Every time I see a teenager with braces, I think back to how ruthless kids can be.

We don’t need to rehash the hundreds of jokes about train tracks.

Newsflash – adults can be mean, too, and for those seeking perfectly aligned and straight teeth, braces are not the only option.

In fact, clear aligners are a convenient, comfortable, inconspicuous, and invisible option to get that charming and lasting smile at the end of a short treatment time.

More than 12 million people around the world have used genuine ‘Invisalign Clear Aligners’, which originate from the US, instead of opting for braces.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a transparent removable active aligner system designed to fit over your teeth. They are made from a high-quality clear patented polymer called ‘SmartTrack’ and each set of aligners moves your teeth more and more.

Invisalign aligners are not only invisible when worn, but are much more flexible and convenient than traditional fixed braces.

Am I a Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?

Anyone with misaligned or crooked teeth is a candidate for Invisalign aligners. Some of the orthodontic problems that are treated successfully with Invisalign aligners include:

• Gaps between teeth – excessive gaps between adjacent teeth, also known as a diastema, create aesthetic problems and cause difficulty in eating and speech.
• Overcrowding – this is when insufficient room is available in the jaws to accommodate all the teeth in optimal alignment. Invisalign aligners can correct mild to moderate cases of tooth overcrowding.
• Open bite – an open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed. Besides creating cosmetic issues, an open bite also creates problems with speech and eating.
• Deep bite – a deep bite is when the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower ones vertically. A deep bite can cause various complications, including jaw joint disorders, headaches, tooth wear and dental cavities.
• Crossbite – a crossbite occurs when both the upper and lower jaws are misaligned. As a result, one or more upper teeth lie inwards relative to the lower ones. Untreated crossbites can cause excessive tooth wear, tooth sensitivity, TMJ disorders, and dental cavities.

Before one can get started with Invisalign, there are a few steps to tick off:

• Clinical Examination and Treatment Planning – getting straight teeth with Invisalign is straightforward and convenient. Visit a Cape Town dentist that specialises in Invisalign for a consultation. They will perform a detailed clinical examination to ascertain your suitability and identify the underlying problem. They will also look at your teeth on 3D study models and x-ray images to create a personalised treatment plan.
• Digital Scan Impressions and Designing your Aligners – next, they will make digital 3D impressions of your teeth. Then, the Invisalign “iTero” scanner will upload the scans into special software called “ClinCheck”. This allows the dentist to design a set of aligners that will gradually move your teeth into optimal alignment.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign aligners are designed to be worn over your teeth. Your dentist will provide you with a set of numbered aligners sets – one aligner tray for each jaw. You will be asked to wear each aligner set for about one week, at least 22 hours each day.

The aligners are designed to exert very gentle pressure on your teeth and gradually move them into alignment. After one week, you should switch to the next set of numbered aligners.

After wearing all the aligner trays, they will give you “Vivera” retainers by Invisalign. There are no metal wires glued behind your teeth here. Instead, you only need to sleep with the Viveras.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

The amount of time for correcting tooth misalignment with clear aligners depends on the complexity of the underlying issue.

Typically, treatment with Invisalign will be completed between four and 12 months. The treatment duration also depends on patient compliance and adherence to the orthodontist’s recommendations.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign Aligners?

We spoke with Sea Point dentist Dr Clifford Yudelman, the founder of OptiSmile, to outline exactly why clear aligners are proving so popular.

• Invisible – Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and will not affect your smile and facial aesthetics when you wear them.
• Improved Oral Health – braces wearers often have difficulty brushing and flossing when cleaning their teeth. General oral hygiene is difficult and time-consuming due to the brackets and the wires. This problem is eliminated with Invisalign aligners, as you can remove them while brushing and flossing.
• No Diet Restrictions – with Invisalign, there are no diet restrictions. You can remove your aligners while eating your favourite foods and simply put them back on once you’re finished.

Invisalign aligners are made of a flexible patented material that makes them comfortable and they do not cause significant pain, discomfort, and soft tissue injury, unlike fixed metal braces in many cases.

In short, as dental technology and methods continue to improve, new technologies are coming to the fore to offer additional treatment options.

Before you rush into a decision, speak to the experts and find the option that best fits your journey to the perfect smile.