With the rise of mask-wearing, orthodontic treatment has gained significant attention. There are various orthodontic methods, such as traditional braces, Invisalign (clear aligners), and lingual braces. This time, we will introduce Invisalign, a nearly invisible and removable orthodontic treatment.
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What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a thin, transparent, aligner-based orthodontic system developed in 1997 by Align Technology in the United States.
More About Invisalign
Invisalign is generally suitable for cases of dental misalignment (crowded teeth) but not for skeletal misalignment. While it has become possible to treat cases requiring tooth extraction, there is a risk that the back teeth may tilt forward (mesial tipping). In such cases, additional aligners or temporary wire braces may be needed for correction.
Features of Invisalign
✔ Gentle and gradual movement: Aligners are changed frequently, applying continuous, mild force, reducing discomfort.
✔ Removable for eating and drinking: You can remove the aligners when eating, preventing food from getting stuck in the appliance.
✔ Treatment simulation available: You can preview the expected movement of your teeth before starting treatment.
Attachments: Key to Invisalign’s Effectiveness
Attachments are small composite resin bumps bonded to the surface of the teeth. These help aligners grip the teeth better, allowing for precise control of movements like extrusion, intrusion, rotation, and torque control.
Since attachments are made from tooth-colored composite resin, they are hardly noticeable. Thanks to attachments, Invisalign now provides more precise tooth control than ever before.
Types of Tooth Movement in Invisalign
Here are some key types of tooth movement used in Invisalign, explained with simple terms:
- Tipping Movement: The tooth tilts at an angle.
- Bodily Movement: The entire tooth shifts parallelly.
- Rotation: The tooth turns around its axis.
- Extrusion: The tooth is pulled outward in the direction of the crown.
- Intrusion: The tooth is pushed deeper into the gum.
- Torque Movement: The tooth root is moved while applying rotational force to the crown.
What is IPR? (Interproximal Enamel Reduction)
IPR is a common procedure in Invisalign treatment, where a tiny amount of enamel is shaved off between the teeth. It is also sometimes used in wire braces.
✔ Is it safe?
Yes! IPR is done within a safe range that does not affect the health or longevity of the tooth. The enamel layer is reduced by only 0.1mm at a time, making it more like smoothing with a file rather than “shaving” the tooth. While there may be sound and vibration, most patients report no pain.
✔ How much enamel is reduced?
The maximum safe reduction varies depending on the location of the tooth. However, we always aim to minimize enamel removal. On average, about 0.2mm–0.6mm of enamel is removed.
Invisalign Treatment Example
📸 Here is an example of a patient treated with Invisalign.
Conclusion
This was an overview of Invisalign and its key features.
If you want to learn more or have any questions, we encourage you to book a consultation. We look forward to seeing you! 😊
Dr. Yosuke Uji, Ph.D. in Dental Science (Orthodontics)
E.T., Dental Hygienist