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Orthodontics has come a long way since the days of metal braces. Today, many different options are available to patients, including Invisalign.
So what is Invisalign, and what can it do for you?
The treatment involves wearing a series of medical-grade polymer aligners, each slightly different from the previous one. As the aligners are worn, they gradually shift your teeth into their desired position.
Keep reading the article below as we analyse the Invisalign cost, benefits, and proprietary technology, comparing it with other options. By the end of this article, you will understand whether Invisalign is the right option for your needs.
Let’s start with the most burning question:
If you’re considering getting Invisalign, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the investment. After all, traditional braces can be pretty affordable, and they tend to work just as well.
So what’s the difference?
Well, Invisalign is practically invisible, meaning you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Plus, Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than braces since there are no brackets or wires that rub against your gums, causing irritation.
Here’s the problem:
Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces.
However, that extra cost can be mitigated in the long term if you consider that:
Invisalign can fix a slew of teeth problems, such as:
Tooth overcrowding can best be described as a situation in which there is insufficient space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit comfortably. This can often be due to a smaller or misaligned jaw, a cleft lip or palate.
Overcrowding can cause several problems, including pain, difficulty cleaning the teeth, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In severe cases, it can also lead to malocclusion or a misalignment of the jaws.
Overjet, also known as “buck teeth,” is a dental condition in which the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth. It’s a common problem, usually caused by genetics or thumb-sucking. While overjet isn’t dangerous, it can be unsightly, and it can also lead to problems with eating and speaking. In severe cases, overjet can even damage the lower teeth.
An underbite is when your lower teeth protrude past your upper teeth. It can happen when your upper jaw is too small, or your lower jaw is too big. Many people with an underbite also have a recessed chin. It’s not just a cosmetic issue; an underbite can lead to periodontal disease and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems.
An overbite is a common dental condition that occurs when the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth. It can range from mild to severe and often runs in families. Many people with an overbite are self-conscious about their appearance, but that’s not the only disadvantage.
People with overbites often have overcrowded teeth in their lower jaws, leading to bacteria accumulation. Overbites are also tied to poor posture and neck pain.
Tooth crossbite is a tricky little condition that occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This condition can cause a whole host of problems, including shifting of the teeth, gum disease, and even joint pain.
An open bite is a type of malocclusion where the teeth do not make proper contact when the jaws close. This dental problem can happen when the teeth are missing, misaligned, or protruding. An open bite can also occur if there is an overjet.
“Tooth spacing” describes how teeth are arranged in your mouth. The spaces between teeth are called interdental spaces and come in all shapes and sizes. Some people have wide interdental spaces, while others have very narrow ones.
Wide spaces between the teeth allow food to get stuck there, leading to bacteria proliferation and, sometimes, severe infections. As a result, your risk of developing periodontitis (gum disease) increases.
Here are the advantages of Invisalign that, again, may make this option worthwhile for you:
Because Invisalign clear aligners are made of a smooth, clear plastic that is virtually invisible, people will often not even notice you’re wearing them. Therefore, you can feel confident about your appearance during treatment and after.
That’s a significant advantage if you are self-conscious about your image or have postponed your treatment because of your appearance-related biases.
Here’s another issue many patients don’t consider:
People who avoid metal braces because of their appearance experience a massive shock after learning these braces are also prone to discolouration.
Luckily, Invisalign doesn’t lose colour in the long run.
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, comfortable, patented SmartTrack material. That means they won’t hurt your gums as some metal braces can.
Someone who’s had a low-quality retainer installed understands the level of discomfort it can produce, from itching to gum bleeds and halitosis.
Since Invisalign has no metal brackets or wires, you’ll spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments. As we said before, that saves you time and money.
Bonus: If you have dentist-phobia, you’ll really appreciate seeing your dentist less often.
You can eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem.
Just pop them out, and you’re good to go.
The advantage here is being able to clean your teeth more thoroughly, which, again, leads to fewer dental visits (because the risk of getting an infection is lower when you’re maintaining good hygiene).
The main differences between Invisalign and other aligner brands lie in the proprietary materials and software used:
ClinCheck® is proprietary software developed after the company analysed information from 11 million people using Invisalign.
Why is that important?
This software’s main advantage is calculating the exact required force to move each of your teeth. Using this data, your dentist can create a highly personalised treatment plan and braces.
You can also see a 3D simulation of this plan, which helps you understand what you’re committing to.
Although the software can analyse and calculate the necessary data with lightning speed, your treatment plan will be doctor-led. That means a licensed dentist with professional know-how in orthodontics will direct the whole process.
Why is that important?
You will receive valuable information and guidance throughout the treatment. Besides, the dentist will answer all your questions thoroughly, personalising that treatment according to your needs.
SmartTrack® is a high-quality polymer created by Align Technology after numerous tests stretching over eight years. SmartTrack is the material used for creating Invisalign.
Why is that important?
Experts agree that this material is comfortable and efficient. Unlike other braces or retainers, Invisalign fits snuggly into your mouth, and the pressure it creates is consistent. That’s how it can effectively treat the slew of dental conditions enumerated above.
SmartForce® are attachments enabling tooth movements. You won’t even notice these little shapes fixed to your teeth, but they have an important role, allowing:
Why is that important?
These movements allow your teeth to get back into their rightful places, thus correcting your dental problems faster.
The Invisalign cost in Singapore ranges from $4,500 to $9,000. However, some clinics indicate that the cheapest Invisalign in Singapore is as low as $3,000.
However, this Invisalign cost depends on:
That said, there are four Invisalign treatment plans:
| Invisalign Treatment | What’s it for | Maximum number of required aligners | Expected price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | Minor teeth movements | 7 | $3,000-$4,500 |
| Lite | Mild crowding and teeth spacing | 14 | $4,500-$6,000 |
| Moderate | Average crowding and teeth spacing | 26 | $6,000-$7,500 |
| Comprehensive | Complex issues, including extractions | Unlimited | $7,500-$9,000 |
But those are just the Invisalign treatment options. Let’s see how much your other options may cost:
However, only ClearCorrect and Aurora are in-clinic options, meaning they are executed by a medical professional. These two options are also the only ones from the list above that address all types of malocclusions, like Invisalign.
The other options are best for minor issues and have the disadvantage of being direct-to-consumer. That means your dentist will supervise the treatment plan remotely through teledentistry.
The other option is getting braces. Here’s how much that would cost:
However, Invisalign is the least noticeable, and the dental visits are 8-12 weeks apart. By comparison, the other teeth straighteners have you visiting your dentist every 4-6 weeks.
Here’s the problem:
Regarding overbite, Invisalign can only treat mild and moderate cases. More severe cases may still demand a traditional brace.
The Invisalign treatment process is relatively straightforward.
Initial consultation:
Second consultation:
The actual Invisalign treatment plan:
Follow-ups:
Treatment completion:
Post-treatment:
As mentioned earlier, the Invisalign cost in Singapore varies between $3,000 and $9,000. The factors affecting this cost include:
However:
Alternatively, you can always consider taking a personal loan. The advantage would be stretching your loan over a longer tenure instead of having to pay another instalment each time you visit the dentist.
Here at Money Kinetics, we can assist in helping you look for a personal loan with flexible repayment terms, so that you can flaunt that smile you deserve. Find out more here.
