It used to be that whenever you thought of teeth straightening, you’d think of lengthy treatment times and years spent in the dentist’s chair.
But not anymore.
Thanks to Invisalign Express, there’s now a much quicker way to effectively straighten your smile.
This short Invisalign treatment is used for patients who require less complex orthodontic treatment. And the best part is that the Express treatment is usually complete in only a matter of months!
In this article, we take a look at how Invisalign Express works, the different types of Invisalign Express treatments, and who it’s most suitable for.
What is Invisalign Express?
Just like traditional Invisalign treatment, Invisalign Express uses a series of clear aligner trays to gently and gradually move your teeth into the ideal position. It also uses specialized software to give your dentist precise control over the movement of your teeth and your desired outcome.
However, Invisalign Express is a short-term Invisalign treatment. This means it uses fewer sets of aligner trays, resulting in a much shorter treatment time and fewer trips to the dentist for monitoring.
What are the different types of Invisalign Express treatment?
Invisalign Express has two main treatment types: Invisalign i7 and Invisalign Lite.
Invisalign i7
The Invisalign i7 treatment involves a series of up to 7 sets of aligner trays. It is typically recommended for patients who only have minor misalignments and require a minimal amount of movement.
Invisalign Lite
The Invisalign Lite treatment uses a series of up to 14 sets of aligner trays. This treatment is generally used for patients who need minor corrections or less complex movements. It’s also recommended for patients who have had previous orthodontic treatment but had their teeth shift out of alignment due to not wearing a retainer.
How long does Invisalign Express take?
The average treatment time for Invisalign Express varies, depending on the type of treatment used. For Invisalign i7, the average treatment time is around 3 months. For Invisalign Lite, the average treatment time is around 6 months.
Regardless of whether your dentist recommends Invisalign i7 or Invisalign Lite, you’ll be looking at a much shorter treatment time than with traditional Invisalign treatment.
What’s the difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Express?
As mentioned above, the main difference between full Invisalign treatment and Invisalign Express is the length of the treatment time and the number of aligners used.
Traditional Invisalign treatment time can range anywhere between 6 months to 36 months, depending on how complex the case is and how much the teeth need to move. Invisalign Express treatment, on the other hand, is usually completed in just a couple of months — around 3 months for Invisalign i7 and around 6 months for Invisalign Lite.
On average, a full Invisalign treatment would typically involve around 20 to 30 sets of aligner trays. This is a major difference compared to the number of aligner trays used in Invisalign i7 (up to 7 sets of aligners) and Invisalign Lite (up to 14 sets of aligners).
Who is Invisalign Express suitable for?
A straighter smile in just months may sound like a dream, but sadly, the reality can’t come quite that fast for some patients. Invisalign Express is only effective for minor teeth corrections.
The Invisalign i7 and Invisalign Lite treatments are suitable for patients with less complex cases, including:
- Minor spacing i.e. <2mm gap between the teeth
- Minor crowding i.e. <2mm overlap between the teeth
- Minor midline corrections
- Minimal movement and rotation of the teeth
- Addressing minor issues after previous orthodontic treatment relapse
If your case is more severe and requires more complex movement, it will not fit within the Invisalign Express treatment timeline. But don’t worry! This doesn’t mean Invisalign isn’t right for you — your dentist will likely recommend a full Invisalign treatment instead.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether Invisalign Express is right for you is to speak with your Invisalign dentist. They will assess your teeth and put together a personalized plan to help you achieve your dream smile as soon as possible.
Is it worth getting Invisalign Express if your teeth only need minor corrections?
The short answer? Yes!
Your oral health can suffer even when your teeth are only slightly misaligned or overcrowded. Crooked or overcrowded teeth can make cleaning difficult, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
How much does Invisalign Express cost?
Since it involves fewer aligner trays, a shorter treatment time, and fewer visits with your dentist, the Invisalign Express treatments do cost less than traditional Invisalign treatments.
In Australia, the average cost of Invisalign Express starts from $3,500 for Invisalign i7 and from $4,000 for Invisalign Lite. The price difference between these two treatments largely comes down to the number of aligner trays used.
So, how much is Invisalign Express compared to the full Invisalign treatment?
On average, the cost of a full Invisalign treatment starts from $6,000.
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of Invisalign will always vary depending on your individual case. When you visit your dentist for an Invisalign consultation, they will be able to provide you with a clear outline of your treatment timeline and the treatment cost.
Author: Dr. Alice Hoang – BDSc (CSU)
Bio: Dr. Alice Hoang is a dentist from Delight Dental Spa in Mascot, NSW. Specializing in Invisalign treatment and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Alice is passionate about helping her patients achieve their dream smiles.
