Invisalign® Specialist

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a state-of-the-art orthodontic system that uses clear plastic aligners to shift teeth into position instead of wires and brackets. The aligners are custom made of smooth medical-grade plastic and designed to fit snugly and comfortably over the teeth. Aligners are worn in a specific sequence, with each subsequent aligner featuring subtle shape differences that keep teeth moving into their proper positions.

What happens during treatment with Invisalign®?

Invisalign® treatment begins with a series of impressions and measurements of the teeth. These impressions are sent to a lab where the aligners are custom made using state-of-the-art computer-aided drafting and design software. The computer software creates a series of 3D models that demonstrate the movements the teeth will need to make over time to come into alignment. Then those models are used to create the aligners that will be worn during treatment. Each aligner will be worn for about six weeks. At the end of that time, the aligner will be replaced by the next aligner in the series to keep teeth moving in the right directions. Patients will need to be seen in the office about every six weeks, with most treatments taking about 18 months or so to complete.

How does Invisalign® compare to traditional braces?

Invisalign® offers several advantages compared to traditional metal braces:

• They’re made entirely of clear plastic so they’re almost invisible while they’re being worn.
• They’re completely smooth so there are no sharp wires or brackets to cause irritation and sore spots.
• They can be removed when eating, eliminating dietary restrictions. When necessary, they can even be removed for social occasions.
• They can be removed when brushing and flossing, making it much easier to care for teeth during treatment. The aligners are also very easy to care for.
• Their custom design allows treatment to be completed faster than traditional braces in most cases.

Can Invisalign® be used to treat all types of alignment issues?

Invisalign® can be used to treat a wide array of alignment problems, but they’re not always ideal for every patient. During the initial consultation, the teeth and bite alignment will be carefully evaluated to ensure Invisalign® is the most appropriate option for achieving optimal results.