General Information - Invisalign Invisible Braces and Aligners

Invisalign® is a product of Align Technology, Inc. that orthodontists and general dentists may use instead of traditional wire and bracket braces to straighten misaligned teeth. Invisalign® aligners can correct mild conditions involving widely spaced or overly crowded teeth, bite problems, and mild relapse after the removal of traditional braces.

Comfort and appearance are among the biggest advantages of aligners. Aligners are transparent, so they are basically invisible, a particular advantage for appearance-conscious young adults. Plus, they are removable, which means wearers can take them out and eat what they want. Aligners tend to cause less destruction to gums and teeth than traditional braces. Because aligners are changed every two weeks, they exert less force than fixed appliances, which are adjusted every six weeks.

There are certain downsides to aligners. Because they removable, success depends on the commitment of the user to wearing them 20 to 22 hours a day and cleaning them before putting them back in. Plus, they could become lost or damaged when they are taken out. Aligners may not be as effective as traditional braces for severe malocclusions. Some wearers have experienced allergic and toxic sensitivity to Invisalign® aligners, which are made from implantable grade polyurethane.

The first step in Invisalign® treatment includes x-rays, photographs, and dental impressions, which are sent to Align Technology for the manufacture of the resin aligners. Computer simulation is used to move the teeth as prescribed by the orthodontist or cosmetic dentist, after which the lab technicians manufacturer the aligner trays. A typical patient has between 18 and 30 aligner trays, which are replaced every two weeks in a specified order. While the average treatment takes about one year, simple treatments such as the correction of minor crowding can be completed in twenty weeks. After completing the Invisalign® treatment, patients typically wear retainers, at least at night.

Align Technology trains general dentists and orthodontists how to use Invisalign®; dental professionals must receive the training in order to use the product.

For more information on Invisalign®  as well as sedation dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and more, we encourage you to visit our Abilene, Texas cosmetic dentistry office.