Invisiline Treatment

Just a mere decade ago, metal braces were the only option for those with crooked teeth. Teens and adults alike cringed at the thought of wearing a mouth full of metal just to achieve a perfect smile. Now this problem has been solved, and the answer is Invisalign.

What Is Invisalign?

• Invisalign aligners are dental appliances used to repair a variety of orthodontic problems such as overcrowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and teeth spaced too far apart. They are made of a thermoplastic material and custom-molded to fit your teeth, so when worn, they are both supple and comfortable, as they conform to every nook and cranny of your mouth. They are considered braces, yet have many benefits metal braces do not have: They are clear, practically unnoticeable, removable, and virtually painless.

Your Consultation

• The first step in treatment is a consultation with an orthodontist. He will examine your teeth and determine the best form of treatment for you. He will take 3-D pictures of your teeth using digitalized technology, along with impressions of your teeth. The images and impressions are sent to a lab where your aligners are made to specification. You typically receive your aligners within two to four weeks.

Treatment

• Invisalign treatment works by using a series of aligners custom-made to fit your teeth. The aligners are generally used in pairs--one aligner for your upper teeth and one for the lower. Gradually, they move your teeth until the desired result has been reached. Each aligner is worn until it fits your teeth perfectly, at which point the next aligner is used. All aligners are numbered and used in a specific sequence to move you smoothly through your treatment plan. About every six weeks you must follow up with your orthodontist so that he can check your progress.

Time Frame

• Average treatment time is nine to 15 months, although it varies according to each patient. During this time, you will use between 20 and 30 aligners. If you do not comply with treatment and wear your aligners as you should, it can prolong the time you have to continue treatment.

Considerations

• One benefit in choosing Invisalign over traditional metal braces is better oral hygiene. Because you can remove your aligner to eat, brush, and floss, the plaque and bacteria responsible for tooth decay have less of an opportunity to build up on your teeth.

  Because there are no wire brackets, there is less mouth irritation. You can, however, expect a bit of discomfort when you begin using each new aligner, which typically lasts for a few days and is more like pressure than pain.

  You must be willing to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day for them to be effective; though they are removable, you should place them right back in as soon as you have finished eating or brushing your teeth.

  Finally there is the cost to consider. The overall cost of treatment depends on the extent of the problem and length of treatment. On average, the cost is $5,000, which may be covered by dental insurance. If you do not have dental insurance, many doctors will set up a payment plan for you.