What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a very common teeth straightening device that uses transparent tray-shaped plastic aligners to guide teeth to their proper positions. Invisalign® is common because when being worn, the trays are virtually invisible, and they can be removed when eating or brushing and flossing, so there are no dietary limitations during treatment and it is much easier to care for your teeth. The plastic aligners are also smooth, so, as with metal braces, there is no chance of discomfort.
Can Invisalign® Work for Me?
While Invisalign® is a great choice for many individuals, for every type of alignment or occlusion problem, it is not ideal. You’ll need to have your teeth and your bite assessed to determine if Invisalign® is right for you. You will learn more about Invisalign® or about other types of orthodontic treatment once your assessment is complete, which would be a better choice to help you get the smile you desire.
What happens during treatment?
Treatment starts with an impression of your teeth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where a computer scans it. Laboratory technicians will use a special software to create a series of three-dimensional models of your mouth that illustrate how your teeth need to move during care. Then to build your aligners, these templates will be used. You’ll change your aligner for the next aligner in the chain about every two weeks. In less than two years, most patients will complete the procedure.
How frequently would I need to come in for visits to the office?
To ensure their treatment stays on track, most patients need to be seen between four to six weeks. Plus, during your entire treatment, you will still have regular six-month cleaning checkups to ensure that your teeth and gums are in optimum health.