Invisalign ® is a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions through the use of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners. Invisalign® was developed to eliminate the use of unsightly metal brackets and wires and allow orthodontic treatment to occur almost "invisibly".
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® has changed the face of orthodontics. Instead of wires attached to your teeth, your teeth can now be straightened invisibly.
Invisalign® is clear.You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Invisalign® is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign® is comfortable. No metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, and less time in the dentist’s chair getting adjustments.
The Invisalign® process has been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide. However, only a certified dentist like ours can undertake this procedure.
The Invisalign® Process
A set of aligners are worn for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position the dentist has prescribed.
You will visit us approximately once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
Total treatment time averages 11 months with the average number of aligners worn during treatment between 18 and 30. This of course will vary from case to case.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
After an evaluation visit to determine whether a patient is a candidate for invisalign®, the orthodontist will take dental impressions, radiographs and pictures. Using these, invisalign® will use its unique computer imaging system to create a series of invisalign® aligners, which are clear and which will replace the standard bracket and wires of conventional orthodontics. The first in the series of clear retainers will fit the patient's teeth as they exist at the beginning of treatment. Each successive retainer will exert forces which will move teeth to the position where the next retainer can take over.
The patient must wear each removable retainer for approximately two weeks. They must be worn at all times – 24 hours a day - except during meals.
The number of aligners will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of the malocclusion. The overall length of treatment generally approximates the time needed for standard orthodontics.
Invisalign® for Teens
When it comes to correcting bites and straightening smiles, orthodontic treatment is necessary. Orthodontic care can vary depending on a patient’s specific needs, their preferences, and their budget. There are plenty of factors that are taken into consideration before any treatment is implemented. In general, teenagers are at the perfect act for orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment aims to correct bites and straighten teeth by gently guiding them a certain way over time, and since teenagers are still in a stage of growth and development, these changes are much easier to implement. In addition to traditional metal braces, Invisalign is also available for teens who are eligible, which can allow teens to achieve a straighter smile without anyone even noticing that they are wearing braces at all.
Traditional metal braces are composed of metal brackets and wires. These aspects are adjusted at intervals so that they encourage the teeth and their supporting structures to move into a healthier formation over time. Invisalign also utilizes physics in a similar way, but manages to do so with plastic trays instead of brackets or wires. Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that are molded to fit over the patient’s teeth. About once every two weeks, a new mold is created and is slightly different from the last set to help keep teeth moving gradually. Treatment plans can be adjusted according to each patient’s pace and overall progress.
One of the best things about Invisalign is the fact that the aligner trays are made from a clear plastic, making them virtually invisible when worn. Additionally, Invisalign trays can easily be taken out during mealtimes and while brushing. Teens won’t have to worry about getting food caught in their braces or adjusting their at-home oral hygiene routine to accommodate their new braces. For patients who are eligible, Invisalign can be a fun and easy way to get a straighter smile.
