How many aligners do Invisalign treatment packages contain, and which one do I need?

How many aligners do Invisalign treatment packages contain, and which one do I need?

About the treatment costs in general

The price of the Invisalign orthodontic treatment depends on how many aligners will be needed for the treatment. In cases of smaller dental deviations, fewer invisible aligners are required, while for larger issues more clear aligners need to be ordered. The exact number of aligners needed can only be determined after digital treatment planning. Naturally, during the first consultation the dentist will give an approximate estimate so that you can have a general idea of what price range to expect. Based on this estimate, you can also decide whether you would like to have your digital treatment plan created. If you decide not to, then you do not have to pay for it unnecessarily. The package prices include the cost of the orthodontic aligners. However, there is no separate fee for the visits throughout the treatment since their cost is included in the price paid for the aligners. There are additional costs associated with the end of the orthodontic treatment, such as the price of the fixed retainers and that of the retention plates.

After this prologue let’s see what packages exist!

1. Invisalign EXPRESS

The price of this package includes the treatment of both the lower and upper dental arches. A maximum of 7 aligners can be ordered per dental arch. The package also includes the ordering of corrective aligners at one time. From the number of aligners, it is clear that this package is suitable only for treating small deviations. For example, mild crowding or a relapse that occurred after earlier orthodontic treatment. If you would like to read more about why teeth shift and cause relapse after an orthodontic treatment and what we can do to avoid it, then click HERE.

2. Invisalign LITE

The price of this package includes the treatment of both the lower and upper dental arches. A maximum of 14 aligners can be ordered per dental arch. The package also includes the ordering of corrective aligners at one time. This package is already suitable for treating greater dental deviations. However, for solving bite abnormalities (for example, a severe deep bite) or for larger-scale tooth movement, it does not contain a sufficient number of aligners.

3. Invisalign MODERATE

The price of this package includes the treatment of both the lower and upper dental arches. Here, a significantly larger number of aligners can be ordered, up to 20 per dental arch. This package also allows the ordering of corrective aligners up to 2 times. With these options, medium-scale tooth movement and moderately severe bite abnormalities can also be treated. (By clicking HERE (27) you can learn about the devices that help us successfully treat more complex dental problems.)

4. Invisalign COMPREHENSIVE

This is the largest and most comprehensive package. Unlimited number of aligners are included, and the number of times that corrective aligners can be ordered is not limited either. Its price naturally includes the treatment of both dental arches (lower and upper). With this package, any dental and bite deviation can be corrected. The “occlusal blocks for mandibular advancement” option used for correcting distal bite in teenagers is available only in this package.

5. Invisalign FIRST

We must also mention one more package. This is the package we order for children who still have milk teeth. So, the Invisalign FIRST package is used in mixed dentition, usually between 8 and 11 years of age. Its price also includes the treatment of both dental arches, the number of aligners is unlimited, and corrective aligners can be ordered one time free of charge during the treatment.

How can I find out which Invisalign aligner package do I need?

With the information above, I wanted to provide some guidance so that, by smiling into the mirror, everyone can roughly estimate the scale of the task to be solved. However, selecting the appropriate package is a complex process that requires precise diagnostics and professional expertise, so it is best if you visit our Netfog Dental Clinic for an orthodontic consultation. Moreover, the price of the orthodontic consultation will be credited toward the cost of the treatment if you choose to have your orthodontic treatment done with us. If we have made you interested, then you can click HERE and book an appointment!

Further detailed information on the topics mentioned in the article and related content can be found at:

What is digital dentistry?

What is digital dentistry?

A few words about digital dentistry Digital dentistry means that every step of a dental procedure is carried out with the help of computer technology, completely avoiding traditional, analog procedures (for example, impression taking). Needless to say, this method has...

read more

What happens during the Invisalign treatment when we hand over the first set of clear aligners?

What happens during the Invisalign treatment when we hand over the first set of clear aligners?

The excitement of the first invisible aligner treatment

As we progress through the orthodontic treatment, patients arrive at check-ups with an increasing routine. However, the first appointment is always special and filled with excitement. We hand over the long-awaited transparent Invisalign aligners and set off on the journey toward perfectly aligned teeth and a beautiful smile. Yet some worries may also arise among these feelings. This is natural, as we are facing something unfamiliar and are curious whether everything will go smoothly during the procedure. First of all, let me reassure everyone that the treatment is completely painless. Secondly, I would like to provide you with as much information as possible in this article so that nothing unexpected would happen during this first and very special occasion.
Fogászati kezelőszékben fekvő páciens, aki egy zöld kézitükröt tartva nézi a mosolyát, miközben a mellette álló fogorvos gumikesztyűben egy átlátszó fogszabályozó sínnel magyaráz.

Preparing the teeth for wearing clear aligners

Before handing over the invisible aligners, the orthodontic specialist reviews the treatment plan and checks which procedures need to be performed on the teeth during the first appointment. Below, I will list the most important tasks of this type.

1. Attachmentek felhelyezése

One of the most important elements needed for every Invisalign treatment is the placement of the so-called attachments on the teeth. Attachments are small, aesthetic (tooth-colored) composite resin bumps bonded onto the teeth. They play a key role in moving the teeth in the correct direction and in anchoring the aligners. Without them, aligner-based orthodontics would not be possible. To place the attachments, we must first clean and prepare the teeth. Then, using a template, we place the little composite domes in the proper locations, where they harden under blue light. It is important to note that the tooth enamel is not harmed during the procedure, nor when the attachments are removed.

2. Interproximal enamel reduction (IPR)

Before we dive into this topic, let me mention that during the discussion of the digital treatment plan, you may decide that you do not wish to undergo this procedure. In that case, the dentist will explain to you the alternatives and possible disadvantages of not doing IPR and will modify the treatment plan if you still don’t wish him to do it. Now let’s look at what exactly IPR is. In certain cases, there is not enough space available within the dental arch. The reason is usually severe crowding, but discrepancies in the size of the upper and lower teeth can also cause this situation. In this case, we somehow must create some space, and enamel reduction provides a solution to this problem. Before I explain in more detail how this process works, I would like to dispel all doubts. It is very important to know that the procedure is completely painless, and no anesthesia is needed. The teeth are not damaged, and they will not develop cavities later as a consequence of IPR. The maximum amount of enamel removed is half (0.5) a millimeter, which corresponds to the thickness of human hair. (The extent of reduction is precisely defined in the treatment plan, and the dentist always follows this guideline.) The procedure is usually performed using polishing strips or a very thin, fine-grained bur. Yes, I know and understand your concerns regarding this procedure. However, please allow me to advocate a bit for enamel reduction. It is a completely proven and very frequently used procedure in orthodontics, not only for aligner-based, but also during traditional fixed orthodontic treatment. It has numerous positive effects and no negative consequences. With its help, we can shorten the treatment time, avoid tooth extraction, protect the periodontal tissues, decrease the chances of root resorption, and solve problems that might otherwise prove impossible.

3. Placement of aesthetic little buttons for rubber bands

In certain bite irregularities (crossbite, mispositioned jaw) and for anchorage enhancement, it may happen that the patient must wear small elastics during certain phases of treatment together with the Invisalign aligners. These elastics can be hooked onto the small buttons bonded to the teeth. They are completely unnoticeable (tooth-colored) and comfortable (their surfaces are smooth), so wearing them poses no problem.

4. Handing over the aligners and demonstrating their use

Once we have completed the tasks described above, nothing remains but to hand over the beautiful new aligners. First, the doctor tries them on the teeth and checks whether the aligners fit properly. If everything is in order, the dentist then asks the patient to remove the aligners and then insert them again. Throughout the process, there will be help in case you get stuck at any point. There is no need to worry, because removing and inserting the aligners is simple. Even younger children manage this task with ease.

We also provide you with advice and other surprises

Közelről fotózott Invisalign csomag egy fogorvosi tálcán, előtérben az átlátszó fogszabályozó sínt ábrázoló dobozzal, háttérben a kék Invisalign feliratú ajándéktáskával.
The visit is still not over for today, because we must explain the important rules and information regarding how to use clear aligners. The most important thing is that the aligners must be worn for at least 23 hours a day. They should only be removed while eating and brushing your teeth. Perfect oral hygiene is essential, and in case of tooth sensitivity, consuming softer foods or taking painkillers is recommended. Now we have truly reached the end of today’s orthodontic appointment, so we would like to treat you not only with some good advice, but also to a few useful physical gifts to make wearing the aligners easier. We give you an oral care kit that includes special toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and plaque-revealing tablets. With the latter, you can check how thoroughly you have managed to clean your teeth. We also give you a special, protective case for your aligners, so you would have something to store them in when they are not worn. You will also receive cleaning crystals, which you can use to keep your aligners in immaculate condition. We place all the gifts and a 4–6-week supply of invisible aligners into a paper bag complete with the Invisalign logo and hand it to you with pleasure.

If we have inspired you to pursue orthodontic treatment at the Netfog Dental Clinic, then book an appointment for a consultation by clicking HERE!

In our clinic, the consultation is free if you proceed with the orthodontic treatment with us. (The consultation fee is credited toward the price of the orthodontic appliance.)

Further detailed information on the topics mentioned in the article and related content can be found at:

What is digital dentistry?

What is digital dentistry?

A few words about digital dentistry Digital dentistry means that every step of a dental procedure is carried out with the help of computer technology, completely avoiding traditional, analog procedures (for example, impression taking). Needless to say, this method has...

read more

Why are regular check-ups necessary during clear aligner (Invisalign) treatment?

Why are regular check-ups necessary during clear aligner (Invisalign) treatment?

Why can’t I receive all the invisible aligners at the very beginning of the treatment?

This question arises legitimately, since all the Invisalign aligners have already been manufactured at the start of the treatment and are waiting in the dental office to finally carry out their task. In this article, we are going to examine this question in detail, and in the meantime, we will learn what interventions the patient can expect during the orthodontic check-ups.

Checking whether the aligners are being worn properly

At the beginning of the orthodontic treatment, I never entrust more than 4 to 6 aligners to the patient. I have a good reason for this, as at this stage the routine of wearing the orthodontic appliance has not yet developed. Although the aligners are completely aesthetic and very easy to use, one must get used to wearing them and must not forget to put them back in immediately after eating or brushing teeth. If, for some reason, this does not succeed, there is no problem, because we meet our patients relatively soon and can discuss the issues that arise and can eliminate them. One can imagine how much more time we would lose if the recall took place only every 2 or 3 months. Naturally, the most optimal solution would be if the patient called our office in case of any issue and visited us for an SOS appointment, during which we could solve the emerging problem. If at the time of the first visit I find everything in order, then at every subsequent appointment I give the patient enough aligners for at least 8 weeks. There can be exceptions to the above-mentioned time intervals in special cases, for example, for patients living abroad.

Fogorvosi rendelőben ülő páciens, aki mosolyogva veszi át a fogorvostól az „Invisalign” feliratú kék ajándéktáskát a kezelőszék mellett.

Checking the precise fit of the aligners

It is very important that every single aligner fits perfectly onto all your teeth. If this is not the case, then some kind of problem may have arisen, which must be eliminated as quickly as possible. Improper fit can have many causes. It usually indicates that the teeth are not moving according to plan. (We will discuss this problem in the next section.) Another possible reason can be damage or a defect in the material of the aligner. In such cases, replacement aligners can be ordered from the Invisalign factory within one week. Insufficient wearing time can also cause fitting issues. In this case the wearing time of each invisible aligner can be increased to 10 days or even 2 weeks. Unfortunately, it may also happen that the patient does not comply with the daily 23-hour wearing time. If so, we must draw our patient’s attention to the need for closer cooperation, as it is in their best interest that the treatment is completed as soon as possible. Of course, achieving proper cooperation requires excellent communication between patients and doctors.

Checking whether the teeth are moving according to plan

At every dental office visit we must check whether the teeth are moving according to plan. This is a simple task based on the data in the Invisalign planning software and the evaluation of the fit of the aligners. (The planning program predicts in advance which teeth are more difficult to move, so we can pay special attention to these teeth and their movements.) If we detect any deviation, we must first find the cause of the problem and then eliminate it. If, for example, there is a lack of space, then a small amount of enamel reduction will be the solution. If a tooth is difficult to rotate, we can create an extra bump in the invisible aligner, which pushes the tooth crown. To facilitate tooth movements, we can also use various types of elastic wear. These techniques are all painless, aesthetic, and effective. The most important thing for the doctor is to recognize when intervention is needed.

Fogorvosi rendelőben számítógép előtt ülő szakember, aki egy nagy monitoron megjelenő 3D-s fogsor- és harapáselemző szoftvert kezel egérrel.

Checking the attachments

Attachments are tiny, aesthetic composite resin bumps bonded to the crowns of the teeth. They are absolutely essential for carrying out certain tooth movements during Invisalign aligner treatment. Since they are bonded, it may happen that they fall off during use. Fortunately, this does not pose a danger to the patient, as they are very small, but it can prevent the planned tooth movement. For this reason, it is very important that they are put back on the tooth as soon as possible. The dentist checks the attachments at every visit. Nevertheless, it is important that the patient informs us if they notice that one is missing from somewhere, because then it can be replaced as soon as possible and the treatment time will not be prolonged. You can read more about attachments and their placement in THIS article.

Tasks planned for the dentist to carry out during the treatment

There are also interventions during check-ups that must be performed according to the plan. These are included in the digital treatment plan workflow, which precisely determines the time of their execution. Such interventions may include enamel reduction on certain teeth, starting elastic wear for the purpose of bite correction or for anchorage enhancement, or placing a new attachment on a tooth whose surface previously did not have enough space. A well-planned treatment schedules these tasks for one of the check-up appointments, thus minimizing the number of visits. If you would like to know how we plan invisible orthodontic treatments, then click HERE!

Does this seem complicated? No worries, that’s why we have trained orthodontic specialists!

From the above, it is clear how important regular check-ups are and how many tasks arise at these appointments. A properly trained orthodontist is essential to know when and what must be done for the success of the treatment. You do not have to worry about any of this. All you need to do is wear the aligners properly and come to the scheduled orthodontic check-ups. If we have sparked your interest in orthodontics, then click HERE and book an appointment for a consultation.

We deduct the price of the orthodontic consultation from the price of the invisible aligners, so you receive it as a gift if you have your teeth straightened at Netfog Dental Clinic!

Further detailed information on the topics mentioned in the article and related content can be found at:

What can cause relapse after orthodontic treatment, and how can we prevent these unwanted teeth movements?

What can cause relapse after orthodontic treatment, and how can we prevent these unwanted teeth movements?

Let’s talk about keeping the teeth in place (also called retention) after orthodontic treatment

This problem is one of the most puzzling tasks the orthodontist encounters in everyday practice. The importance of retention is unquestionable, since nobody wants the beautiful final result of the long and costly orthodontic treatment to disappear. However, achieving perfect retention is a difficult and complex task. Both the orthodontic specialist’s professional preparedness and the patient’s cooperation are necessary for success. So, let’s look at what we can do to preserve a beautiful smile after the treatment.

What are the causes for teeth to shift after orthodontic treatment?

The basic problem is that as long as the net forces acting on the teeth are not zero, they tend to move. The oral cavity is a dynamic place. The teeth are pushed by the tongue, the lips, the teeth slide against each other while chewing, and even the neighboring teeth exert pressure on one another. Moreover, this situation changes continuously throughout our lives. Over the years, teeth wear down, the bite changes, and the bone and periodontal tissues surrounding the teeth transform. In such a dynamically changing place, it is impossible to expect that teeth left on their own will not move in some direction. Therefore, the solution is that we do not let the teeth move. In the case of the front teeth, we link them so they can mutually support each other. The position of the back teeth (molars and premolars) can be preserved with a stable cusp to furrow bite and a correctly developed occlusion. Next, we will look at the appliances that help prevent relapse after orthodontic treatment. By clicking HERE you can also read about interesting facts and the most relevant questions about orthodontics.

The removable retention plate or splint

Immediately after finishing orthodontic treatment, the bone around the teeth is still plastic and weaker than older, more established bone tissue. For this reason, during the year following the removal of fixed or clear aligner orthodontics, a device is still needed to hold the teeth in place. This is a so-called retention device. The patient only needs to wear it at night. It may seem unnecessary, but it is absolutely essential for stabilizing the teeth in their new positions until the bone around the teeth strengthens and the supporting structures of the tooth root remodel. Would you like to know what other removable orthodontic devices exist? Then click HERE to read about them!

The bonded, teeth-holding orthodontic wire, the retainer

The retainer is a tiny, thin wire that we bond to the inner (lingual and palatal) surfaces of the front teeth from canine to canine. Because of its position, it is completely invisible. We do this so that the teeth will never, under any circumstances, be able to move. However, for this to work, the retainer must remain on the teeth throughout the patient’s entire life. At this point, everyone raises their eyebrows. Let me share with you what I usually say when this happens, in order to reassure people. First of all, every single one of my patients whose teeth I have ever straightened, without exception, received their retainers at the end of treatment. It is also important for me to mention that no one has ever had them removed afterwards. If I still haven’t convinced you that this is something you can fully live with, then I will tell you one more story. My wife also has retainers on her teeth. (I did not put them on her teeth. It was another doctor.) She has proudly worn them for many years, with conviction, since she is also an orthodontic specialist. If I still haven’t managed to convince you about the importance of the retainer, then I will just say this: without it, your teeth will certainly shift after the orthodontic treatment. Unfortunately, this is what happened to my teeth. And to the teeth of many others whom I had to do orthodontics again, after a first treatment done a long time ago. After all of this, of course, it has never even occurred to these patients not to wear retainers.

Other procedures for preventing relapse

It is very important that you come for regular (every six months) dental checkups even after completing your orthodontic treatment. This not only helps you avoid more serious general dental problems but also any potential, unwanted tooth movement. Even a larger cavity can provide enough space for the teeth to move, not to mention the gap created by an extracted tooth. These should be eliminated as quickly as possible with prosthetic replacement (dental bridge or dental implant). And there is the question of wisdom teeth. Personally, I do not usually recommend removing the 3rd molars without good reason. In professional dental circles, opinions differ on whether wisdom teeth cause crowding and relapse. Besides, the retainer still protects the teeth from shifting even if this assumption is true. In my opinion, surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a risky and very uncomfortable procedure for the patient that I would not subject anyone to unnecessarily, unless there is appropriate professional justification (such as chronic inflammation) for extraction.

Fogorvosi rendelőben ülő páciens, aki egy kézitükröt tartva nézi frissen kezelt fogait, miközben a mellette ülő fogorvos gumikesztyűs kézzel a tükör felé mutat.

Our tricks at the Netfog Dental Clinic for preserving your beautiful smile

Naturally, we also apply all the above-mentioned procedures. In addition, we place special emphasis on regular dental check-ups for our patients. To ensure that no one forgets this in today’s fast-paced world, we send a reminder text message every six months about the upcoming check-up time to your phone. (You may inform us at any time that you no longer wish to receive such notifications, and we will remove your phone number from the list.) During the check-ups we examine whether the retainers have detached from the tooth surfaces. We also check whether any tooth movement has occurred. If we notice any problems, we will inform you and make recommendations for the solution. If you have not visited a dentist for at least six months, then it is high time to book an appointment for a dental check-up. You can do it easily by clicking HERE!

Further detailed information on the topics mentioned in the article and related content can be found at: