This pandemic might not have had so many positive aspects for our lives and the world – yet I’m a person that is always looking for the silver lining and constantly searching for the positive in every situation. One of the positives has definitely been my Invisalign treatment I did last year with my biological dentist Dr. Helene Pätsch at Swiss Smile, to perfect my teeth and my smile. The invisible braces are perfect to wear under your mask and in home office.

“Invisalign” is a created word which has its origin in “invisible” and “align”. It is an innovative orthodontic treatment method for the largely “invisible” teeth treatment of mild and moderate malocclusions by means of thin, transparent plastic splints, the so-called “aligners”. The special thing about the Invisalign treatment concept is that there are programs for both younger children and adults. Tooth correction with invisible Invisalign aligners is usually possible for patients of all ages. Basically – invisible braces which you can wear all day long – and in the night (you simply just take them out for eating and drinking).

My dentist Dr. Helene Pätsch explains:

Depending on the severity of the tooth misalignments, Invisalign offers different programs of treatment duration and cost: The first step to your dream smile begins with your Invisalign specialists visiting us at Swiss Smile Bellevue, Zurich for a consultation. During this consultation, we will determine if any misaligned teeth can be corrected with Invisalign invisible braces. The chances of this are good, because over 70% of all anomalies that occur can be permanently straightened with these invisible braces.

State-of-the-art intraoral scanners scan your teeth incredibly quickly, gently and painlessly within minutes and provide a fabulous overview. Already at the beginning of the treatment, the visually created 3D model can clarify and clarify a lot for both you and your dentist. Thanks to the scan of the company 3 Shape, there are no more conventional dental impressions with sticky and unpleasant rubber materials.

When do you see the first results of the treatment?

Dr. Helene Pätsch: Based on the 3D model created, an individual treatment concept is now created for you in collaboration between the Invisalign laboratory and the treatment provider. This can usually take a few days. When the final check is ready, it will be sent to you by e-mail. You can follow each planned tooth movement step by step. You can already see the final result from all sides. This is the moment when the anticipation and enthusiasm for this concept rises! If you now give your consent to your treatment (form), your concept will be commissioned. Now you have to be patient for about 14 days until you can sit down in the treatment chair for your first “Invisalign Fitting”.

What exactly is happening there?

According to your personal Invisalign treatment scheme, space is created between some teeth with diamond polishing strips so that tooth movement can function at all. Subsequently, invisible (*)attachments are bonded to some teeth. And… voila, the first Aligner is already inserted. The “handling” is practiced sufficiently. Don’t worry, you will be able to take the aligners in and out by yourself quick and easy too. The starter kit is provided to by your dentist.

(*)Attachments are small tooth-coloured, almost invisible buttons, which are additionally applied to the teeth during a tooth correction. Attachments have various functions. First of all, they improve the retention of aligners and can decisively support a targeted tooth movement.

What’s next?

Dr. Helene Pätsch: Depending on the dentist’s instructions, the splint may be worn for one week, 20 hours a day. The splints must be removed at every meal (yes, even for a coffee) – except for water (and champagne).

What at first seems to take some effort and time, after a while you’ll get used to it. After one week you can usually change to the next splint. In this way, week by week you approach your dream smile. This can soon be observed in the mirror (and on pictures) and so you can pick up a new motivational boost directly. Your dentist will now check the success of treatment every 4-6 weeks and create small supportive corrections according to the scheme. Until the last splint is worn…

The final tooth position is reached:

At your dentist, all attachments are removed immediately. The tooth surface is  getting polished. A new 3D scan is made so that the retainer splints/wire can be produced. A final dental photo shoot is of course getting place! At the final appointment, the patients will often report how even their surrounding is getting affected by their new smile. Not only positive feedbacks are the return for their commitment / Investment, but also their rise of self- confidence.

“It is always a pleasure for me to accompany my clients on the way to their dream smile. :-D”

Thank you Dr. Helene Pätsch!