56 Questions answered

Can Invisalign close extraction gaps?

Invisalign can close extraction gaps but in my experience, this requires either additional treatment with fixed braces to ensure the teeth on either side of the gap end up in correct alignment or additional tools (such as power arms) during space closure. What tends to happen when aligners are used to close spaces, is that the crowns of the teeth tend to tip towards the gap instead of moving towards each other in an upright alignment (bodily movement). Even with fixed braces, this can be difficult to achieve. This tipping is accentuated further when patients do not wear their aligners enough.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

How do Aurora Aligners work compared to Invisalign?

Aligner technology across the board should perform the functions of straightening malaligned teeth using similar orthodontic mechanics. There are many brands in the market, and prices may vary quite a bit. It is understandable that patients would want to know why they are paying a premium for a similar treatment that could potentially be much cheaper, and I hope the information below can help you make your decision better.

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Human

What is the difference between Invisalign Lite and Moderate?

Hello! Invisalign Lite Invisalign Lite is for cases that require 14 aligners or less. It can address minor crowding and spacing and provide simple corrections for aesthetic improvements. Invisalign Moderate Invisalign Moderate is for cases that require 26 aligners or less and can address mild to moderate crowding, spacing, overbite, and overjet (distance between upper and lower teeth from a sideways profile). Alternative Invisalign Packages Finally, there is also a comprehensive package that allows for unlimited aligners within a 5 year period.

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Answered By

Dr Joanne Lam

Dentist

How does Invisalign compare against conventional braces for overjet?

First of all, overjet is not a disease, everyone has overjet. If you mean excessive overjet, which means like protrusion of the teeth -- if it’s mild, sometimes I’ll just accept it and make the teeth straight. Sometimes some people will have teeth that’s like Bugs’ Bunny teeth, then when you align everything it doesn’t look so out of place and the patient’s happy. But the more severe cases you may need to have like four extractions done.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

What is the difference between braces and clear aligners?

The biggest difference would be compliance. I had some clear aligner patients who were like “I’m only going to wear this for 8 hours”. Then I’m like “okay cool, then you’d have to wear that aligner for one month instead of two weeks”. That’s the main difference. Because the tooth doesn’t know what’s pushing it. It’s just like something is pushing it so it’s going to move in the direction. Clear aligners are good at doing some things, like compared to braces.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

How can I make sure my child is using Invisalign properly?

Invisalign needs to be worn for at least 22 hours a day for effective tooth movement. Although Invisalign is popular, its greatest advantage (for patients) is also its biggest drawback. Being a removable appliance, success depends heavily on patient compliance and competency in using the appliance. Here are some tips to help improve compliance: Cut down and eliminate snacking: Invisalign has to be removed during eating or consuming beverages (apart from water) to prevent damage to the aligners and teeth (from acidic or sugary food and beverages).

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

What can I do if my teeth shifted back after completing an Invisalign treatment?

One of the problems of Invisalign, or any other process that shifts the position of teeth in the mouth, is that the position is not always stable. Factors that can influence this include the age of the patient (the older, the more unstable), the movements that have been done and the wearing of retainers. The wearing of retainers after the active phase of treatment does not stop relapse but just controls it. If your teeth have relapsed after any orthodontic treatment, our advice is not to consider any further such treatment. There are other aesthetic options available.

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Answered By

Dr Kevin Ong

Dentist

How should I prepare for my first Invisalign consultation?

The most important thing that you can do to help your dentist during your consultation is to know yourself and what you want to achieve *(your goals)*. Your dentist can provide you with a wide variety of treatment options to help you achieve your goals. However, if you aren't sure about what your goals are, then it can be almost impossible for your dentist to provide you with a treatment plan that will make you happy in the long run.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

Can I get Invisalign with missing teeth and what are possible complications?

Invisalign is a removable form of orthodontic appliance which is especially popular with adults, as many patients feel embarrassed about the "braces look" and think that braces are a thing for youngsters. They are virtually invisible and facilitate oral hygiene, with less restriction of food choices and most importantly, more comfortable. When my adult patients come to me for orthodontic treatment, it is more uncommon for some of them to have other dental issues and missing teeth.

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Answered By

Dr Enrica Sham

Orthodontist

What are the benefits of Damon braces as compared to traditional braces?

The purported "benefits" of Damon braces include shorter treatment time, less pain and eliminating the need for extractions. Dentists may like Damon brackets because it is less time-consuming to change wires. The purported benefits are mostly marketing claims that have no real impact on the biomechanics of how teeth move and how an orthodontic case is planned. Your teeth ultimately cannot sense if you are wearing regular brackets or Damon brackets! The UK Advertising Standards Authority passed a ruling on claims by Damon (Ormco) which you can read here.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

How may smoking impact my Invisalign treatment?

Tobacco smoking will probably end up staining your aligners, which can be unsightly since you need to keep them in for at least 22 hours a day. The stains can be impossible to remove. If you remove your aligners prior to smoking, you need to ensure that you are keeping within the recommended number of hours required for aligner wear. Brushing your teeth after smoking can help to prevent tobacco stains from transferring to the aligner material. Smoking will also stain the attachments or the joints around where the attachment meets the tooth surface.

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Answered By

Dr Jaclyn Toh

Dentist

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* This profile has been last updated on January 8, 2022.