What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a custom set of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires to tighten.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
- Invisalign is clear.
- You straighten your teeth without most anyone knowing.
- Invisalign is removable.
- Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment and keep up regular oral hygiene.
- Invisalign is comfortable.
- There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation which means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments.
- Invisalign is personal.
- You can view your own virtual treatment plan before you start.
How does Invisalign work?
Anderton Dental will take x-rays, pictures and impressions of your teeth, which Invisalign will use to create a digital 3-D image. This 3-D image will be used to custom-make, clear “aligners” from the beginning to the final desired position. Each “aligner” moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks. You replace each aligner by the next in the series to advance you forward to a great smile.
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
In regular braces, brackets and arch wires move teeth through controlled force. Invisalign moves teeth through controlled force through clear aligners or trays. The key difference is Invisalign not only controls force, but also controls the timing of the force on teeth. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your treatment plan for each stage. This results in an efficient straightening process.
What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and made of a smooth, medical grade plastic that won’t hurt your cheeks or gums. Each aligner looks similar to teeth-whitening trays, but are personally fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth”.
How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997. Since then, Align has manufactured over 10 million aligners and 3,000,000 patients have received treatment.
Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign?
While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, specific training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training before patients will be accepted at their office. Our office has been certified since 2004 and has hundreds of completed cases.
What is Invisalign Express?
Invisalign Express is an orthodontic treatment designed to correct mild orthodontic problems such as minor crowding and spacing. Since it’s designed for mild problems only, treatment time is generally less than six months and half the cost of Invisalign’s full product. Ask us for more information on this treatment.