5 things you didn’t know about Invisalign
Did you know these interesting facts about Invisalign invisible orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatments
- Invisalign // DigiPro Align
- Fixed orthodontic appliances (brackets)
- Interceptive orthodontics (aimed at growing children)
Orthodontics tailored to the patient
If you have clicked on this treatment, you are probably thinking about giving your smile a new look. You’re in the right place! Read on: orthodontics is, above all, the speciality that corrects malocclusions, that is, conditions in which the upper teeth come into contact incorrectly with the lower teeth. This means that having misaligned teeth can lead to chewing problems or encourage tooth decay in the future. So no, it is not just about how our smile looks, although that is also one of the factors when deciding whether to have orthodontic treatment.
Technology has advanced so much nowadays that, in dentistry, we can enjoy treatments that are much faster, painless and with a perfect finish. You have probably heard of invisible orthodontics or Invisalign: this is an innovative orthodontic procedure in which transparent pieces (removable splints called aligners), made to the exact measurements of each patient, move the teeth into their correct position. If this is the treatment you are most interested in and you would like more information, at Oralitá Barcelona we offer you two equally excellent options, which vary depending on your budget. Click to find out more and compare the options:
- Invisible orthodontics with Invisalign
- Invisible orthodontics with DigiPro Align (a similar alternative made in Barcelona)
If, on the other hand, you are thinking of a more traditional treatment, at Oralitá you can also have traditional braces.
In children, in addition to the condition of the teeth, we also assess the growth of the facial bones, which, if it is not correct, can lead to a malocclusion developing. In these cases, we recommend interceptive orthodontic treatment, in which we can correct this growth using different methods (we use fixed or removable appliances, or a combination of both).
In most cases, when interceptive orthodontic treatment is carried out, the patient will not need orthodontic treatment as an adult.
Invisalign
Comfortable. Discreet. Hygienic. Practical. Precise. Fast. Painless.
Invisalign is an “invisible” orthodontic treatment based on removable, transparent splints, which we call aligners. They are custom-made and fitted to the patient’s mouth according to their specific needs. Quickly and comfortably, they correct the position of the teeth and help your mouth achieve better dental health.
Who is this treatment for?
Dear patient, not sure whether you need orthodontic treatment or a brace? Look at the cases we show you below and see whether your teeth look similar to any of them. In all these cases, orthodontics would considerably improve the health of your mouth:
Crowded teeth
This is a very common case: misaligned or very crooked teeth are a problem for the health of your mouth, as they allow tartar and plaque to build up between them and make it easier for tooth decay or other oral diseases to develop.
Gaps between teeth
Although this is more of an aesthetic issue, widely spaced teeth can also cause gum problems.
Deep bite
A deep bite can cause wear and irritation of the lower teeth, gum problems and pain in the jaw joints.
Mandibular prognathism
Despite its rather strange name, this refers to when the lower jaw tends to stick out forwards. Leaving aside the aesthetic issues, this condition mainly causes problems with chewing and the jaw joint, and jaw pain. It also causes deterioration and wear of the teeth and gums.
Open bite
An open bite can cause problems with the jaw joint and with chewing. In addition, by overloading the jaw joint (TMJ disorder), it can affect speech, your smile or swallowing.
Crossbite
A crossbite can cause tooth wear, bone loss and even periodontal disease. This bite can be anterior or posterior.
Frequently asked questions
How will it improve my oral health?
- Healthier gums: Once the teeth are aligned, the gums fit around them more easily and are therefore healthier. This helps to prevent future dental diseases, such as periodontitis.
- Less pressure and pain: When the teeth are correctly positioned, they put less pressure on the bone and the jaw joints.
- Better bite and chewing: With less strain on your bone structure, chewing becomes easier and the risk of gum recession is reduced.
How long does the treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment has no fixed duration, as each treatment is a personalised plan adapted to each patient’s situation. Using the radiological information we obtain digitally, the doctor assesses the type of movement needed and gives the patient an estimate of the duration. To make this easier to understand, we can divide treatments into 3 types: mild, moderate and severe. Mild treatment involves a relapse (the movement of a single tooth), moderate treatment involves crowded teeth, and severe treatment is a case in which the bone component must be treated (which has limitations in adults, as orthognathic surgery is needed). Therefore, the estimated time for each treatment (with Invisalign or DigiPro Align) is as follows:
- Mild treatment: 2-4 months
- Moderate treatment: 6-8 months
- Severe treatment: up to 24 months
Traditional orthodontics is usually a slower procedure and tends to last between 12 and 36 months.
What does the treatment process involve?
- Personal diagnosis: During your visit with Dr. Matteo, you will first see together whether your case is suitable for the treatment; then photos, X-rays and 3D digital scans of your teeth need to be taken. All of this will be used to help create a personalised Invisalign treatment plan.
- The splints or aligners: The splints that will help your teeth move into the correct position are made and sent to our clinic. Once they arrive at the clinic, we will call you to give you the series of splints you will need to wear every day, which you can change comfortably at home roughly every 1-2 weeks.
- The results: You will need to come in for appointments over the following weeks so that the doctor can monitor the process and you can receive your new aligners. Once your treatment plan is complete, you will need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in place.
Last updated:
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Learn more
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How long does orthodontic treatment (Invisalign) take?
Would you like to start the year with a new smile? Then don’t think twice: at Oralitá we will advise you on the orthodontic treatment that best suits your individual case.
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We listen to you, check your mouth with a digital X-ray at no cost, and suggest a clear plan with a quote.