Invisalign is a system to move teeth into a more attractive position without using conventional metal braces. It is a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom made series of aligners created for you. These aligners are made of clear, comfortable plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. There are no metal brackets or no wires to tighten. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know your straightening your teeth.
Invisalign is becoming increasingly more popular as an effective alternative to braces for straightening your teeth. Since they don’t look like traditional braces with brackets, you may be wondering how the whole process works.
Is Invisalign for me?
Invisalign is for you if you want an easy and effective treatment for:
Gaps between your teeth
Open bite
Underbite
Crossbite
Crowded teeth
Overbite
Many patients also opt for Invisalign to achieve generally straighter teeth or to correct mild to moderate dental misalignments.
While Invisalign is really good at what it does, there are certain situations where Invisalign will not work very effectively, which is why it’s important to start your Invisalign treatment with a consultation with one of our doctors. During the exam we will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. A key to remember is that Invisalign works for teens and adults. Kids that still have baby teeth, or adult teeth that still have to grow in a lot do not qualify.
Once we determine you are a good candidate for Invisalign, we take records. The records include:
– Photographs of your teeth and face
– Dental impressions of your teeth
– Two x-rays
Once we have those records, We send them to Invisalign with detailed instructions on how we want the teeth to be moved.
Next, Invisalign scans your impressions, so that they have a 3D model of your teeth. Their technicians will move the teeth step by step in the computer model to their final positions.
We then review the movements of the teeth. If we need to make the changes, we send them the requests , they correct it and then we review them again. Sometimes need to do this a couple of times to get the teeth exactly where we want them.
Once we are satisfied, We ask Invisalign to go ahead and make a series of trays (called aligners) and mail them to our office. It usually takes about 4 weeks from the time of the impressions until we get the trays back to our office. Then you are ready to start straightening your teeth!
You will wear a set of Invisalign trays for two weeks at a time. Each tray is manufactured so that the teeth are slightly straighter than the previous tray. The teeth will typically move 1/10mm per tray. So when you put a new tray in, the teeth in the tray are slightly straighter than your teeth are. This puts pressure on your teeth, and over the course of two weeks your teeth will move so that they match the tray.
Once we are done with your final trays, it is time for retainers. You receive clear plastic retainers that look like Invisalign trays. We ask that you to wear the retainers full time for 2 months and then cut back to just while sleeping. Eventually, you get to the point where you are just wearing it a night or two a week. People often ask why we need to use retainers. The simple fact is that nothing about your body remains constant. It all changes as we age and that includes your teeth. Biting and chewing can put a lot of pressure on your teeth, and over time, these forces can move your teeth around.
Benefits
• Allows patients the ability to remove appliance for better oral hygiene or if special events arise (prom, weddings, etc.)
• Patient is able to function normally at work or school as clear trays are barely noticeable.
• Most insurance’s accept this treatment.
Limitations
• Not all cases are suitable for treatment with invisalign.