Invisalign is a household name in orthodontics, much like how “Kleenex” refers to tissues or “Coca-Cola” to sodas. However, it’s important to clarify that Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner therapy, and there are other brands on the market, such as Spark and Angel Aligners. Having worked with all of them, I can confidently say they are quite similar in functionality, and the choice often comes down to the clinician’s preference.
While aligners have their strengths, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding what aligners are good at—and where they fall short—can help patients make informed decisions about their orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligners, including Invisalign, excel in treating specific orthodontic problems effectively:
Aligners can straighten teeth with mild to moderate crowding, provided the teeth are not severely rotated. However, when the crowding is severe, especially in cases requiring dental extractions, aligners are less efficient and predictable.
Aligners are particularly effective at correcting open bites by bringing the upper and lower front teeth together to meet.
For young children, aligners are a good option for simple early interventions. They can fix minor crossbites involving one or two teeth or correct minor protrusion issues.
Aligners are ideal for patients with hectic schedules or those who travel frequently. The treatment requires fewer in-clinic visits, and appointments tend to be shorter compared to traditional braces.
For patients who cannot tolerate fixed braces, aligners can offer a compromise. While the result may not be as ideal as traditional braces, aligners can still achieve significant improvement.
Aligners are effective at creating space for missing teeth, such as opening gaps for upper lateral incisors in preparation for future restorations.
While aligners have their strengths, they also have limitations:
When crowding is extreme or involves multiple dental extractions, aligners become much less efficient and may not achieve optimal results without significant additional measures.
Aligners struggle to correct deep bites, particularly when the lower teeth are deeply embedded and hidden behind the upper teeth. Traditional braces are far more effective in these cases.
Aligners are not efficient at closing large gaps between teeth unless combined with auxiliaries like temporary anchorage devices (TADs).
There’s a common belief that aligners are better for patients with poor oral hygiene because they are removable. However, studies show that aligners do not eliminate the risk of gum problems or white spot lesions if brushing habits are poor.
Despite being marketed as “invisible,” aligners often require attachments—small, tooth-colored composite nodules—to help guide tooth movement. While these are less noticeable than braces, they are not completely invisible. In some cases, attachments can be placed on the back of the teeth for better aesthetics, but this is not always possible.
The answer is no. Just because aligners can technically be used to address most orthodontic problems doesn’t mean they should be the first choice. For certain issues, traditional braces—whether fixed or lingual—are far more efficient and predictable.
To date, I am the only orthodontist in Ireland who has obtained the prestigious European Board in Clear Aligner Therapy. This qualification requires presenting numerous aligner cases treated to the highest standard, reviewed and judged by expert peers.
With extensive experience in conventional braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners, I have treated thousands of aligner cases and understand their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive knowledge allows me to recommend the best course of action tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, I would be delighted to guide you in choosing the most effective and efficient solution for your smile.
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I recommend and prescribe orthodontic treatments to my patients as if they were my own family and I value meaningful relationships based on communication, confidence and trust.
“I'm very happy with my treatment and results. I was delighted with Dr. Erfan Salloum's attention to detail, and so happy he took the time...”
“Over the moon with the results from my orthodontic treatment at Dublin Orthodontics. I can not speak more highly of Dr. Erfan Salloum and his...”
