Invisalign

One of the main concerns adults often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of the metalwork on their smile. The prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for long periods of time can be very discouraging. Invisalign® offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens teeth fast and contains no metal.

Invisalign® treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligning trays.

The dentist changes the trays every several weeks to fit the new tooth configuration.

In addition to the reduced visual impact, Invisalign® aligning trays can be

temporarily removed for important occasions – meaning that treatment duration

is patient-controlled. A great number of people report complete satisfaction with

both the Invisalign® treatment and the stunning results.

What kind of bite problems can Invisalign® correct?
Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces;

the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye,

and can be removed at will.

Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:

Overcrowding – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.
Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.
Crossbite – This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.
Overbite – This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur.
Underbite – This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.

What advantages does Invisalign® offer over traditional braces and veneers?
Traditional dental braces, Invisalign® aligning trays and dental veneers are three

different ways to perfect the alignment of the teeth. There are many different

considerations to make when considering which treatment will be best, and each of these options works better in certain situations.

Invisalign® differs from traditional braces in that the aligning trays are fully removable. This means that more discipline and commitment is required from the patient. This is not usually a problem since the trays are comfortable and nearly invisible. Almost identical results can be obtained by using either treatment.

What does Invisalign® treatment involve?
First, the dentist needs to devise an initial treatment plan before creating the special aligning trays. Photos, x-rays and impressions are then taken and sent to Invisalign. A "3-Dimensional" movie will then be made of your case illustrating how the teeth will move and the unique modifications that must be made in order to achieve the final result.

Once planning is complete, a unique set of aligners is made. The total amount of aligners required varies with each individual case, but 20-29 sets per arch is typical.

What are some considerations when wearing Invisalign® trays?
Life with Invisalign® aligning trays may take several weeks to get used to. The trays should be worn constantly, except when eating and drinking. It is important to remove the trays when consuming food or drink because food can become trapped between the tray and the teeth, causing tooth decay.

Usually, new trays are necessary every two weeks and progress between appointments can be seen with the naked eye. There is no doubt that Invisalign® aligning trays have revolutionized orthodontics. Invisalign® is renowned for being both comfortable and effective.