What Is the Success Rate of Invisalign?

Did you know that achieving a beautiful smile can be as easy as slipping on a pair of invisible aligners? At Central Texas Orthodontics in Austin, TX, we’re excited to share with you the wonders of these innovative orthodontic devices. But if you’ve never used Invisalign before, you might be wondering: just how successful are invisible aligners? Let’s dive into the facts and find out!

Invisible aligners have shown remarkable effectiveness in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. Numerous studies and clinical trials have revealed that these clear, custom-made trays boast an impressive success rate, typically falling between 95 and 97% in properly selected cases. 

By leveraging advanced technology and innovative design, invisible aligners gradually and gently guide your teeth into proper alignment, yielding excellent results when used consistently and as prescribed by Dr. St. Louis. Whether you need minor adjustments or more significant teeth straightening, invisible aligners offer a reliable and successful orthodontic solution.

To make the most of your treatment, follow a few key guidelines. Firstly, commit to wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Consistency is key! By keeping your trays in for the recommended time, you ensure that your teeth receive the constant, gentle pressure needed for effective realignment. Additionally, be diligent in following all the guidelines provided by your orthodontist regarding eating and oral hygiene. 

Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. This helps prevent staining and promotes optimal oral health throughout the treatment process. Lastly, don’t skip those regular checkups! Your orthodontist will schedule periodic appointments (typically every 4 to 6 weeks) to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments, ensuring a successful experience.

Invisible aligners work through a series of custom-made trays that are specifically designed to fit snugly over your teeth. Each set of aligners represents a different stage of your treatment plan. As you progress through the series, the trays gradually apply gentle pressure to your teeth, guiding them into their desired positions. 

It’s important to note that the aligners need to be replaced approximately every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on Dr. St. Louis’s recommendation. This allows for the gradual progression of tooth movement. The advanced technology used in the creation of these aligners ensures both comfort and effectiveness. So, while you go about your daily routine, the aligners discreetly and efficiently work to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.

The duration of your invisible aligner treatment can vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic case. In general, most treatments span from 6 to 18 months. For simpler cases involving minor adjustments, the treatment duration may be shorter, typically around 6 to 9 months. On the other hand, more complex cases requiring significant tooth movement or correction may take longer, ranging from 12 to 18 months or even more. 

Factors such as the severity of misalignment, jaw alignment issues, or spacing concerns can influence the timeline. At Central Texas Orthodontics, we’ll assess your bite and provide you with a personalized treatment plan, including an estimated duration tailored to your situation.

Once you’ve successfully completed your invisible aligner treatment, you might be ready to show off your perfect smile. But the journey doesn’t end there. To maintain the beautiful results you’ve achieved, you must wear retainers. They play a crucial role in ensuring that your teeth remain in their new positions over the long term. Typically, after completing the active phase of treatment, you will transition to wearing retainers full-time for a certain period. 

This allows your teeth to stabilize in their new positions. The duration of full-time retainer use can vary, but it’s typically recommended for around 3 to 6 months. After this initial period, we may advise you to wear them during nighttime only. Don’t worry; retainers are generally more discreet and comfortable than the aligners themselves. They are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be easily removed for eating and sports.

Rest assured, the plastic material used in invisible aligners is safe for orthodontic treatment. The trays are typically made of a high-quality, medical-grade thermoplastic called polyurethane resin. This material is specifically chosen for its biocompatibility, meaning it is well-tolerated by the human body. It has undergone rigorous testing and meets all safety standards for oral use. 

Additionally, it is free from harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol-A), ensuring your safety throughout the treatment process. The science-backed choice of materials ensures that while you’re working toward your dream smile, you can have peace of mind knowing that your oral health is in safe hands. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has rigorously evaluated and cleared invisible aligner systems for orthodontic treatment. This ensures that these aligners meet the required safety and effectiveness standards, providing you with peace of mind as you embark on your orthodontic journey.

Invisible aligners can address a wide range of orthodontic conditions, making them a versatile option for many individuals seeking orthodontic treatment. Whether you have crowding, gaps, or mild to moderate bite issues, Invisalign may be a suitable choice. This treatment can effectively correct misalignments, close gaps between teeth, and even address certain bite problems like overbite or underbite.

Age is not a significant barrier to invisible aligner treatment. Both teenagers and adults can benefit from this discreet and convenient option. For teenagers, invisible aligners can be an appealing alternative to traditional braces, offering a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable experience. Adults, on the other hand, appreciate the subtlety and convenience of invisible aligners, as they fit seamlessly into their professional and social lifestyles.

While invisible aligners can address various orthodontic conditions, there are cases where alternative treatments may be more appropriate. Severe malocclusion, such as significant overbite or underbite, may require traditional braces or other appliances to achieve optimal results. Likewise, individuals with jaw alignment issues that require more extensive correction may not be suitable candidates for invisible aligners alone.

Certain medical conditions can also impact the feasibility of invisible aligner treatment. For instance, patients with active gum disease or untreated tooth decay may need to address these oral health issues before considering aligner therapy. Additionally, individuals who are unable to comply with the necessary wear and care instructions due to cognitive or behavioral challenges may not be suitable candidates.

There are several compelling reasons to choose invisible aligners as your preferred orthodontic treatment option. Firstly, as the name suggests, they are virtually transparent, making them a discreet choice. You can confidently straighten your teeth without drawing unnecessary attention to your orthodontic treatment. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces.

Invisible aligners are also easy to care for. Unlike braces, which require special tools for cleaning and flossing, aligners can be easily removed, allowing you to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine. This helps to promote better dental health throughout your treatment.

Many patients consider invisible aligners more hygienic than braces. Since they can be removed, you can thoroughly clean both your aligners and your teeth, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay. This also means you can enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions, as you can simply remove the aligners during meals.

The first step is to schedule an appointment at Central Texas Orthodontics. During your visit, Dr. St. Louis will evaluate your teeth and discuss your orthodontic goals with you. He will explain the process and address any questions. Once you decide to proceed with invisible aligners, he will take digital impressions or physical molds of your teeth. 

These will be used to create a series of aligner trays, each designed to gradually move your teeth toward their desired positions. Throughout your treatment, you will be required to wear each set of aligners for a specified period, typically around 1 to 2 weeks, before progressing to the next set. We will schedule regular check-up appointments to monitor your progress.

Ready to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted? At our clinic, we use FDA-approved Invisalign aligners and provide personalized care to help you achieve a confident and beautiful smile. Schedule your consultation at Central Texas Orthodontics in Austin, TX today and take the first step toward a lifetime of radiant smiles.