What is Invisalign?
Does Invisalign really work?
How does Invisalign work?
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
What are aligners made of?
What do aligners look like?
Is this a new way to straighten teeth? How old is the company?
How old is this technology?
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign?
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Will the treatment be painful?
Will wearing Invisalign Aligners affect my speech?
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
How often must I be seen?
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. Back
Does Invisalign really work?
Yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth. Back
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved. Back
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
There are four primary benefits of Invisalign:
1. Invisalign is nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
2. Invisalign is removable - you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Invisalign is comfortable - there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
4. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start - so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is completed. Back
What are aligners made of?
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Back
What do aligners look like?
Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth." Back
Is this a new way to straighten teeth? How old is the company?
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision. Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997. Back
How old is this technology?
In 1945 Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align generates Invisalign, a series of customized appliances, called "Aligners". Each Aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches. Back
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
Currently, doctors are treating more than 40,000 patients. The number grows daily. Back
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 a workshop before cases will be accepted from their office. Back
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system. Back
Will the treatment be painful?
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series. Back
Will wearing Invisalign Aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear. Back
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional wires & brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene. Back
How often must I be seen?
We will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way to be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned. Back
