When you want to straighten your smile, correct crooked teeth, or eliminate gaps, you may be interested in Invisalign. This discreet orthodontic treatment corrects misalignment using clear, snug-fitting trays that are customized to your teeth and mouth. Invisalign doesn’t interrupt your lifestyle, limit your favorite foods, or get in the way of your appearance – but the type of Invisalign that’s right for you will vary depending on the condition of your teeth now.
Invisalign Full
Invisalign Full is the most common type of Invisalign treatment and involves the full-mouth realignment of the top and bottom teeth at the same time.
- Average treatment time: 12 to 18 months, depending on how complex the case.
- Number of trays used: Up to 48.
- Best candidates: Patients who want a discreet way to transform and improve the health of their entire smile.
Invisalign Teen
Designed for tweens and teens, Invisalign Teen comes with a few extras that other versions of the treatment do not, such as eruption tabs for teeth that have yet to appear fully and compliance indicators which reveal whether the trays are being worn as often as they should be for the best results.
- Average treatment time: 12 to 18 months, just like Invisalign Full.
- Number of trays used: Up to 48, more if replacement trays or additional work are necessary.
- Best candidates: Responsible teenagers who have conventional misalignment problems but would prefer minimally noticeable treatment.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express, as the name makes clear, works quickly to correct minor imperfections in a smile, like small spaces.
- Average treatment time: About 3 to 6 months.
- Number of trays used: 5 to 10 sets of aligners.
- Best candidates: People who have mild relapses from previous orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign Lite
The Lite version of Invisalign works just like Invisalign Full, but requires less time and intensity to do the hard work. Moderate overcrowding or small orthodontic matters are effectively addressed with this treatment.
- Average treatment time: About 6 months.
- Number of trays used: Around 14 sets of aligners.
- Best candidates: Patients who need a quick fix and may be planning to undergo additional cosmetic dentistry after Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign First
Yes, even the youngest kids who are eligible for orthodontic treatment can get Invisalign. Invisalign First is a method designed for developmental orthodontia and the wearing of these personalized trays can minimize and sometimes even eliminate the need for full braces in the teen years.
- Average treatment time: About 6 months.
- Number of trays used: Around 14 sets of aligners.
- Best candidates: Kids who need interceptive orthodontics for crowding, spacing problems, or narrow dental arches.
What’s the Right Type of Invisalign for You?
Every type of Invisalign works the same way – discreetly shifting teeth roots and crowns into alignment so your smile is straighter, healthier, and looks better. Everyone can qualify for a different type of treatment though depending on previous dental care, smile goals, budget, and comfort level.
Schedule a consultation with certified Invisalign provider Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell at Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ, to learn more about the options that are possible for your smile.
