Clear aligner treatment with Invisalign aligners – a more pleasant way to get straight teeth

Do you want to correct minor aesthetic issues or do you have an incorrect bite? If you are considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment may be a good option.

Invisalign treatment is an easy, discreet and, for many, a more comfortable way to straighten their teeth than traditional braces. With Invisalign, the position of your teeth is corrected using clear aligners: using Invisalign is a little like having transparent braces.

When weighing the options for orthodontic treatment, be aware that Invisalign treatment also requires some level of commitment: the aligners need to be cleaned regularly and the actual orthodontic treatment is followed by a maintenance period.

In addition, Invisalign orthodontic treatment must always be carefully planned and carried out, as improper clear aligner treatment can cause pain and temporomandibular joint problems or even damage your bite.

Invisalign treatment is safe and the results are better with the help of a specialist in orthodontic treatment. 

You are in good hands at Hammas Mehiläinen, where Invisalign treatment is planned by either a specialist in orthodontic treatment or a dentist that receives assistance from a specialist in orthodontic treatment if needed.

The price of Invisalign treatment depends on whether you want to correct a minor, aesthetic issue or whether you need treatment that will correct a more challenging malocclusion.

During your first appointment with a dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment or an ordinary dentist, the most suitable treatment will be chosen for you.

Invisalign Go treatment carried out by a dentist

• Suitable for correcting minor aesthetic issues
• The treatment takes from a few months to about a year

Invisalign treatment carried out by a dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment (Invisalign Comprehensive, Invisalign Lite, Invisalign Express, Invisalign Teen)

• Also suitable for the treatment of severe malocclusion
• The treatment takes from a few months to about a year and a half

1. During your first appointment, the dentist will choose the most suitable kind of Invisalign treatment for you.
2. During your second appointment, the dentist will scan your teeth and your bite with a 3D scanner. A treatment plan will be made for you.
3. When your aligners arrive, your dentist will instruct you on how to properly use them.
4. The dentist will put discreet bumps on your teeth for attaching the aligners.
5. People usually get used to the aligners in a day or two.
6. The aligners are replaced approximately every week or two.
7. You will have appointments scheduled according to your personal treatment plan, usually once every 1–2 months.
8. After the clear aligner treatment, the maintenance period begins. You can wear a retainer at night or have your dentist install a permanent, thin metal wire on the back of your teeth.

Good oral hygiene is important during Invisalign treatment. Food and dirt may get stuck under the aligners, which will increase the risk of tooth decay.

• The aligners must, in principle, be worn at all times. However, you should remove the aligners when brushing your teeth and when you eat or drink anything other than water.
• Clean the aligners with dishwashing liquid or soap whenever you brush your teeth. Do not clean them with toothpaste.
• Also brush your teeth and clean the aligners after eating. In practice, this can sometimes be difficult. In such cases, it is enough to rinse your mouth and clean the spaces between your teeth.

The expert for this article was Susanna Karsila, a dentist specialised in orthodontic treatment.