Invisalign® Orthodontic Treatment

For people who are dissatisfied with their smiles but have not done anything about them because they are not interested in a mouthful of metal, Invisalign ® "braces" may be a good option. They eliminate both the discomfort of metal wires and the inconvenience of adjustments. The Invisalign system uses virtually invisible aligners that straighten teeth without metal bands, brackets or wires. The custom-made trays are comfortable, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, flossing and special occasions. The clear-plastic Invisalign aligners are so inconspicuous that it is difficult to tell when someone is wearing them.

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Technology

Invisalign aligners use the latest in 3-D computer imaging to determine a projected path of tooth movement for each patient. This allows a dentist to design a series of personalized aligners (repositioners) that work to straighten teeth over time. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks, at which point there is a changeover to a new set.

Candidates for Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign aligners capably treat most common problems found in adults and teens. They are successful in straightening crooked teeth, eliminating crowding and closing gaps. Invisalign aligners can be used to treat both minor cosmetic issues and more-complex bite problems.

Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment

Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible, and do not draw attention to the mouth; most people cannot tell when someone is wearing them. Invisalign aligners offer many benefits over traditional metal braces including:

• More cosmetically appealing
• Lower cost
• Little-to-no impact on daily life
• Less painful
• Greater flexibility because aligners can be removed at any time
• Easier to keep teeth clean and healthy
• No dietary restrictions

With no metal or wires to irritate the mouth, an active, athletic lifestyle, free from worry about injury or bracket breakage, can be maintained.

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Process

Step One: Consultation with a Certified Invisalign Provider

To begin the Invisalign treatment process, a dentist must be consulted. The dentist will determine whether Invisalign aligners are suitable for the patient, and, if so, will develop an appropriate course of treatment. X-rays, photographs and impressions will be taken of the teeth.

Step Two: Fabrication of Invisalign Custom Aligners

Advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology will analyze and transform impressions of a patient's teeth into a custom-made series of clear and removable aligners. Using this same computer imaging, a dentist will be able to see the anticipated progression of the therapy, and what the teeth will look like after treatment is completed. This analysis can be done in-office before any treatment has started.

Step Three: Receiving the Invisalign Aligners

At the next visit, the patient receives the aligners. Each set is worn day and night for about two weeks, and is removed only to eat, drink, brush and floss. The patient sees the dentist every four to six weeks to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to get the next set of aligners to take home. Treatment is complete once each set of aligners has been worn. The average treatment time, which depends on the complexity of the case, is typically six months to one year.

The Invisalign system has been shown to be highly effective at straightening teeth.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• WebMD