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In
the late 1990s, Invisalign developed a system of invisible braces. It uses clear
plastic "aligners" to straighten your teeth. They take advantage of
sophisticated computer technology, and eliminate the need for unsightly
wire-and-bracket
braces.
And they work very well. The
clearest advantage is that they are practically invisible. But since they
are manufactured by the computer with great precision, they move teeth more
efficiently than conventional braces, so
they take only half the time, or even less. Average treatment time
is around twelve months, with
some cases being completed in six months.
Invisalign limitations
But they do have some limitations.
For example, they can't be used to move teeth that aren't yet fully erupted.
They also don't work well for severe
crowding. There are other situations where the best way to move the teeth is
with conventional braces. But, because they are invisible, comfortable, and
fast, patients love them. They are particular favorites with
adults and older teenagers. |
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Some Invisalign offices will offer you a free
consultation. Visit the
invisible braces referral page
for a list of recommended dentists. When you are looking for an Invisalign dentist, we recommend dentists who are able to deliver Invisalign
services and cosmetic dentistry at an expert level. This is because when dentists have the broader cosmetic dentistry training, we feel
they are better able to address your needs. For example, there may be
another cosmetic dentistry solution that could be better and less expensive.
Or, a combination of cosmetic dentistry services may
be desirable for your case. We select these
dentists based on training and attitude. Also, many orthodontists who are
certified to be able to do this treatment are steeped in |
traditional
thinking and are reluctant to use this new technology.
Invisalign Procedure:
After
a complete examination and once it is determined that this Invisalign treatment will work
for you and you agree to begin, the dentist will take highly detailed impressions of your
teeth. These impressions will be sent to the Invisalign lab and will then be scanned by computer.
The computer will aid in planning tooth movements and will fabricate a series of 12 to 48 clear
aligners. The dentist will then give you the first set, and you will snap it in.
The first thing you will notice is that the aligner doesn’t quite
fit your teeth. The reason is that it is made to fit a new position for your teeth. For the next few days,
your teeth will gradually
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A picture of an
Invisalign aligner
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move to this new position and the
aligner will become loose. Then there is a few days' rest while your teeth stabilize in
their new position. After two weeks, you
snap in a new aligner, which again won’t quite fit. This process is repeated
until the teeth are fully moved into the desired positions.
During this process, you
visit the office approximately every four weeks so the dentist can monitor the treatment,
address any problems, and make slight corrections.
Advantages of Invisalign®:
 | Invisalign is truly invisible, so that no one can tell that you're straightening your teeth. |
| They are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, besides
being able to brush and floss normally. |
| They are comfortable, because there are no metal wires or sharp brackets to irritate
your cheeks or tongue. |
| They are faster. Adjustments in the office are quicker, and treatment times are usually
shorter. |
| Since the movements are planned by computer, they are
more efficient. Often, with regular braces, teeth end up being moved back and
forth in an effort to get them into the correct positions. |
| Since there are no brackets to catch food or plaque,
the risk of tooth decay or tooth damage from braces is significantly lower
with Invisalign®. |
| The added comfort and absence of sharp metal brackets
makes it much easier to play woodwind and brass musical instruments. Teenagers
involved in sports also like them. |
Disadvantages of Invisalign:
| Not all tooth-straightening cases can be treated with this system.
Some cases will require conventional braces or possibly surgical orthodontics. |
| Since they are removable, patient compliance is required. |
| It is newer technology, and so it doesn't have the same
long-term proven track record that conventional braces have. While there is a
lot of experience using Invisalign® with minor class
I crowding, there isn't much experience with certain other types of crowding. |
| Invisalign® can't be used unless all the permanent
teeth are erupted. It can't be used for patients under age 14.
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For a list of frequently asked questions with their
answers, see our invisible braces
page. Read Dr. Hall's blog posts about
Invisalign, where he
answer's patients' questions. |
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The listings below are paid advertisements and should not be confused with the recommended dentists we list in our "find a cosmetic dentist" section:
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