Invisalign® Orthodontic Treatment

For people who are dissatisfied with their smiles but have not done anything about them because they are not interested in a mouthful of metal, Invisalign® “braces” may be a good option. They eliminate both the discomfort of metal wires and the inconvenience of adjustments. The Invisalign system uses virtually invisible aligners that straighten teeth without metal bands, brackets or wires. The custom-made trays are comfortable, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, flossing and special occasions. The clear-plastic Invisalign aligners are so inconspicuous that it is difficult to tell when someone is wearing them.

Invisalign Orthodontic Technology

Invisalign aligners use the latest in 3-D computer imaging to determine a projected path of tooth movement for each patient. This allows a dentist to design a series of personalized aligners (repositioners) that work to straighten teeth over time.

Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks, at which point there is a changeover to a new set.

Candidates For Invisalign Treatment

Invisalign aligners capably treat most common problems found in adults and teens. They are successful in straightening crooked teeth, eliminating crowding and closing gaps. Invisalign aligners can be used to treat both minor cosmetic issues and more-complex bite problems.

Benefits Of Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, and do not draw attention to the mouth; most people cannot tell when someone is wearing them. Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces inlcuding:

More cosmetically appealing
Lower cost
Little-to-no impact on daily life
Less painful
Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
No dietary restrictions
Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time

With no metal or wires to irritate the mouth, an active, athletic lifestyle, free from worry about injury or bracket breakage, can be maintained.

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Process

Step One:
Consultation With A Certified Invisalign Provider

To begin the Invisalign treatment process, a dentist must be consulted. The dentist will determine whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for the patient, and, if so, will develop an appropriate course of treatment. X-rays, photographs and impressions will be taken of the teeth.

Step Two:
Fabrication Of Invisalign Custom Aligners

Advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology will analyze and transform impressions of a patient’s teeth into a custom-made series of clear and removable aligners. Using this same computer imaging, a dentist will be able to see the anticipated progression of the therapy, and what the teeth will look like after treatment is completed. This analysis can be done in-office before any treatment has started.

Step Three: Receiving The Invisalign Aligners

At the next visit, the patient receives the aligners. Each set is worn day and night for about two weeks, and is removed only to eat, drink, brush and floss. The patient sees the dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to get the next set of aligners to take home. Treatment is complete once each set of aligners has been worn. The average treatment time, which depends on the complexity of the case, is typically six months to one year.

The Invisalign system has been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth.

Invisalign® FAQs

The Invisalign® system uses virtually invisible aligners, rather than metal bands, brackets or wires, to straighten teeth comfortably. The aligners are custom-made to fit the teeth, and are easily removable so patients can eat, drink, brush and floss. The advantage that Invisalign teeth aligners have over regular braces is that they are virtually undetectable.

How Does The Invisalign System Work?

The Invisalign system uses advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology to project tooth movement in a patient’s mouth. This allows the dentist to create a series of clear, custom-made aligners, also called repositioners, that gradually move the teeth in line with one another. A patient wears each aligner for about two weeks, then moves on to the next set, and then the next, until the teeth-positioning goal has been met.

What Does The Invisalign System Treat?

In addition to straightening crooked or misaligned teeth, Invisalign aligners can eliminate crowding and large spaces between teeth. More complex conditions, such as overbites, underbites and crossbites, can also be treated.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Invisalign Aligners Over Regular Braces?

Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces. They may include:

Cosmetic appeal
Lower cost
Flexible-payment options
Little to no impact on daily life
Less pain
Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time
Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
No dietary restrictions
No “tightening” required

Who Are Good Candidates For Invisalign Treatment?

The Invisalign system is an effective tool for straightening teeth, and is suitable for patients who are fourteen years of age and older, and who want to:

Straighten crooked or misaligned teeth
Eliminate teeth crowding
Close up large spaces between the teeth.
Correct overbites, underbites and crossbites

A person interested in Invisalign aligners should contact a dentist or orthodontist.

How Does Invisalign Treatment Start?

The first step is for a person to make an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist, who will decide whether the Invisalign system is appropriate. If so, a course of treatment is mapped out. Steps in the treatment process include:

Bite impressions are made and sent out for processing
Aligners are created using advanced 3-D computer imaging based on the bite impressions
The patient receives the custom-made aligners
The patient wears the clear and removable aligners day and night

Aligners should be removed only when the patient is eating, drinking, brushing and flossing; the more they are taken out, the longer it will take to achieve the desired goal.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?

Typically, Invisalign treatment takes about a year from start to finish. The patient sees the dentist or orthodontist for a brief appointment every 6 to 8 weeks to review progress. The next set of aligners is given to the patient at each visit.

Does The Invisalign System Work?

Yes; Invisalign aligners have been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth.

Is Invisalign Treatment Covered By Insurance?

If a person has dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment may also be covered.