Clear aligners have changed the orthodontic practice and presented a comfortable and discreet choice to steel braces in the past few years. There are thousands of brands, but a very popular one, Invisalign, is the most famous and used one. However, there are so many other brands of clear aligners that are available in the market, so why is Invisalign any different?
In this article, we will discuss the history of clear aligners, information for patients looking for an Invisalign specialist in the Upper East Side, and determining your aligner needs.
Background on Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are straightening removable trays that are clear, plastic in nature, and are meant to straighten teeth over time by putting a steady but low force pressure on them. They have been fashioned because they represent a more aesthetic and convenient substitute for braces that is almost unnoticeable as a treatment mechanism in straightening dental misalignments.
The principle of how clear aligners work:
- A scan or mold of the teeth of the patient is made.
- Invisible braces are designed using a computerized treatment plan.
- Every change of the aligners should be used for 1-2 weeks and move the teeth a little bit to the desired place.
- Modification of aligners becomes regular until the alignment of the suitable position of teeth.
Clear aligners may solve different malocclusion problems like crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, and moderate and mild malocclusion. What was earlier Invisalign has now become a competitive market with various brands making their own brand of clear aligner therapy.
Key Features of Invisalign
Invisalign is considered the original in the clear aligner stocks and has stayed on top because of its steadfast growth and results. These are some of the major characteristics that make it unique:
1. SmartTrack Proprietary Material
Aligners made by Invisalign consist of SmartTrack, a patented thermoplastic that was designed to be extremely flexible, comparatively very comfortable, and capable of controlling tooth movement.
2. Accuracy and Individuality
Manufacturers of Invisalign treatment ensure that every product starts with a high-definition 3D digital scan on the iTero scanner, which delineates the teeth and bite with sophisticated precision.
3. SmartForce Technology and Attachments
Small tooth-colored attachments, applied to the teeth, are referred to as SmartForce features, and they help to create complex movements unlike many other brands.
4. In-Office Supervision
Invisalign is only provided by licensed dental practitioners. Frequent checkups at the office are needed to guarantee that treatment goes according to the plan and permit timely corrections, which raises the success rates and reduces complications.
5. Long History of Track Record
Invisalign has already treated more than 15 million patients internationally, making it the best-documented company in clear aligner history. The business can continually update its algorithms and utilize this experience to treat people more effectively.
Comparison with Other Clear Aligner Brands
Invisalign is the most well-known brand, and many other brands have clear aligner treatment, with unique advantages and drawbacks. Here is a clear aligner comparison:
ClearCorrect
- Advantages/Positives: Cheaper compared to Invisalign; available with dentists.
- Disadvantages: The use of its more primitive materials and software; only a limited number of treatment options can be offered in case of complicated cases.
Byte
- Advantages: Quick treatment duration (with their HyperByte machine); a direct-to-consumer model is easy.
- Disadvantages: There is no face-to-face dental management; it is more appropriate for minor cosmetic adjustments.
Invisalign
- Advantages: High-tech, supervision of the specialists, capacity to accommodate complicated orthodontic requirements.
- Cons: The price is higher than DIY brands.
Essentially, the most significant benefit of Invisalign is that it combines the most sophisticated technology, clinical support, and proven record of success, particularly when it comes to moderate and even complex orthodontic delivery.
Considerations for Choosing a Clear Aligner
Selecting a clear aligner treatment is an individual matter and rather based on a few factors:
1. Complicated nature of your case
In case your dental problems exceed representing mere cosmetic issues, bite imbalance, significant crowding of teeth, and significant spacing, then there is a good chance that Invisalign will provide you with a more thorough and successful solution.
2. Budget
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that is more costly when compared to mail-order or limited-treatment plans such as Byte or SmileDirectClub. Nevertheless, the additional expense is considered affordable by most patients, since they get even better control and success rates.
3. Availability of Professional Care
Access to an orthodontist or dentist, such as Smiles+Grins, on a regular basis can help in improving treatment. Supervising in the office implies that all problems can be identified and resolved promptly.
4. Treatment Time
Some brands promote quicker treatment; however, it is not always a better idea to be quicker at the cost of effectiveness. An Invisalign treatment time is personalised and usually takes between 6 and 18 months.
5. Lifestyle Compatibility
Pay attention to the frequency of wearing the aligners, the frequency at which you can go to a clinic, and whether you are comfortable in treating yourself using distance means.
6. Long-Term Outcomes
A straight smile is also great, but keeping it is also important. Retainers are custom, and follow-ups after treatment are provided with Invisalign to maintain results.
Conclusion
Invisalign has been one of the leaders in orthodontic treatment, with reliable technology that supports orthodontic care, including the capability to dispatch complex and straightforward patient cases of the highest quality. The other brands may either look attractive due to less expense or less time to undergo the treatment, but they tend to fail in their long-term application on individuality, precision, and long-term results.
