Clear Alternative to Braces

"The Clear Alternative to Braces" is the slogan of Invisalign, a relatively new teeth-straightening technology that can, in some cases, be used instead of braces. It was introduced in 1999 and has since been a popular alternative for people who don't want the look and feel of braces while straightening their teeth.

How it Works

• Invisalign doctors take moulds or impressions of your teeth on your first visit, and those impressions are used to input data about your mouth into a computer program. The program makes a 3-D image of your teeth and helps create a treatment plan for you. Because it's all custom-fitted to your mouth, the Invisalign trays fit perfectly. Using the data from the program, doctors make a series of aligners that will move your teeth, little by little, into place. You are able to see what your teeth will look like at the end of treatment.
  The aligners are made of clear plastic that is less than 1mm thick, so no one will notice that you are wearing Invisalign. The edges are smooth, and there are no wires or brackets involved, so most patients find Invisalign to be much more comfortable than wearing braces.

Candidates

• For the right patients, Invisalign is just as effective as braces at straightening teeth. Invisalign can help many people correct crowded teeth, gaps in teeth, overbites, under bites and cross bites, but it sometimes cannot help people with very severe or complicated cases. The only way to know if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule an appointment with an Invisalign trained dentist or orthodontist. At the consultation, the doctor will look at your teeth and talk with you about your situation and your expectations. They will be able to tell you at the end of the consultation whether or not you're a candidate.

Treatment

• Invisalign patients typically need 20 to 30 aligners, which patients wear for two weeks each. This means that Invisalign treatment usually takes 10 to 15 months. Your doctor will give you two or three sets of aligners at your appointment, and you'll come back for check-ups regularly. Check-ups are usually very quick, and at your appointment, you'll get your next two or three aligners.
  You wear your aligners all the time, except to eat, drink and brush. Taking aligners out for these tasks helps keep them clean and prevents them from getting stained. Because straightening your teeth can make your mouth sore, it can be tempting to take your aligners out to give your mouth a break, but the more you leave your aligners in, the more effective the treatment is.