Invisalign® and Clear Aligners: What They Are and How They Work

Ditch the Metal: The Clear Aligner Revolution and Invisalign® Alternatives

For decades, metal braces were the go-to solution for straightening teeth, but they came with discomfort, food restrictions, and a noticeable appearance. Clear aligners like Invisalign® have revolutionized orthodontics by offering a virtually invisible, comfortable, and removable alternative. If you've been considering straightening your teeth without the hassle of traditional brackets and wires, clear aligners might be the perfect solution.

How Do Clear Aligners like Invisalign® Work?

Clear aligners are a modern, removable, and virtually invisible orthodontic treatment that gradually shifts teeth into proper alignment. Unlike traditional braces, which use brackets and wires, clear aligners rely on custom-made trays that apply controlled pressure to move teeth over time.

The process involves several steps to ensure precise and predictable results:

1. Digital Scanning & Treatment Planning

The journey begins with a high-resolution 3D scan of your teeth. Using this digital model, your dentist creates a personalized treatment plan that maps out exact tooth movements from start to finish. This plan ensures that every aligner in the series moves your teeth closer to their ideal position.

2. Custom-Made Aligners & Attachments for Precision Movement

Once the treatment plan is finalized, a series of clear plastic trays is created using advanced technology. These aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth and apply gentle, controlled forces to shift them gradually.

In many cases, small tooth-colored attachments (also called "engagers") are bonded to specific teeth. These composite bumps act as anchors, helping the aligners grip the teeth more effectively and apply the necessary forces for movements such as rotations, tilting, or vertical adjustments. Attachments ensure that even complex tooth movements can be achieved with aligners.

3. Wearing the Aligners & Tracking Progress

Each aligner set is typically worn for about 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the series. For optimal results, aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day, only being removed for eating, drinking (except water), and brushing. Regular check-ups with your dentist ensure that your teeth are progressing as planned. In some cases, refinements may be needed, where additional aligners or adjustments are made to fine-tune the results.

4. Interproximal Reduction (IPR) for Crowding Cases

For patients with crowded teeth, slight adjustments to the enamel may be required to create space for proper alignment. This process, called Interproximal Reduction (IPR), involves gently polishing small amounts of enamel between teeth to make room for movement. IPR is safe, painless, and does not harm the tooth’s overall structure. It is commonly used for cases where the dental arch is too narrow or when minor spacing adjustments are needed to achieve the best results.

5. The Retention Phase: Keeping Your New Smile in Place

Once treatment is complete, a retainer is worn to maintain results and prevent teeth from shifting back. Retainers are typically worn full-time initially, then gradually reduced to nighttime wear. Without a retainer, teeth can relapse into their original positions over time.

The Bottom Line for Aligners like Invisalign®

Clear aligners are a comfortable, discreet, and highly effective alternative to traditional braces, offering a precise and customized approach to orthodontic treatment. With attachments, interproximal reduction when needed, and careful planning, aligners can treat a wide range of orthodontic cases—helping you achieve a straighter, healthier smile with minimal disruption to your daily life.

Clear Aligners/Invisalign® vs. Traditional Braces: Which Is Better?

Clear aligners and traditional braces both work to straighten teeth, but they differ in key ways:

• Aesthetics: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, while braces are highly noticeable.
• Comfort: No sharp brackets or wires to irritate the mouth.
• Cleansibility: Clear aligners are removable, making it easier to brush and floss compared to braces, which require special tools.
• Effectiveness: Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate misalignments but may not be suitable for complex cases requiring significant tooth movement.
• Food Restrictions: With aligners, you can eat whatever you want (as long as you remove them first), whereas braces come with a long list of foods to avoid.

What Brands of Clear Aligners Are Available?

Clear aligners have become a popular choice for straightening teeth, and several brands offer unique systems with different technologies. Some of the most well-known aligner brands include:

• Invisalign – One of the most recognized brands, known for its SmartTrack material and customized attachments for better tooth movement.
• ClearCorrect – A trusted alternative that offers flexibility and affordability while providing effective results.
• SureSmile – A high-precision aligner system designed with advanced digital planning for predictable outcomes.
• Byte – Marketed for at-home treatment with a focus on shorter treatment times using their HyperByte technology.
• Smile Direct Club – A direct-to-consumer aligner system that offers remote treatment without in-office visits.

While all these brands offer clear aligner treatment, they vary in materials, treatment planning, and supervision.

Why We Use 3M Clarity Aligners at TLC Dentistry Instead of Invisalign®

At TLC Dentistry, we offer 3M Clarity Aligners—a high-quality system that provides superior results compared to many other brands. What makes 3M Clarity Aligners stand out?

• High-Quality Material – Designed for durability, comfort, and efficient tooth movement.
• Precision Fit – Custom-made using advanced technology for an accurate, comfortable fit.
• Unmatched Attachment Technology – Ensures better control over tooth movement for faster and more predictable results.
• Made in the USA – Manufactured with strict quality standards, ensuring top-tier results for our patients.

If you’re looking for a discreet, effective, and comfortable way to straighten your teeth, 3M Clarity Aligners might be the perfect choice for you!

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

If you're considering clear aligners, we invite you to schedule a free orthodontic consultation at TLC Dentistry. Our team will evaluate your smile and determine if clear aligners are the right solution for you. Call us today at (727) 785-2467 to get started!