Invisalign Users Share Their Experience: All You Need to Know About Invisalign® and Other Teeth Straightening Options

If you’re self-conscious about your crooked teeth, you’re not alone. The good news is that orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign offer effective solutions to straighten teeth and boost confidence. But with so many factors to consider, it can be challenging to determine which option is right for you.

A straight, healthy smile not only looks great but can also have a positive impact on your overall health and self-confidence. Orthodontic treatments have been around for decades, but with the popularity of Invisalign, achieving a beautiful smile has been easier or more discreet. Invisalign clear aligners have revolutionised the way people approach teeth straightening, making it an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a more comfortable and convenient option.

Our team asked Agape and Farah who are metal braces patients and Lea, our Beauty Insider – Test, Trial and Loved reviewer who is currently on Invisalign treatment.  To provide professional insight into these orthodontic treatments, we’ve consulted with Dr. Cheng Eng Wah, founder of i.Dental™ which is an integrated dental care provider, first established in 1989. Together, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both braces and Invisalign, helping you make an informed decision about the ideal treatment for your needs.  Scroll down to read further on braces and Invisalign clear aligners treatment.

Disclaimer: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

Braces and Invisalign Clear Aligners Treatment

Invisalign Clear Aligners are Convenient and Comfortable  

Unlike Invisalign, traditional braces may impose certain restrictions on users. These include avoiding certain foods and taking extra care when flossing or brushing. Furthermore, a majority of people who wear traditional braces report discomfort and pain,   which may develop mouth ulcers. * 

*May have varying effects on individuals

For Agape, she experienced painful ulcers during her braces treatment, while Farah managed to avoid them by hydrating herself frequently. “I was quite paranoid about getting ulcers, so I went overboard with hydration. It was uncomfortable having metal in my mouth 24/7. I would say the rest of the pain was bearable and barely noticeable unless I accidentally bit into something hard,” she says.

With traditional braces, simple daily tasks like eating or brushing your teeth can become quite a hassle. Agape recalls being advised to cut her food into small pieces to avoid damaging her braces. Farah adds that, “I had to be more careful with the food I ate because I did not want to put too much pressure on my braces in case the brackets would break. Brushing my teeth was also a tedious process because I had to make sure I cleaned every surface.”

These experiences are in stark contrast to Lea’s, who opted for Invisalign as her preferred orthodontic treatment. Lea began her Invisalign treatment slightly over a year ago to treat crowded teeth, and has been pleased with the results. 

“The only challenge I faced was at the beginning, when I had to get used to removing as well as putting on the aligners using the correct technique,” she says. “But now, it’s second nature. I am thankful for this treatment because I don’t have wires poking my mouth and I don’t get ulcers, which is what I hear a lot from my friends with traditional braces.”

Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and bands to gradually shift teeth into place. The metal brackets are fitted to the teeth, and wires are threaded through each of them. The dentist will tighten the wires periodically to keep the pressure on the teeth and achieve the desired results.

Dr. Cheng Eng Wah explains that Invisalign utilises a series of clear aligners to gradually move teeth into the desired position. He points out that Invisalign offers aesthetics, and the ease of removing Invisalign aligners makes it much easier for patients to maintain good oral hygiene, thus reducing the risk of dental problems.

“The gradual movement also causes less discomfort during the alignment process, and there is no need for any emergency treatment in case of bracket dislodging or wire poking. The single clear aligner is comfortable, convenient, and competent,” explains Dr. Cheng Eng Wah.

Invisalign Provides Predictable Results 

Invisalign clear aligners can provide visible results in as little as six months if worn for at least 18 hours a day, as stated by Dr. Cheng Eng Wah. At i.Dental, patients are also monitored virtually between appointments using aligner tracking apps to ensure that the treatment progresses smoothly, supporting and motivating patients at every step.

Agape and Farah both underwent traditional braces treatment for over two years and wished it could have been completed sooner. “I definitely wished it was quicker as it was hard to speak sometimes and all the tightenings I had to go through was not the best experience,” says Farah. 

On the other hand, for Lea, who started her Invisalign treatment to treat crowded teeth, it has only been over a year since she began her Invisalign journey. She is currently in phase two of her treatment and will complete it in a few months. “Every time I change to a new set and notice my teeth gradually becoming straighter, I am thankful I chose Invisalign,” she says.

The results of Invisalign can be attributed to its tailored treatment plan, where dentists use the ClinCheck® program to determine the exact movements of the teeth. Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made and changed every one to two weeks to progressively reposition teeth into the ideal position while exerting the right amount of force to straighten your teeth. This treatment plan offers superior aesthetics and allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of good oral hygiene, as well as causing less discomfort during the alignment process.

Invisalign for Most Types of Teeth Alignment Problems

While each orthodontic appliance may have their own limitations in terms of the cases they can treat, with Invisalign, it is an innovative solution that can treat most malocclusion cases, from simple to complex teeth movements.

Dr. Cheng Eng Wah highlights that the patented treatment software used in Invisalign, which offers a wide variety of treatment designs for different levels of complexity. 

Lea shared, “When I look back at my old photos that I would take with other people or even selfies, I was not very happy with my smile and how my teeth looked.” Her bottom row of teeth was quite crowded, which made it noticeable when she talked. 

When Lea was considering getting orthodontic treatment, she knew that traditional braces were not an option for her. “I did not want traditional braces because I find it unsightly if I were to talk or smile for photos,” she says. Additionally, she had heard stories from her friends who had traditional braces and experienced ulcers and pain because of the metal wires.

After doing some research, Lea discovered Invisalign and decided that it was the right treatment option for her. “Invisalign was a good alternative, so I went ahead with that,” she says. With Invisalign, clear aligners are used to gradually move teeth into the desired position. And since the aligners are clear, they are hardly noticeable when worn.

Dr. Cheng Eng Wah explains that Invisalign stands out due to their extensive global experience and the continuous innovation and improvement of their technology. “With over 15 million cases done worldwide, there is an extensive experience and success records globally. Invisalign is committed to continuous innovation and improvement of their technology. The ClinCheck® software is patented and superior in the market: it allows doctors to plan the movement of each individual tooth, tailoring the treatment to each patient with the incorporation of Invisalign Smile Architect for smile design.” 

Free Up More Time with Lesser Dental Appointments with Invisalign

Traditional braces treatments typically involve visiting the dentist every three to four weeks for adjustments. According to Agape Siow and Farah Khan, these checkups involve tightening the braces and placing various rubber bands to ensure the teeth are moving correctly. “During each monthly tightening, different rubber bands are placed to keep my teeth moving in the right direction,” explains Farah. These adjustments can be uncomfortable and time-consuming.

With Invisalign clear aligners, you won’t have to make as many trips to the dentist. Appointments are usually spaced out between eight to twelve weeks, giving you more flexibility in your schedule. What’s more, these visits are quick and hassle-free, so you can easily fit them into your busy day and even drop by during your lunch break.

Current Invisalign patients may like to download My Invisalign App, so patients can easily track their treatment progress or record their wear duration. The Invisalign Virtual Care feature, available on the app, enables their dentist to monitor their progress in real-time. Patients only need to upload images of their teeth to the app to observe their weekly progress, enhancing their overall treatment experience. The best part? This feature enables patients to reduce their physical appointments from once every six to eight weeks to once every eight to 12 weeks. 

How To Decide Which Orthodontic Treatment is Suitable for You?

Dr. Cheng Eng Wah strongly recommends prioritising face-to-face consultations with your dentist before embarking on any orthodontic treatment. By doing so, your dentist can gain a comprehensive understanding of your needs and concerns, which will enable them to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. This approach ensures that you’re getting the customised care and that you’ll be able to achieve your goals for a healthy, beautiful smile.

Although both orthodontic treatments can effectively correct a wide range of dental issues, Invisalign has several advantages. With clear and removable aligners that are virtually invisible, Invisalign offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to metal braces. Not only is Invisalign more discreet, but it also allows for easier maintenance of oral hygiene as the aligners can be removed for brushing and flossing. Plus, Invisalign requires fewer visits to the dentist for follow up consultations and provides visible results in as little as six months. 

Are you curious to find out if Invisalign is the right choice for you? Take the free assessment at this link and start your Invisalign journey today. After completing the assessment, a friendly Invisalign smile concierge will reach out to you to help schedule an appointment with an Invisalign doctor of your choice.

Click here for more information or to book an appointment.

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