No, Invisalign does not always work perfectly the first time, but around 88%-90% of cases are said to be successful according to data, provided that patients follow instructions.
Many patients need a few extra aligners at the end to fine-tune their smile, and a small number need a different approach to finish treatment. Choosing an experienced dentist and wearing your aligners consistently are the two biggest factors in getting a good result.
Find out about our Invisalign braces in Hertfordshire, call us today on 01920 821579 or email us at info@elegancedental.co.uk
Key Points
Invisalign works well for most mild to moderate alignment problems, but results are not guaranteed for every case.
Most patients need at least one round of refinement aligners, which is a normal part of treatment rather than a sign of failure.
Wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day gives Invisalign the best chance of working as planned.
Read further to understand:
Does Invisalign always work to straighten teeth?
Does Invisalign always work for malocclusion and to fix bites?
What determines whether Invisalign works or not?
How Often Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign works for the large majority of patients, although most need some fine-tuning along the way.
More than 24 million people worldwide have now been treated with Invisalign, according to Align Technology.
A study of 500 Invisalign patients published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that patients needed an average of 2.5 refinement scans.
Only 6% finished without any refinements, and around 1 in 6 (17.2%) switched to fixed braces to complete their treatment.
Does Invisalign always work for malocclusion and to fix bites?
Invisalign can be an effective treatment for correcting malocclusion (misaligned teeth) and improving bite problems, but it does not always work for every patient or every type of bite issue.
It is particularly effective for mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites and crossbites. However, more complex cases may require additional attachments, elastics, specialist orthodontic techniques or traditional fixed braces to achieve the desired result.
What Affects Whether Invisalign Braces Work?
Whether Invisalign works depends mainly on how complex your case is, how well it is planned and how consistently you wear your aligners.
The main factors include:
Wear time, as aligners only move teeth while they are in your mouth
The type of movement needed, as some movements are harder than others
The planning and experience of your dentist
The use of attachments, small tooth-coloured bumps that help the aligners grip
The health of your gums and supporting bone
See also: Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
What Dental Problems Can Invisalign Struggle With?
Invisalign can struggle with severe rotations, large bite problems and moving teeth up or down in the gum.
Rounded teeth such as canines and premolars can be harder to rotate, because the aligner has less to grip. Very large differences between the upper and lower jaw may also need fixed braces or, in some adults, jaw surgery alongside orthodontic treatment.
That said, modern attachments, elastics and better planning software mean Invisalign can now treat many cases that once needed braces.
How Can I Tell If My Invisalign Is Not Working?
You can usually tell your Invisalign is not working as planned if your aligners stop fitting snugly against your teeth.
Signs to look out for include:
Small gaps between the edge of the aligner and your teeth
An aligner that will not click fully into place
A tooth that does not seem to be moving with the others
New aligners that feel far too tight
This is often called the aligners not tracking. If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist rather than moving on to the next set.
What Happens If Invisalign Does Not Work?
If Invisalign does not work as planned or your teeth have relapsed, your dentist will usually take a new scan and order refinement aligners to finish the job.
Refinements are a fresh set of aligners based on where your teeth are now. They are very common and do not mean your treatment has failed. Your dentist may also add attachments or ask you to use chewies, small soft cylinders you bite on to help the aligners seat fully.
In a small number of cases, a short spell in fixed braces may be the best way to finish the last movements.
See also: Will my bite need to be adjusted after Invisalign?
How Can I Make Sure My Invisalign Works?
The best way to make sure your Invisalign works is to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day and follow your dentist's instructions closely.
It also helps to:
Change aligners only when your dentist tells you to
Attend every check-up so problems are caught early
Keep your teeth and aligners clean
Tell your dentist straight away if an aligner breaks, is lost or does not fit
Leaving your aligners out for long periods is the most common reason treatment goes off track. Find out more about what happens if you don't wear your Invisalign enough.
At Elegance Dental, Dr Erika Schoeman is part of the Molis Coaching Faculty, which focuses on excellence in clear aligner treatment.
We use the iTero scanner to plan each movement precisely and show you a preview of your new smile before you start. For more information, get in touch today on 01920 821579 or email us at info@elegancedental.co.uk
