Invisalign
is the virtually invisible
way to straighten your teeth without braces, using a series of
clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal
wires or brackets. You wear each set of clear aligners for about
two weeks, removing them only to eat., drink, brush, and floss.
As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your
teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they
have straightened to the final position your orthodontist or
dentist has prescribed. You'll visit your orthodontist or
dentist about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment
is progressing as planned.
Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners
worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to
case.
How does Invisalign work?
An Invisalign-trained dentist will utilize 3D computer imaging technology to
demonstrate the complete treatment plan from initial position to the final
desired position. This imaging technology is then used to design an
individualized series of custom-made aligners. The patient wears the aligner for
about two weeks while the teeth move incrementally. After two weeks, the current
aligner is replaced with the next one until the final position is achieved.
What do aligners look like? Aligners are clear and nearly invisible. If
you've ever seen clear tooth-whitening trays, that should give you a good -idea
of what the aligners look like. Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit and
move your teeth.
Will the treatment be painful? Each time you change to a
new aligner, there may be some temporary discomfort while your teeth adjust to
their new position. This is completely normal, and is a good sign that the
treatment is working.
Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech? Some
people are affected more than others, but most adjust in a short period of time
to the feeling of the aligners and do not have permanent changes in their
speech.
How often will I have to wear my aligners? Invisalign
only works while you're wearing the aligners. It's recommended that you wear
your aligners full-time, day and night, except to eat, brush, and floss your
teeth.
Does Invisalign really work? Yes, in orthodontic and dental practices
nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth.
Does insurance cover Invisalign? Any insurance plan that covers orthodontics
should cover Invisalign.
