TRANSPARENT PLAQUE TREATMENT
WHAT IS INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Invisalign is a digital orthodontics treatment option that uses clear aligners as an alternative to wires and brackets. Custom-made clear aligners are used sequentially to correct positional or bite irregularities in the teeth.
IS INVISALIGN THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR CLEAR ALIGNER TREATMENT?
Invisalign was the first product on the market in this field and, due to its patents, is one of the best systems in this area. In our country, there are also many other companies such as Clear Correct, Orthero, and CA Digital. In addition to these companies, some physicians also perform clear aligner planning and production in-office using specialized software within their own practices.
CAN TEETH MOVE WITHOUT BRACES?
The digitally planned movements, based on the measurements taken, create a pushing force as the aligners grip the teeth and attempt to mold them to the shape of the tray. This gripping and pushing movement allows the teeth to move and be brought to the ideal position without wires. Treatment monitoring is ensured by changing the aligners weekly or every two weeks, depending on the amount of movement planned.
ARE PLATES ALONE SUFFICIENT FOR TOOTH MOVEMENT?
Clear aligners may be insufficient for moving teeth, especially those with a rounded shape. In these cases, attachments, which are filling materials bonded to the tooth, are used to create tooth movement. In some cases, mini screws or elastics may also be used for support.
IS INVISALIGN AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE?
Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is suitable for everyone, but in severe cases, the use of additional supportive products such as mini screws, buttons, elastics, or attachments may be necessary. With today's technology, preparations for jaw surgeries, extraction treatments, overbites, crossbites, and deep bites can also be easily treated with Invisalign.
IS ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY PREPARATION POSSIBLE WITH CLEAR PLATES?
Clear aligners can be used to make the necessary preparations before jaw surgery. During surgery and the healing process, mini screws or buttons attached to the tooth surface can be used to help connect the jaws with the help of splints.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Transparent corrective aligners are not noticeable in the mouth, therefore they provide a very satisfactory and comfortable treatment process for patients with high aesthetic concerns. Because they can be easily put on and taken off while eating, drinking, or during special occasions, they can be used easily without any dietary restrictions.
Because the plaque material is soft, there is no risk of stinging, pain, or injury to the gums, lips, or cheeks.
It can be applied to all age groups starting from the age of 6 in patients who have already erupted their permanent teeth.
HOW IS THE NUMBER OF PLAQUES DETERMINED IN INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
In treatments with clear aligners, the main factor determining the number of aligners is the most challenging tooth movement the patient has. For example, in a treatment plan where 30 degrees of rotation is the most difficult movement, a minimum of 15 aligners should be planned since each aligner will rotate the tooth by 2 degrees.
WILL I EXPERIENCE PAIN DURING INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Transparent aligners work using a push-or-grip mechanism. The push-or-grip effect creates a force that begins immediately upon insertion, decreases within two hours, and is minimally noticeable after two days. Studies have shown that patients experience very little pain when aligners are fitted.
WHAT ARE THE FOLLOW-UP SESSIONS LIKE IN INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Digital treatment planning with clear aligners determines the frequency of these control sessions. Ideally, controls should be performed approximately every 6 weeks. At each control session, the aligners are given to the patients in sequence for continuation, and the aligner replacement intervals are planned. Treatment is completed with routine check-ups and necessary procedures.
HOW LONG SHOULD I LEAVE THE CLEAR PLATES IN?
There are two important elements in treatment with clear aligners: treatment planning and the patient's cooperation in using the aligners. The aligners should be worn for an average of 18-20 hours a day. They only need to be removed during eating and drinking. If they are not worn for more than 2 hours, pressure will be felt as if a new aligner has been introduced. This negatively affects the treatment duration.
WILL MY TEETH STRAIGHTEN IF I ONLY USE CLEAR ALIGNERS AT NIGHT?
It is almost impossible to complete the planned treatment time with clear aligners by wearing them only at night. Therefore, the aligners should not be removed for more than 2 hours at a time. It should be remembered that aligners need to be worn for 18-20 hours a day to ensure the planned treatment time.
DO I NEED TO TAKE OUT MY CLEAR RECORDS WHILE HAVING A DRINK?
Water, soda, and similar colorless foods can be consumed at room temperature while the aligners are in your mouth. The material used in the production of clear aligners is thermoplastic. Therefore, temperature changes negatively affect the fit of the aligners with your teeth. You can drink normal temperature or cool drinks, but it is recommended to remove them when drinking hot things like tea. Since Invisalign aligners are thermoplastic, they can deform in heat. Also, colored drinks can alter the clear appearance of the aligners. Therefore, it is recommended to remove them and store them in the provided storage cases after consuming colored and hot/cold drinks.
WILL INVISALIGN ADVERSELY AFFECT MY SPEECH?
The therapeutic aligners given to you when you start clear aligner treatment have a thickness of between 0.65-1 mm. This thickness difference may negatively affect your speech for 1-2 hours to 2 days, especially in certain letters where the tongue needs contact during speech. However, our patients usually get used to this situation after 1-2 hours with the recommended speech exercises. They may also feel a difference during swallowing in the initial moments, but this also disappears within 1-2 hours with adaptation.
WILL I BE ABLE TO REMOVE MY INVISAL RECORDS WHENEVER I WANT?
Transparent aligners are virtually invisible. However, they can be removed for special occasions, interviews, or anytime, provided they are worn for no more than two hours. If they haven't been used for longer periods, the wearing time should be extended until the aligners have fully served their purpose.
DO CLEAR RECORDINGS CHANGE COLOR OVER TIME?
Color changes in clear aligners are mostly caused by colored beverages or tobacco products like cigarettes consumed with the aligners. Drinks containing ingredients like turmeric and curry, in particular, immediately turn the aligners yellow, and the color cannot be reversed even with cleaning.
HOW SHOULD INVISALIGN TRACKS BE CLEANED?
Cleaning clear aligners is quite simple. You can easily clean them morning and evening, simultaneously with brushing your teeth, using liquid soap and a toothbrush under running cold water. Toothpaste can also be used instead of liquid soap, but some agents in toothpaste may stain the aligners slightly gray, creating a dirty appearance. Alternatively, cleaning crystals or denture cleaning products specifically manufactured by companies can be used for cleaning. They should absolutely not be treated with chemicals like bleach.
DO I NEED ANY ANY ADDITIONAL PREPARATION BEFORE MY INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Clear aligner treatment, by philosophy, involves the sequential use of a series of aligners custom-made for your teeth. The alignment of the aligners with your teeth is crucial. Since a filling in the mouth during treatment can negatively affect aligner adaptation, all procedures must be completed before the impression is taken. In some cases, the dentist may leave these procedures until the end of the treatment. This decision is made during the initial consultation.
WHAT IS THE MATERIAL CONTENT USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN INVISALIGN ALIGNERS?
Invisalign aligners, a patented product called Smart Track, are highly biocompatible. FDA approved, this product contains no Bisphenol A, latex, or gluten.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PREPARE INVISALIGN RECORDS?
We can deliver Invisalign aligners to our patients and start their active treatment approximately 4 weeks after the measurements are taken.
CAN I USE INVISALIGN PLATES WHILE EXERCISING OR SWIMMING?
Transparent aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and provide a perfect fit, making them ideal for swimming and all sports, including extreme sports.
CAN ANY DOCTOR PERFORM INVISALIGN TREATMENT?
Invisalign aligners can only be made by certified orthodontists who hold or have completed doctoral or specialist training in the field of orthodontics.
WILL THE BUTTONS OR ATTACHMENTS THAT ARE ADHESIVELY PLATED TO THE TOOTH SURFACE ALONG WITH THE ALIGNERS DURING TREATMENT REMAIN IN PLACE UNTIL THE END OF TREATMENT?
Each attachment or button has a reason for being added to your treatment. Attachments or buttons that have completed their function are removed. Some attachments may also have their position or shape changed during treatment. At the end of treatment, all these attachments are removed from your knee surface using special milling tools.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY INVISALIGN CLEAR RECORD?
For example, in a 15-aligner treatment, if you lose aligner number 8, the adaptation of aligner number 9 is checked first. If there are problems with its adaptation to the teeth or if it doesn't fit properly, aligner number 7 is used, and aligner number 8 is ordered again from the manufacturer. This can prolong the treatment process. Therefore, aligners must always be kept either in the mouth or in their storage case. They should never be wrapped in tissues or similar materials and left on a table.
WILL MY INVISALIGN TREATMENT END WITH THE PLANNED NUMBER OF SESSIONS?
There are many parameters involved in ensuring timely completion of treatment with clear aligners. The first is meticulous planning. The second is that the patient must wear the aligners for 18-20 hours a day. There are also many other parameters, such as the patient's age, bone thickness, and the predictability of the planned movement. Therefore, in addition to the initially prepared aligners, new measurements may be taken and additional aligners may be included in the treatment at the final stage.
MY INVISALIGN RECORDS AREN'T FITTING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
In treatment planning with clear aligners, specific movements of the teeth are planned. For example, 2 degrees of rotation per aligner. If the next aligner is used before the movement of the previous aligner is completed, blockage will occur in the later stages and the aligner will lose its adaptation. In this case, 3 options are tried; returning to the most ideally adapted aligner, making it suitable for adaptation with partial, short-term additions, or taking additional impressions and ordering new aligners. However, all these processes may prolong your treatment time.
WILL THE IMPROVEMENT IN MY TEETH AFTER INVISALIGN TREATMENT BE PERMANENT?
After your treatment with clear aligners is complete, a thin wire is usually attached for retention to prevent your teeth from shifting again. Alternatively, retention can be maintained by using Vivera retainers, which are also specifically designed for Invisalign treatment, worn at night.