ZurichDental Podcast

Podcast with Dr Jakob Müller and Marianna Poletto

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign

Invisalign in Zurich: Aligner treatment with simulation, IPR, attachments and retainers for a functional and aesthetic result

Shortly before their 30th birthday, many people feel the need to do something for themselves once again. In this podcast episode, influencer and content creator Marianna talks openly about her Invisalign treatment in Zurich, why it's not just straight teeth that count for her, but above all a stable bite and how aligners really work in everyday life.

Did you know that Invisalign treatment uses 3D animation and simulation technologies from the film industry to precisely plan your tooth movements as in a digital animation?

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Why Invisalign treatment is often more than just straightening teeth.

Marianna came with a clear goal: less crowding of the teeth, a more harmonious smile, more confidence in front of the camera. Small misaligned teeth are immediately noticeable, especially in close-ups, and anyone who produces content on a daily basis literally sees themselves under the magnifying glass. However, it was also crucial for her that the consultation was not just about aesthetics, but also about function: the bite, jaw position and chewing load were assessed first. Or as the conversation put it: "Function comes first, then the aesthetics follow almost automatically.

Aligners are not just Invisalign: Why choosing the right clinic matters

Like many people, Marianna initially thought that aligners equalled Invisalign. However, during her research in Zurich, she realised that although some providers refer to aligners, they do not use official Invisalign products and tend to sell a kind of quick fix. For her, the difference lay in the depth of the planning: not just straightening teeth and being done, but also considering possible corrections to the bite and jaw, for example with elastics. If you only straighten the front teeth, you may end up with straight teeth, but still not a clean bite, and in the long term this often pays off quicker than you would like.

Simulation before treatment begins: predictability as a major advantage of aligner treatment

A central point of the sequence is the simulation before the start of treatment. This digital planning shows step by step how the teeth should move and which result is realistic. Marianna found this reassuring, not least because she knew many stories from her environment where treatments took significantly longer than expected. In her case, the original plan was around six months, which ended up being around nine months, including refinement. Nevertheless, her conclusion was clear: compared to other aligner experiences from her circle of friends, where the duration doubled or tripled, this felt like a real gain for her.

Attachments, IPR and refinement: the details that make the difference in the end

When you hear Invisalign, you often only think of the transparent aligners. In practice, two further components are often added: Attachments and IPR. Attachments are small composite build-ups on the teeth that make three-dimensional movements possible in the first place. Marianna describes: Unfamiliar at first, but virtually forgotten after about a week. She initially had respect for IPR, i.e. the minimal polishing between the teeth, because it sounds more drastic than it is. Her experience: no pain, no sensitivity, no visual disadvantage. The purpose is clear: if there is a lack of space for alignment, IPR can help to make the rows of teeth symmetrical and adjust the bite without the need for major surgery.

Invisalign in everyday life: wear for 20 to 22 hours and still live as usual

A strong statement from Marianna: The aligners were surprisingly easy to fit into everyday life. Of course, when it comes to coffee, red wine or other strongly coloured drinks, you have to take the aligners out or clean them thoroughly afterwards. The basic rule remains to wear the Invisalign aligners for around 20 to 22 hours a day, meaning only a two- to four-hour break. What’s interesting is the practical effect: rather than the treatment being a nuisance, it has actually brought more structure to her life. If you work a lot and eat at irregular times, the wearing times automatically help you establish a routine. And for special occasions such as birthdays or photo sessions, just take them out briefly – nobody will notice in the photos that you’re in the middle of aligner treatment.

X-rays, scans and safety: why diagnostics are mandatory before moving teeth

The podcast also deals with the question of why X-rays are taken at the beginning like a panoramic X-ray. The answer is as simple as it is important: before teeth can be moved, the entire system must be healthy. This includes not only caries or periodontitis, but also temporomandibular joints, bones, sinuses and all structures that influence safe tooth movement. The comparison with fixed braces is also interesting: If the forces are too high, root resorption can occur, i.e. a shortening of the tooth roots. This occurs much less frequently with aligner therapies, which is subsequently emphasised as a clear advantage.

Retainer after Invisalign: Only what is stabilised remains stable

After the active treatment comes the part that many people underestimate: retention. Marianna wears fixed retainers and describes them very aptly as a no-brainer because you can't forget anything. In contrast, she talks about her youth with night retainers after having fixed braces: "Initially consistent, but later partying, tiredness and simple carelessness put a spanner in the works and the retainers eventually became unappetising. This is precisely why fixed retainers are described as particularly suitable for everyday use, especially as oral hygiene does not have to be restricted with good instructions. After all, straight teeth are beautiful, but only a stable bite and clean retention make the result durable in the long term.

Metal retainer attached to six front teeth of a lower jaw

Here you will find offers for Invisalign:

Would you like to benefit from a 15-minute free Invisalign consultation with the Smile Assessment benefit?

Then click on the following link:

https://zurichdental.ch/online-termin/terminbuchung-bahnhofsplatz/

With the discount code Marianna15 you will receive the Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste Fluoride Cool Mint in our online shop 15% cheaper (valid until 30 June 2026). 

https://zurichdental.ch/produkt/opalescence-zahncreme-sensitive-sanfte-zahnaufhellung-fuer-empfindliche-zaehne/

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