The Invisalign® system uses virtually invisible aligners, rather than bands, brackets, or metal wires, to comfortably straighten teeth. The aligners are custom made to fit the teeth and can be easily removed so patients can eat, drink, brush and floss. The advantage that Invisalign teeth aligners have over regular braces is that they are virtually undetectable.
How does the Invisalign system work?
The Invisalign system uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to project the movement of teeth in a patient’s mouth. This allows the dentist to create a series of custom-made clear aligners, also called repositioners, that gradually move your teeth in line with each other. A patient wears each aligner for about two weeks, then moves on to the next set, and then the next, until the tooth positioning goal is achieved.
What does the Invisalign system treat?
In addition to straightening crooked or misaligned teeth, Invisalign aligners can eliminate crowding and large gaps between teeth. More complex conditions such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites can also be treated.
How old do I have to be to receive Invisalign?
The Invisalign system has expanded far beyond its original use. Initially perceived as a type of cosmetic teeth straightening for adults, Invisalign clear aligners have become quite advanced. This personalized treatment may be ideal for responsible teens who want a straighter, healthier smile without covering their teeth with metal braces. It remains an excellent option for adults who want to discreetly address varying degrees of alignment issues. The manufacturer has also improved its aligners to meet the needs of growing smiles, knowing that early orthodontic intervention can help minimize the amount of correction children need as their permanent teeth grow.
What is the most common age group to receive Invisalign?
Adults of all ages continue to improve their smiles with the Invisalign system and can make up a large portion of the patient population. However, Invisalign also achieves outstanding results for many teens whose teeth have grown in odd positions and angles. More than the patient’s particular age, Invisalign dentists look at tooth growth and the degree of correction needed when developing a treatment plan.
What are some of the benefits of Invisalign aligners over regular braces?
Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces. They may include:
- Cosmetic appeal
- Lowest cost
- Flexible payment options
- Little or no impact on daily life
- Less pain
- Greater flexibility because the aligners can be removed at any time
- It's easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
- No dietary restrictions
- No "squeezing" required
The Invisalign system is an effective tool for straightening teeth and is suitable for patients over the age of fourteen who want to:
The Invisalign system is an effective tool for straightening teeth and is suitable for patients over the age of fourteen who want to:
- Straighten crooked or misaligned teeth
- Eliminate crowding of teeth
- Close large spaces between the teeth.
- Correct overbites, underbites and crossbites
A person interested in Invisalign aligners should contact a dentist or orthodontist.
How does Invisalign treatment begin?
The first step is for a person to make an appointment with a dentist or orthodontist, who will decide if the Invisalign system is appropriate. If so, a course of treatment is outlined. Steps in the treatment process include:
- Bite impressions are taken and sent for processing.
- Aligners are created using advanced three-dimensional computer imaging based on bite impressions.
- The patient receives the custom-made aligners
- The patient wears the clear, removable aligners day and night.
Aligners should be removed only when the patient is eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing; the more you take out, the longer it will take to achieve the desired goal.
How long does Invisalign treatment last?
Invisalign treatment typically lasts about a year from start to finish. The patient sees the dentist or orthodontist for a brief appointment every 6 to 8 weeks to review progress. The next set of aligners is given to the patient at each visit.
What does the Invisalign system treat?
This system, with its custom-designed clear plastic aligners and fixtures, can straighten teeth that are crooked or overlapping. It can close an open bite and position your teeth in a way that improves the effectiveness of brushing and flossing. Invisalign not only improves the appearance of the smile, but also supports long-term oral health.
Does the Invisalign system work?
The most common misconception about Invisalign is that it is only designed for minor cosmetic issues. Patients are sometimes surprised to learn that these clear aligners can correct many of the same problems that once required metal braces. This advance has been achieved through the development of additional applications to the Invisalign system. Just as expanders, spacers, and other techniques improve the effectiveness of standard orthodontic care, Invisalign’s buttons, elastics, and other attachments and movements allow the dentist to correct many more problems than was previously possible.
Is Invisalign treatment painful?
No. Patients do not describe Invisalign as painful. However, it can be uncomfortable. The system works just like braces but without the wires or brackets. For Invisalign to work, pressure must be applied to multiple teeth during the course of treatment. The pressure loosens the teeth in the periodontal ligament so they can shift into their correct position. The force applied through the aligners can create pain that lasts for a few days each time the aligners are changed. After those few days, the pressure continues but it doesn’t feel as intense. Patients can take appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, as directed.
Are there any risks to Invisalign?
Due to the two-week wearing interval for each aligner, Invisalign can be a smoother path to a straighter, healthier smile. Patients are advised not to try to rush the process by changing aligners before two weeks. Accelerated straightening presents unnecessary risks. The main risk of using Invisalign is the buildup of plaque and oral bacteria. Patients should not eat or drink while wearing their aligners (except water), as doing so can allow sugar and acids to seep under them. Where there is sugar and acid, there is a heightened risk of tooth decay and gum inflammation, not to mention bad odour.
If I complete my Invisalign treatment, will I need it again in the future?
Patients who complete their Invisalign treatment plan can enjoy straight teeth for the rest of their lives, as long as they also follow through on their post-treatment care. As would be necessary after wearing braces, patients are fitted with a proper retainer once their teeth are in the proper position. The dentist may advise wearing the retainer at all times for a full twelve months. It takes approximately this time for bone regeneration and remodeling to occur beneath the new tooth structure. The new bone supports the position of the teeth, so patients can wear their retainers less often after that point. Still, after a year, the dentist may encourage continued use 3-5 nights a week.
Is Invisalign treatment covered by insurance?
If a person has dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, Invisalign treatment may also be covered.
Schedule your appointment!
To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule your appointment with Pembroke Pines’ leading dental clinic, call us today at (954) 432-4800 to schedule your appointment online.
