Invisalign is a great invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. This unique cosmetic dental solution uses a series of clear removable aligners which straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets.
With Invisalign you wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them to eat, drink, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth move until they have straightened to the final and desired position. The average treatment time for Invisalign is 9-15 months using 18-30 aligners.
The Invisalign Express System is used to correct mild orthodontic problems such as minor crowding and spacing. Since it is designed for mild problems, treatment time is generally less than six months. We make it possible to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can review the final appearance of your teeth when your treatment is complete.
HOW DOES THE INVISALIGN SYSTEM WORK?
Invisalign is a revolutionary system for straightening crooked teeth and closing gaps between
teeth and in many cases can replace the need for traditional metal-wire braces that have long been used in traditional orthodontic practice.
Using advanced 3-D computer imaging technology to simulate tooth movement, the doctor uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually move your teeth.
The system utilizes the latest in computerized technology and three dimensional modeling to generate a series of clear, see-through aligners or “clear braces”. They are virtually un-noticed when you are wearing them and are often referred to by many patients as “Invisible Braces’. The clear aligners are specially fabricated to fit your teeth exactly and over time they slowly move your teeth into a position that gives you a natural looking perfect smile.
What is the procedure?
After an initial smile evaluation an impression is taken of your teeth along with several photographs of your teeth and smile from different angles.
At the invisalign design lab a 3D model of your teeth is created.
Custom made aligners are made for your teeth based on the simulation.
The custom aligners are transferred to your dental office where your dentist will provide instructions on how and when to use the aligners.
The aligners are changed every two weeks as your teeth move slowly overtime.
The custom aligners must be worn for a minimum of 20 hours a day, the success of the treatment is highly dependent on your compliance as a patient and so requires dedication
Regular visits with your dentist are scheduled to ensure that your treatment is going as initially planned.
IS INVISALIGN BETTER THAN METAL BRACES?
Metal braces are usually more painful and can cause irritation and local inflammation of the gums and soft tissue. The tightening forces used with metal braces can often cause discomfort. With wire braces cleaning your teeth is much more difficult. Flossing is also difficult with metal braces, most people will neglect this part of their cleaning which could lead to problems with bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay in the future. With Invisalign you remove the aligners when you brush, floss and eat, therefore not having the problem of food getting trapped between wires and elastic bands.
The Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible to anyone unless they get very close to you, so hardly anyone will even notice that you are having treatment. This is one of the main reasons adults are encouraged to use the Invisalign system, as it won’t cause any disruption to their lifestyle.
If you would like more information on Invisalign, click on this logo to visit the official website.
