The video highlights Invisalign technology, as in the image above, producing a solution which is quite different from traditional braces. The growth of their approach ties in with the expansion of specialist orthodontics in the UK.
Invisalign began in 1997 with 5 employees, a company which has spread globally, to serve 7.5 million patients. Although specialists did exist, the UK General Dental Council only fully recognised orthodontics as a specialty in 1999.
The years of extra training orthodontists undergo are important for diagnosis and managing careful change. Their choices are the reason Invisalign have prospered, professionals are confident in the approach but we should also look at wider evidence.
Research On Invisalign
Alongside driving digital dentistry forward themselves, Invisalign have funded around £2 million worth of research. This has been valuable, although independent assessments are important for any system.
A 2018 review analysed 22 other studies. As with any individual system, they could not make specific clinical recommendations. The exception being that they found Invisalign to be wholly effective for mild to moderate cases.
Another clinical trial is still to report final results but stated that the application of computer technology and the custom manufacturing Invisalign bring treats a broad range of cases, with greater precision than most approaches.
Other studies in facilities such as ResearchGate have reached similar conclusions. If used for suitable, rather than severe cases, Invisalign are a sound choice. They also mention factors in addition to clinical outcome.
Individual Preferences
Research naturally look at scientific data, although a few papers have gone further and mentioned what they consider to be secondary elements:
- Clear Invisalign braces are an aesthetic choice, giving confidence to the patient.
- They are comfortable to wear and less likely to lead to laceration of mouth.
- Removable braces are technically easier, which brings shorter treatment times.
- The ability to remove Invisalign in many cases supports better oral hygiene.
- Patients managing their treatment by changing braces reduces dental visits.
Whilst we appreciate the medical emphasis of research, a number of patients may feel these elements are not secondary. They make treatment more pleasant and acceptable, increasing the number of people who see this through to the end.
Feeling aesthetically able to wear braces and sticking with the treatment to create success seem to us to be key aspects.
The British Orthodontic Society describe orthodontics as improving the harmony of your mouth and jaws. If Invisalign braces also bring harmony to life whilst treatment is progressing, this is a significant factor.
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