Invisalign

Invisalign Teen
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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an esthetic option to full conventional braces. It consists of a series of clear aligners that are worn full time for approximately two weeks at a time. The aligners are designed and manufactured with a computer model which is precise to you. It moves your teeth into position in small increments by daily wear. The Invisalign aligners are custom-made for your teeth and the treatment plan is made by our dentists.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a revolutionary method of straightening teeth. It looks like a simple thin plastic mouthguard, but it is a custom made aligner that is fabricated by advanced computer technology, that anticipates the movements from aligner to aligner, and fabricates the next one with no or minimal additional impressions in the dental office. At times a mid treatment correction may be needed and an additional impression will be taken. Over each period, each tooth moves and the dentist decides when and what aligners to give for the next period. By the end, one has the smile they have wanted for a long time. A final retainer is given at the end of treatment.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign is a series of clear removable aligners designed to straighten your teeth without bands, brackets or wires. It is nearly invisible and one is able to take it out. That makes it easy to eat and brush and floss their teeth. It also eliminates the possibility of decay or staining of the teeth around and under the bands and brackets as in conventional braces. For many adults and teens who don't want metal braces, it is the product of choice.

What do "aligners" look like?

The Invisalign aligners look like a thin, clear, plastic mouthguard that fits snuggly over your teeth. It is not visible to the average person.

What are Invisalign aligners made of?

Invisalign aligners are made of a durable plastic that is manufactured from digitized (computer fabricated) impressions taken by your dentist.

How often will I have to wear my aligners?

Aligners need to be worn full time. The less they are worn, the longer treatment will take. If they are worn full time, each aligner is active and moves the teeth for two weeks. If they are not worn adequately, your dentist will find that the teeth have not moved enough to get the next set of aligners.

Who should consider using Invisalign?

Invisalign can be used by patients of all ages. Adults can have limited treatment for restorative needs, as well as esthetic treatment to align front teeth for appearance. Teens also can be treated with Invisalign Teen. It is a similar product as the adult product, but customized for the compliance issues of teens.

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

Invisalign has been around since 1997. The system of using a removable retainer or aligner to straighten teeth has been used for decades. The difference in using Invisalign is that the models and retainers are fabricated by digital computer technology, making it easier on the patients, that minimal molds of the teeth need to be taken during the length of treatment.

What can be expected at my first Invisalign visit?

At your first invisalign visit your dentist will evaluate your bite from an esthetic to functional point of view. He or she will also find out your desires from an appearance point of view. Photos, impressions, and a panoramic xray, full mouth xray on one film, may be taken. The dentist will discuss the ability of Invisalign to correct your bite and approximately the time span and cost range.

How long does Invisalign treatment take?

Invisalign treatment can take from twelve to thirty months depending on the severity of the case and the compliance of wearing the aligner by the patient. If there is a severe case, a short period of conventional braces may be needed to get an optimum result.

How much does Invisalign cost?

While cost is a big question for anyone considering cosmetic orthodontic work, only a dentist can determine the cost based on your specific case and needs. Factors include what your chief goal is, the difficulty of your case, how long it will take to correct your malocclusion, as well as other factors determined by your dentist. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is comparable to the cost of traditional braces. In most of the United States, the cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $4,000 to $6,000, with the national average a bit above $5,000.