standard Invisalign.
Invisalign i7
Invisalign i7 is a teeth straightening treatment that can help with minor orthodontic problems. It uses just 7 clear aligners to make subtle tooth movements to improve the overall aesthetic of your smile. It is a convenient alternative to braces that offers short treatment times with virtually invisible aligners.
Used for: minor crowding, spacing or orthodontic relapse.
Benefits: treatment can be completed in as little as 3 months, with the option to add further aligners should seven not be enough to achieve the desired alignment.
Invisalign Teen
Though Invisalign Teen works in exactly the same way as standard Invisalign treatment, it has been designed specifically for teenagers. The aligners come with a blue wear indicator to help gauge wear time and have been designed to take into account the eruption of adult teeth.
Used for: teens with misalignment issues who haven’t yet got all of their adult teeth.
Benefits: starts working from the first set of aligners, doesn’t cause any changes to lifestyle and comes with free replacement aligners in case any get lost.
Summarising the Invisalign different types
In conclusion, Invisalign is a virtually invisible brace treatment that is suitable for both adults and teenagers. Invisalign i7 and Invisalign Lite are suitable for minor orthodontic problems whereas more complex issues can be treated with the standard Invisalign aligners. For teenagers whose adult teeth are not fully erupted there is Invisalign Teen. Not everyone will be suitable for clear aligners, so it is recommended that you talk to your dental care professional to assess your eligibility and ask any questions you might have about treatment.
Dulwich Orthodontics is an orthodontics centre in South East London offering more information on the different types of Invisalign plus consultations for yourself or your teen.