Dreaming of straighter teeth but put off by the thought of traditional metal braces? You’re not alone! Invisalign has revolutionised orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet and comfortable way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. 

But within the Invisalign family, you might have heard terms like Invisalign Full, Invisalign Go, and even Invisalign i7. Confusing, right? Don’t worry! Here at The Smile Gallery, we’re all about making things clear. Let’s break down these options so you can understand what might be the perfect fit for your smile journey.

First, What’s the Big Deal About Invisalign in General?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s recap why Invisalign is so popular. The aligners are crafted from clear, medical-grade plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn—most people won’t even notice you’re undergoing treatment. 

A huge advantage is their removability; you can take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, meaning no food restrictions and maintaining your oral hygiene routine is simple. Comfort is another key factor, as there are no metal wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks or gums; the smooth plastic is generally much gentler. Furthermore, Invisalign treatment offers predictable results. Advanced 3D imaging technology, like our iTero scanner here at The Smile Gallery, allows you to see a virtual representation of your treatment plan and expected outcome before you even begin. 

This innovative system uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. You wear each set of aligners for about 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next in the series.

Invisalign Full (or Comprehensive): The Original Game-Changer

Think of Invisalign Full as the flagship treatment within the Invisalign range. It’s designed to treat a wide spectrum of orthodontic issues, capable of addressing everything from relatively simple misalignments to more complex cases. 

Invisalign Full can effectively manage crowding, spacing, crossbites, overbites, and underbites—essentially, most common alignment problems. The number of aligners required varies greatly depending on the complexity of your individual case; it could involve 20, 30, 40, or even more sets of aligners. 

Consequently, treatment time typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, though this can be shorter or longer based on specific needs. This comprehensive treatment is provided by dentists who have undergone extensive Invisalign training. The key takeaway is that Invisalign Full is the go-to option for significant orthodontic correction, offering the most flexibility to achieve a detailed, ideal, and stable result.

Invisalign Go: Streamlined Straightening for Your Smile in East Grinstead

Invisalign Go is a newer system designed to be a more streamlined and accessible option, specifically for less complex cases. Its primary focus is on aesthetic improvements, particularly for the “social six” – the front teeth that are most visible when you smile. 

Invisalign Go is adept at treating mild to moderate crowding or spacing, mainly in the front 6-8 teeth (typically from canine to canine, or sometimes premolar to premolar). It’s important to note that it’s not designed for correcting significant bite issues.

The treatment usually involves up to 20 aligners per arch. This often results in a shorter treatment time, typically around 3-9 months, making it a faster route to a straighter smile for suitable candidates. General dentists, like our own Dr. Vinnie Thandi here at The Smile Gallery, can undergo specific training to offer Invisalign Go, which makes this option more widely available. 

Invisalign Go is a great choice if your main concern is the alignment of your front teeth and you don’t require major bite changes, often proving more cost-effective and quicker than Invisalign Full for these specific aesthetic enhancements.

Invisalign i7: For Those Tiny Tweaks and Finishing Touches

Invisalign i7 represents the most limited Invisalign option, specifically designed for very minor tooth movements. It’s ideal for addressing extremely mild crowding or spacing, perhaps a slight relapse after previous orthodontic treatment, or other very minor aesthetic adjustments. 

You can think of it as a “touch-up” treatment for perfecting an already good smile. As the name suggests, treatment is limited to a maximum of 7 aligners per arch. This results in a very short treatment time, often just a few months (for example, 3-4 months).

Any dentist trained at any level of Invisalign can provide i7. It’s perfect for those needing just a small correction, making it the quickest and often most affordable Invisalign option, but it’s crucial to understand it’s only suitable for very specific, minor dental issues.

Comparing the Trio: Key Differences at a Glance

When comparing Invisalign Full, Go, and i7, the main differences lie in the complexity of cases they can treat, their primary focus, the number of aligners involved, and thus the treatment duration.

 Invisalign Full is the most comprehensive, tackling a wide range of issues with a variable number of aligners and an average treatment time of 12-18 months. Invisalign

 Go targets mild to moderate issues, primarily focusing on the front teeth, using up to 20 aligners for a 3-9 month treatment. 

Invisalign i7 is for very minor corrections, using a maximum of 7 aligners over about 3-4 months. Your specific orthodontic needs will determine which, if any, of these options is most appropriate.

The Importance of a Consultation at The Smile Gallery

While this guide gives you a good overview, the only way to know for sure which Invisalign option (or indeed, if another orthodontic treatment) is best for you is to have a professional consultation.

At The Smile Gallery, our dentists, including Dr. Vinnie Thandi, who has a keen interest in Invisalign Go, will conduct a thorough assessment. This involves carefully examining your teeth and bite and, importantly, discussing your smile goals and any concerns you might have. We utilise advanced tools like our iTero digital scanner to create a precise 3D model of your teeth. 

This amazing technology allows us to simulate your potential results with different Invisalign treatments, giving you a sneak peek of your future smile. Following this, we will explain which option(s) would give you the best outcome, along with a clear understanding of the expected treatment time and associated costs.

Whether you need a comprehensive smile transformation with Invisalign Full, a focused improvement with Invisalign Go, or a tiny tweak with Invisalign i7, the Invisalign family offers versatile solutions. 

The key is finding the right fit for your unique needs. If you’re in East Grinstead or West Sussex and considering clear aligners, pop into The Smile Gallery. Let’s explore how we can help you achieve that confident, straighter smile you’ve been wishing for!