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The Invisalign Advantage: The Comfortable,
Discreet Way to Straight Teeth
Did you know that over 16 million people have used Invisalign to correct their smiles? In fact, more and more people are opting for the use of clear aligners because of the comfort and convenience they offer. Chances are you passed by several people this week with Invisalign aligners and you didn’t even realize it.
Globally, almost 250,000 patients have been treated with clear aligners, and this number is steadily rising every day. This growing popularity is a testament to the effectiveness and appeal of Invisalign, offering a discreet and hassle-free alternative to traditional braces.
By choosing Invisalign, you are joining a vast community of satisfied users who have transformed their smiles with ease and confidence. With numbers that speak for themselves, it’s clear that this innovative dental solution is reshaping the way we think about orthodontic care.
What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligners are the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. They use a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. This innovative technology allows you to transform your smile discreetly, month by month, correcting alignment issues without the traditional ‘brace face’ look.
A Modern Approach to Teeth Straightening
For years, orthodontists and dentists have relied on removable appliances for specific treatments. However, the landscape of orthodontics has evolved. With the integration of computer technology and custom manufacturing, clear aligners now address a broader range of dental issues with remarkable precision.
This technological leap means that clear aligners aren’t just a popular choice; they’re also a sophisticated solution capable of treating various cases that once required traditional braces. So, while clear aligners might seem like the latest trend, they’re actually the product of years of innovation and development in dental care.
Incorporating these advancements, Invisalign stands out not only for its subtlety but also for its effectiveness. As more people discover the benefits, it’s clear that this method is here to stay, blending modern technology with everyday practicality.
Invisible Braces
What I personally love about Invisalign is that it gives you the chance to straighten out your teeth…without telling the whole world. You can do it discreetly, month after month, and correct all of those nagging alignment issues before you know it.
So, what do aligners actually look like? Imagine something clear and sleek, similar to tooth-whitening trays but custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly. Some call them “contact lenses for teeth” because of their transparency and precise fit. This design ensures they gently and effectively move your teeth into the desired position.
No more ‘brace face!’ Metal braces are big, bulky, and noticeable whereas Invisalign invisible braces are barely even noticeable to others. (In fact, most won’t even know that you have them in!) With these clear aligners, you get the benefit of a beautiful smile without the obvious signs of orthodontic treatment.
Comfortable Aligners
Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign invisible braces don’t scuff up your cheeks and gums (no bulky metal brackets or wires that pop loose). Each set of aligners is custom printed based on a 3D scan of your teeth, marrying your current teeth with future alignment corrections in a comfortable way.
Convenience
With Invisalign, you also gain the convenience of removing your clear aligners during activities such as eating or brushing your teeth. Simply slip them off, place them in the case, and you’re all set. Once finished, simply place your clear aligners back in and you’re all set.
Removable aligners don’t have any elastics, bands, wires, or brackets to fret over.
How Old Is This Technology?
The concept behind using a series of appliances to achieve comprehensive tooth movement dates back to 1945. It was Dr. H.D. Kesling who initially imagined that future advancements would allow for this precise orthodontic treatment. Over time, his visionary idea has been brought to life.
In the modern era, a significant leap occurred with the development of clear aligners. These are customized, transparent devices designed to guide teeth into their desired positions. Utilizing advanced computer technology, each aligner is tailored to the patient’s dental structure and worn in a specific sequence. This approach allows for extensive movement of teeth in both the upper and lower arches, providing a discreet yet effective treatment option.
Thus, while the foundational concept is over 75 years old, the practical application of today’s technology showcases the remarkable advancements made in orthodontics since then.
How Does Invisalign Work? The Process
Here’s how the treatment process works…
- Orthodontic Consultation: This initial appointment allows us to take a closer look at your teeth, work together on creating a treatment plan towards your new smile, and answer any questions you have about the process.
- Digital Impressions: At your next appointment, we’ll take a digital impression of your teeth that will be used to create your first set of custom-printed aligners. The digital impression is then sent to a specialized lab to be manufactured.
- Understanding How Aligners Work: Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The principal difference lies in their ability to not only control forces but also the timing of their application. At each stage, only specific teeth are allowed to move, according to the orthodontic treatment plan. This results in an efficient force delivery system, ensuring precise adjustments.
- Your Invisalign Aligners Are Ready! Patients will typically wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set. Each set is engineered to make small adjustments, gradually improving the positioning of your teeth. Aligners are worn day and night except times when you are eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing.
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular check-ups occur every 4 weeks to ensure progress towards our desired result. Any required adjustments will be made during these visits.
- Your New Smile Has Arrived! Once treatment has finished, I’ll provide you with four sets of custom retainers that will help ensure that your teeth stay nice and straight for years to come. Now, it’s time to show off your brand new smile!
By understanding the mechanics behind clear aligners, you can appreciate the precision and effectiveness of this innovative treatment.
FAQ’S
While it’s certainly not suited to address every problem, Invisalign can address a wide range of very common problems.
Crooked Teeth: Teeth that have twisted or turned in place.
Gaps: Unwanted space between the teeth.
Overbite: This happens when your front teeth on top extend beyond the bottom front teeth. Most people have a little overbite, but Invisalign can help treat a more severe case.
Underbite: When your lower teeth extend farther than your upper teeth. Oftentimes this is a result of a misalignment of the jaw.
Crossbite: When your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth when biting down.
Open bite: When your upper and lower teeth do not all come together when biting down – typically some of the back teeth will touch but there remains a gap between the front upper and lower teeth.
Crowding: When it looks like there’s more teeth than there is space. Often results in the twisting or angling of specific teeth.
Asymmetry: differences or discrepancies between one side of your mouth and the other.
To be clear, Invisalign is not for everyone. It cannot correct every alignment issue under the sun. But it does work really well for a wide range of issues (see above). Here are some general guidelines regarding who is typically a good fit for Invisalign Invisible Braces:
Mild to Moderate Cases: Invisalign isn’t designed for complex orthodontic issues. Thankfully, the majority of people do not fall into this category, which opens up the possibility of Invisalign treatment.
Teenagers & Adults: Because of its unique features, Invisalign is a popular choice for both older teens and adults who want to avoid the appearance and discomfort of traditional metal braces. Even young teens can start Invisalign under certain conditions.
There is no set timeline for Invisalign. The treatment process depends on a variety of factors, such as severity of the case, how consistent you are in wearing your clear aligners, the treatment plan, and even the patient’s age.
But there have been several medical peer assessments that have shown that Invisalign can deliver the new smile you want roughly 5 months faster than traditional metal braces. I have seen cases take as little as 4 months and others require 18 months. Most tend to take about 9-12 months to complete.
Here are several key factors when determining if Invisalign is the right orthodontic solution for you:
A great first step to discovering if Invisalign will work for you is to come in for a complimentary evaluation. CTA Book Appointment
All Invisalign treatment plans are personalized to each patient, which means that no two plans will be the exact same. Generally speaking, the price of Invisalign can range around $5000 – $6000. If you have dental insurance that offers a reduced cost for traditional braces, Invisalign is often included in that coverage. Our office is happy to help you find out if your insurance covers Invisalign treatment – call 714-844-8749 to learn more.
Aligners are crafted from advanced, medical-grade thermoplastics. These plastics are specifically chosen for their durability and transparency. When worn, they offer a discreet appearance, making them nearly invisible to the casual observer.
These thermoplastics are engineered to withstand the forces of teeth movements while maintaining their shape and clarity. Each set of aligners is custom-designed to snugly fit the wearer’s teeth, ensuring both effective treatment and comfort.
Prominent brands like Invisalign and ClearCorrect utilize these materials to provide an individualized, seamless fit. This choice of material ensures that aligners are not only safe for extended use in the mouth but also effective in gradually shifting teeth into their desired positions.
The strong, flexible nature of these plastics also allows for easy insertion and removal, making daily habits like eating and brushing a breeze.
Absolutely, clear aligners have received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In August 1998, the FDA concluded that these orthodontic devices are exempt from the 510(k) pre-market notification process. This means they met specific requirements established for safety and effectiveness, thus allowing them to be marketed without undergoing additional review procedures.
This clearance underscores the trust in the design and functionality of clear aligners. However, keep in mind that while the aligners themselves have FDA clearance, any treatment plan should still be tailored and approved by a licensed orthodontist or dental professional to ensure the best possible results for your individual needs.
The company responsible for producing Clear aligners was established in 1997. Over the years, it has emerged as a leader in the dental technology space. Having manufactured over 10 million of these aligners, it has transformed the smiles of more than 250,000 patients worldwide. So, as of today, the company boasts over two decades of innovation and experience in the field of orthodontics.
Absolutely, professionals require specialized training to effectively utilize clear aligners in their practices. While these orthodontic devices can be integrated with a broad range of treatment philosophies, it isn’t a straightforward process.
Essential Training
Before orthodontists and dentists can offer clear aligner treatments, they must undergo specific training programs. This ensures they can tailor the aligners to meet individual patient needs accurately and safely. This preparation is mandatory for practices to proceed with clear aligner cases.
Worldwide Certification
Currently, nearly 30,000 orthodontists and dentists globally have achieved certification, allowing them to provide this innovative treatment. This certification underscores the importance of expertise and precision in handling clear aligners, ensuring high standards of care for patients everywhere.
By ensuring that healthcare providers have the requisite knowledge and skills, patients can trust that their treatment with clear aligners is both effective and professional.
Yes, it’s important to note that Invisalign aligners can stain. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to always remove your aligners whenever you eat or drink anything besides water. Dark or sugary beverages are often the main culprits when it comes to stained aligners. Drinking them while wearing your aligners can cause them to take on a yellowish sheen. (Not a good look)
In addition, I recommend that you brush your teeth after meals before putting your aligners back on to avoid staining from food.
For those that continue to maintain their smile through daily oral hygiene and regular dental exams, your brand new smile can last a lifetime. Just as consistency is important during Invisalign treatment, consistently wearing your retainer post-treatment at night will help ensure beautiful, straight teeth for years to come.