Invisalign's parent company was founded in 1997 in California and was called Align Technology.
To begin, patients meet with their dentist for a consultation. This meeting covers everything from an informative discussion to evaluate your orthodontic goals to a thorough oral exam. If you and your provider agree that Invisalign is right for you, you can take the next step. This involves your dentist taking impressions or digital scans for use in fabricating your set of trays. You can also ask any questions you like and receive full answers to avoid any confusion.
We send the impressions and scan data to our lab manufacturers, who begin building your set of aligners. Once these arrive at our office, you can come try them on. Doctor might need to add clear buttons on your teeth to help with teeth movements. If everything fits properly, you can then start out on your first day of Clear Aligners treatment. We recommend wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours each day, taking them out only for cleaning and eating.
Based on your doctor’s recommendation you will receive a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks. To continue the process most patients visit every 2-4 weeks for check-up appointments. These visits are key for tracking your treatment progress and making any needed adjustments to ensure you see results you love.
As long as you are diligent about wearing your aligners for the recommended amount of time per day, your smile will keep shifting into the correct position. After completing your treatment (between 12-24 months for most patients), you’ll need a set of retainers to maintain your beautiful new smile. In most cases, these only need to be worn at night while sleeping to preserve your healthier, improved smile.
Occurs when the upper teeth lie over and in front of your lower teeth. Common, but it can be an issue if the overlap is too large. In more severe cases can lead to worn teeth or jaw pain.
Occurs when lower front teeth settle in front of your upper teeth, often due to jaw structure. Can impede chewing and eventually wear down your teeth. In severe cases, may also require oral surgery.
Occurs when one or more of your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth when you bite down, rather than outside where they should, causing misalignment in your bite. Can cause wear, chips, and other symptoms over time. Clear Aligners can fix some crossbites.
Gaps are common, but that doesn't make them less of a nuisance. Spaces are not only inconvenient but can act as food traps and lead to increased bacteria, sore gums, and even gum disease. Invisalign can close these gaps and ensure a more seamless, and healthier smile!
Occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when your jaw closes. Can make chewing difficult and involve cosmetic concerns. Open bites can make chewing or biting certain foods extremely difficult. Invisalign can treat some open bites. Make an appointment to discuss your options with the doctor.
Occurs when your mouth has less room than it has teeth. When they bunch up and overlap, it makes brushing and flossing them more difficult, putting oral health at risk. It is much easier to build up plaque and tartar with crowded teeth which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Invisalign can fix most cases of crowded teeth.
More than 16 million people have had Invisalign treatment, with more every year.
Your trays are created from 3D molds of your teeth and jaw, ensuring the perfect size and shape. The trays are comprised of liquid resin built up in layers, curing with laser into a durable thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, that is FDA approved.
The easiest solution: brush them with a tooth brush in the morning and evening when brushing your teeth. When on the go, you can rinse them with lukewarm water. Never use hot water, bleach or abrasives. You can also get official Cleaning Systems with approved, thorough cleaning capabilities.
While technically an attentive person might spot Invisalign in a wearer, most people will not notice it. The clear plastic is entirely see-through (especially if you keep it clean). Also, they fit snug so that the trays do not cross over to your gumline. There are no bulky metal brackets or wires that will draw attention to your teeth.
Cost varies and involves factors like your unique needs, treatment duration and whether you are using insurance. However, without insurance the price can be between $3000-5500 for most patients. That's a big range. To get an accurate estimate, schedule a consultation with your doctor today! We can check your insurance orthodontic benefits, and during your exam, your dentist can give you a precise estimate and explore your payment options.
Clear Aligners is open to more people than ever before, as the techniques for it have continued to improve. Even more severe malocclusion can be treated with it now, though not every patient will be a viable candidate. During your consultation, your dentist will let you know if Invisalign can bring the results you need or if traditional braces might be better. Hint: Invisalign is almost always an option!
The choice between Invisalign and traditional braces hinges on various factors, such as your personal preferences, lifestyle, and orthodontic requirements. Both Invisalign and braces can effectively align teeth and address alignment concerns, but they vary in terms of their appearance, comfort, and convenience.
A key benefit of Clear Aligners lies in its inconspicuous appearance. These clear aligners are crafted from nearly invisible plastic, making them a more visually pleasing choice compared to metal braces. This aspect is particularly appealing to individuals who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
Furthermore, clear aligners can be taken out, allowing you to eat and drink without limitations. You can maintain your regular oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing as usual, ensuring good dental care throughout your treatment. Conversely, braces are fixed devices that demand special care and attention for oral hygiene.
Despite the numerous advantages of Invisalign, it may not suit everyone. In certain instances, especially for complex orthodontic issues, traditional braces might prove to be a more effective solution. To identify the most suitable treatment option for your specific needs, it's essential to seek advice from a dentist.
Invisalign attachments, also known as buttons or attachments, are small tooth-colored bumps made of dental composite material. They are strategically placed on certain teeth to help the aligners exert more precise and controlled forces on the teeth during the treatment process.
Attachments are used to achieve specific tooth movements that may be more challenging with just the aligners alone. They act as anchors, allowing the aligners to grip onto the teeth and apply the necessary pressure to move them into the desired position. The attachments are custom-made and designed to fit each patient's unique treatment plan. They are bonded to the teeth using a dental adhesive and are typically removed at the end of the Invisalign treatment.
Many Clear Aligners treatments are completed with in 12 months!