Invisalign looks and feels very different from traditional orthodontic treatment.
Instead of relying on fixed oral appliances like brackets or wires to move teeth, Invisalign patients wear removable appliances that resemble a clear retainer.
First made available to the public in the late 1990s, Invisalign was developed by two Stanford University graduate students. Their concept was to offer a discreet looking alternative to conventional orthodontia. Since becoming available to the public, Invisalign has helped straighten millions of smiles around the world.
With Invisalign treatment, people can see noticeable improvement in spacing issues as well as issues with tooth placement. Those interested in Invisalign should schedule a consultation with our team at NRH Orthodontics to find out if this treatment option is right for their needs.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign and conventional braces move teeth the same way – by generating force and pressure, which creates tooth movement over time because teeth are exposed to consistent yet gentle pressure. The biggest different between Invisalign and braces are the materials used to create force and pressure. Unlike fixed brackets and wires, Invisalign creates tooth movement with form-fitting appliances called aligners. An aligner is made from clear plastic. It is molded specifically for a patient so that it fits over teeth and comfortably in the mouth.
Invisalign treatment is broken up into two week increments. Every two weeks, a patient will receive a new set of aligners. Each set of aligners is tighter than the ones worn before it. Aligners become progressively tighter to accommodate new tooth movement and to continue applying consistent pressure to teeth. Within a few months, patients will begin to see noticeable results. After treatment is complete, retainers are worn to prevent teeth from moving out of place.
Advantages of Invisalign
Invisalign offers some unique advantages when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Since aligners are made from clear plastic, treatment is practically undetectable to others. The discreet nature of Invisalign is ideal for adults who desire inconspicuous treatment.
Another unique advantage to Invisalign is the fact that aligners are removable. People receiving Invisalign treatment will take out their aligners to brush, floss, and eat. A complaint many have with conventional braces is the fact that oral hygiene and eating certain kinds of foods can be cumbersome. The removable nature of aligners makes life’s daily activities much easier. Many folks who have benefited from Invisalign also appreciate that, since aligners are plastic, there is little to no irritation to soft, oral tissue.
Who Should Wear Invisalign
Adults and some teenagers benefit most from Invisalign. If Invisalign interests you, it is best to talk with a member of our team by scheduling a consultation at NRH Orthodontics. This is the only way to determine if Invisalign treatment meets your unique needs. Call or text us today to reserve an appointment!
Invisalign FAQs
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that relies on removable oral appliances instead of fixed ones. Conventional orthodontics utilizes brackets that are bonded over the outer surfaces of teeth with wires threaded through each bracket. Wires can then be tightened over the course of treatment to keep consistent pressure on teeth to facilitate tooth movement.
Similarly, Invisalign creates gentle and consistent force on teeth so that they move over time. The way that Invisalign differs, however, is the materials used to generate movement that aligns teeth to healthier positions. Invisalign treatment involves patients wearing clear, plastic oral appliances called aligners. Resembling a clear retainer, aligners fit over teeth snugly. During treatment, patients will wear a new set of aligners every couple of weeks. Each set is tighter than the one before to accommodate moving teeth and continue on with the tooth alignment process.
Since Invisalign is removable, patients will take out their aligners for oral hygiene and meals. This feature, paired with the semi-pliable plastics used to fabricate aligners is considered very comfortable when compared to conventional orthodontics. Additionally, clear aligners are incredibly inconspicuous. Your friends and coworkers will likely not even notice that you are receiving orthodontic treatment.
On average, Invisalign treatment is shorter than that treatment times associated with conventional orthodontic treatment. Despite this fact, everyone responds to treatment at different rates and everyone’s situation is unique. The placement and spacing of people’s teeth can vary substantially and these unique factors will affect how long it takes to achieve desired results.
Determining whether you should receive orthodontic treatment – including Invisalign – is a process that should include a discussion and oral examination with your orthodontist. Receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind is a very personal process. Everyone’s oral anatomy and tooth placement is unique. If you desire a straighter smile and are an adult, Invisalign might be a wonderful option for your treatment. The only way to be sure, however, is to schedule a consultation.
The average cost of Invisalign varies depending on the duration of a patient’s treatment and the complexity of the case. Those who need longer treatment times will obviously have higher costs than those patients whose treatment is significantly shorter. Since the duration of treatment has a lot to do with cost, it is best to get an estimate after you have had a consultation with our orthodontist. Feel free to call our office during normal business hours for questions or appointments.