What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign is the way to discreetly straighten your teeth without braces. Invisalign uses nearly invisible, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal or wires.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses 3-D imaging technology to show the entire treatment plan from the initial to the final position of the teeth. Using this technology, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are produced. Each aligner moves the teeth in the desired direction and is worn for about two weeks. At that point, the aligner is replaced by the next in the series until the final position is reached.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
- Invisalign aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone realizing it.
- Invisalign is removable. You can eat and drink what you want during treatment, unlike with braces. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain oral hygiene.
- Invisalign aligners are comfortable. They do not use metal brackets or wires that can cause mouth irritation. No metal or wires also means that you will spend less time in the dentist’s office getting adjustments.
- Invisalign allows you to view your treatment plan before you begin treatment so that you can see how straight your teeth will be when your treatment is complete.
What are aligners made of?
Invisalign aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is nearly invisible when worn.
What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and look similar to teeth-whitening trays. However, aligners are custom made so they fit snugly and can move the teeth.
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
Orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment for years. With the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing we have today, Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.
How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc. is the company that manufactures Invisalign. It was founded in 1997. Since then, Align has manufactured over 10 million aligners and 250,000 patients have been treated.
How old is this technology?
In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the movements needed for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Modern technology has made Dr. Kesling’s dream a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align crafted Invisalign, a series of customized, nearly invisible appliances called aligners. Each aligner is worn in order by the patient to produce the needed movements in the upper and lower arches.
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
250,000 patients have been treated with Invisalign worldwide. This number grows daily.
Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign?
Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, but specific training is needed. Any orthodontist or dentist interested in providing Invisalign must attend training before cases will be accepted from their office. Worldwide, close to 30,000 orthodontists and dentists are certified to use Invisalign.
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Like braces, Invisalign moves the teeth through the use of controlled force on the teeth. Unlike braces, Invisalign also controls the timing of the force application. During every stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan. This force delivery system is very efficient.
Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
Yes, the FDA reviewed Align’s application and determined that Invisalign is exempt from 510(k) premarket notification in August 1998.
What is Invisalign Express?
Invisalign Express is a treatment designed to correct mild orthodontic issues like minor crowding and spacing. Because Invisalign Express is designed to treat mild problems only, treatment time is usually less than six months.
Contact our dental office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Blake Lawlor to learn more about Invisalign in Wichita, Kansas.