The Invisalign system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Invisalign uses advanced 3D computer imaging technology to depict your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then, a series of clear aligners, made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, are custom-made for your teeth — and your teeth only — to move them little by little in the sequence determined by your doctor. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series until the final position of your teeth is achieved.
Through the use of a patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan. After approximately two weeks (at 22 hours per day), you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor.
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you’re wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth—an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll likely spend less time in the doctor’s chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straightened teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you’ll be able to see it for yourself.
Depending on your specific treatment, some of the movements may require either “attachments” or “ridges” to help the aligner grip the teeth. These bumps, or wells, are where the aligner grips the attachment the doctor places on your teeth. The attachments are actually small pieces of enamel-colored composite the doctor affixes to your teeth that are then gripped by bumps on your aligners. The ridges are slim indentations in your aligners. Your doctor will use one or both of these features to attempt to achieve the desired tooth movement.
Time for a snack? No problem. Take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want. You can remove your Invisalign aligners, so you can brush and floss regularly, and keep your teeth and gums healthy. You can occasionally remove your Invisalign aligners and enjoy a special night out. There’s no need to change a thing. Continue your day-to-day activities while still straightening your teeth.Be yourself with Invisalign aligners. Since they are clear, you don’t have to hide your smile while going through treatment. With Invisalign treatment, it’s easy to make your smile picture perfect for that special occasion. Invisalign appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with a quick progress check once every six weeks.
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety metal braces can cause, some people experience temporary discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having aligners in your mouth, any lisp caused by the aligners should disappear.
Because of the high sugar content in alcohol, a moderate amount would be fine to consume, as long as care is taken to clean the teeth and the aligners soon after so as not to trap sugar between them. The same applies for any sugary beverage.
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign Cleaning system, available for order at www.invisalignstore.com. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
More than 3,000,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily. At your next appointment, we can help answer any questions you might have, and get you started on the smile you’ve always wanted.
Most doctors recommend that anyone who has completed orthodontic treatment, whether braces or Invisalign treatment, use a retainer to prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position. Because every case is different, please speak to your doctor to confirm if you need post-treatment retainers, and if they are needed for both upper and lower teeth.
While there are many different types of retainers, we recommend Vivera® retainers. Vivera’s proprietary material is 30% stronger than other leading clear retainer materials, which helps maintain your teeth in the final position. Because the retainers are custom made from an impression or scan of your teeth using the same state-of-the-art technology as Invisalign clear aligners, you will benefit from a more precise and comfortable fit.