What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the system developed in the late 1990s by US-based Align Technology that made clear aligner treatment widespread around the world. Movements planned on a three-dimensional digital model of your teeth are carried out with a series of clear aligners, each slightly different from the one before. Aligners are worn 20–22 hours a day and changed every 7–14 days according to the orthodontist's plan. The system consists of three main components: SmartTrack material, ClinCheck planning software and the iTero intraoral scanner.
At our clinic, clear aligner treatment is provided with Invisalign; planning and all check-ups are done by an orthodontist. Knowing the system's features helps you ask the right questions when you talk with your orthodontist.
What is SmartTrack material?
Invisalign aligners are made from a multilayer thermoplastic material that Align Technology calls SmartTrack. According to the manufacturer, this material is more flexible than single-layer aligners, transmits the force applied to the teeth more evenly for as long as the aligner is worn, and makes it easier for the aligner to seat on the teeth. Aligners are made with a trim line that follows the gumline (scalloped trim). Material properties are one factor in how the orthodontist plans the change interval; however, the main factor that determines the treatment outcome is the quality of the planning.
How do iTero scanning and ClinCheck planning work?
The process begins with a digital scan. iTero, Align's own scanner, captures a three-dimensional image of your teeth in a few minutes; no traditional impression material is needed. The scan is sent, along with the orthodontist's notes, to Align's planning center.
ClinCheck is the software in which the orthodontist views and edits the treatment plan. The amount and order of movement for each tooth, the positions of attachments (small tooth-colored bumps that help the aligner grip the tooth) and, if needed, elastic hooks are set at this stage. Aligners are made after the orthodontist approves the plan. You are also shown a simulation of the position your teeth will reach at the end of treatment. This simulation is a target image; the actual result may vary with your bone structure, your compliance and the course of treatment, and fine-tuning is done with additional aligner sets (refinement) if needed.
What are the Invisalign product lines?
Align Technology offers product packages for different age groups and levels of case complexity. Names and scope may be updated by region; the general framework is as follows:
- Invisalign First: Designed for children in the mixed dentition stage (when baby teeth and permanent teeth are present together). It includes features that leave room for erupting teeth and support jaw expansion movements.
- Invisalign Teen: For teenagers; it includes space allowances for erupting teeth and compliance indicators (colored marks that fade over time) showing that the aligner has been worn enough.
- Invisalign Express / Lite: For mild cases that can be resolved with a limited number of aligners.
- Invisalign Moderate: Includes a set number of aligners for moderate cases.
- Invisalign Comprehensive: A comprehensive package for complex cases with no limit on the number of aligners; additional aligner sets are included for a certain period.
Your orthodontist decides which package is suitable based on the amount of movement your case requires. The package type is one of the factors that affect the cost; details are on our clear aligner prices page.
Which cases is Invisalign used for?
The system is used across a wide range, from mild crowding and gaps to moderate and some complex cases with the support of attachments and elastics. In conditions such as deep bite, open bite and crossbite, auxiliary features (precision bite ramps, elastic cutouts) can be used. Marked skeletal discrepancies, severely rotated teeth and large vertical movements can be limiting, as with any clear aligner system, and may require braces or collaboration with surgery. The suitability of your case is assessed at the examination according to the criteria on our who are clear aligners suitable for page.
What do provider certification and experience levels mean?
Dentists who want to provide Invisalign complete Align's training program. In addition, providers are classified into levels according to the number of cases they have treated. These levels show the provider's experience with the system; however, being a specialist orthodontist is a separate qualification. It is a good idea to ask your orthodontist about both their area of specialty and their Invisalign experience.
Retention: Vivera retainers
After treatment, retention is essential to keep the teeth from returning to their old positions. Align offers clear retainers under the name Vivera, made from your digital model; they are usually provided in multiple sets. Your orthodontist may plan their use alone or together with a fixed retainer (a thin wire bonded behind the teeth). Retention is usually continued at night for life.
What should you consider when evaluating Invisalign?
Invisalign's strengths are its broad case experience, the ClinCheck planning software, products for children (Invisalign First) and teenagers, and its widespread provider network. Points to keep in mind are that delivery takes weeks because the aligners are manufactured abroad, and that the cost depends on the exchange rate. For details by age, see our Invisalign First for children, Invisalign for teens, for adults and Invisalign for older adults pages. Whether it is suitable for your case is determined after an examination and digital planning.