What is invisalign?
Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan based on your Invisalign Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your Invisalign Provider, based on your specific needs.
Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
Unlike conventional braces, Invisalign® is one of the most convenient methods to straighten teeth, requiring patients to make minor life changes to accommodate the orthodontic treatment. For instance, patients can take out the aligners when brushing, flossing, eating, or drinking—a significant advantage over cumbersome braces that not only complicate oral care, but also are especially prone to damage when eating hard or chewy foods (i.e. corn on the cob, crunchy taco shells, beef jerky, etc.). Because the mouth trays are transparent (nearly invisible), patients using Invisalign® aligners can straighten their teeth without embarrassing metal brackets and wires taking away from the natural look of their smile. The plastic aligners are also gentle on cheeks and gums—unlike braces, which contain sharp edges that can scrape or cut the inside of the mouth.
FAQs
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible aligners, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.
Invisalign aligners are removable giving you the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene.
Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. This means that in most cases less time is spent in your Invisalign Provider’s practice for adjustments.
And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment so you can see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.
What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign?
With experience, an Invisalign Provider can use Invisalign to treat malocclusion for a majority of adults and adolescents who want a better smile. For teenagers, talk to your Invisalign Provider to see if Invisalign Teen may be the right treatment option for your child.
