Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign

Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign

Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of clear aligner used to straighten teeth. The technology of aligning teeth using removable, plastic orthodontic appliances is not new. It has been around for about 30 years and was largely developed by the TP Orthodontic Company. What is new today is the technology for fabricating multiple plastic appliances to create more tooth movement over a longer period of time which was developed by Invisalign. Other orthodontic companies, such as Allesee Orthodontics, Clear Correct and Raintree Essex, are producing similar types of clear aligners. All clear aligners produce similar results.

What are Clear Aligners and Invisalign?

Clear aligners/Invisalign are thin, plastic appliances that fit snuggly over the teeth. Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners/Invisalign involves wearing a series of clear aligners over several months. The aligners put pressure on the teeth, which results in tooth movement. Impressions of the teeth are taken prior to the start of treatment, and clear aligners are fabricated. Each aligners is worn for 3 weeks, and then a new aligners is worn for 3 weeks. Treatment involves wearing several aligners over the coarse of treatment. Each aligner must be worn all the time except when eating or brushing the teeth. With each aligner, the teeth are slightly improved, and over time, noticeable tooth improvement occurs. After completion or treatment, an aligner is worn as a retainer for several months to hold the teeth in their new positions.

Treatment Time

The length of time required for orthodontic aligner treatment varies depending on the severity of the original problem. Mild problems can be treated in as little as 8 to 10 months while more complicated problem may require 2 years or more of treatment.

Wear

Clear Aligners are easy to wear. Most people won’t even know that you are wearing them. They are comfortable to wear. Since aligners are removable, they are is easy to clean the teeth, and there is less chance of tooth decay, tooth staining or gum disease during treatment.

Costs

The cost of clear aligner treatment varies depending on the severity of the original orthodontic problems and the expected length of treatment time. In most cases, the cost is comparable to or less than traditional braces.

Invisalign/Clear aligners are effective in treating:

1. minor tooth crowding (crookedness)

2. minor tooth spacing (gaps)

3. minor tooth rotations

4. minor orthodontic relapse

5. limited treatment on adults

6. individuals who want orthodontic treatment without the look of traditional braces

7. esthetic conscious adults

Limitations of Invisalign/Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are not effective in treating:

1. severely crowded teeth

2. severely rotated teeth

3. poor bites

4. growth problems

5. excessive horizontal overlap of the front teeth (overjet)

6. insufficient vertical overlap of the front teeth (open bite)

7. impacted teeth

Invisalign/Clear aligners do not move the teeth with the same precision as traditional braces. Therefore, treatment with clear aligners does not always produce as perfect of a result as traditional braces. Clear aligners are not an appropriate treatment option for some individuals. However, when used appropriately, clear aligners can produce very acceptable orthodontic results.

Combination Treatment

Some individuals with more complicated orthodontic problems that are beyond the scope of Invisalign can have combination treatment starting with a few months of braces and finishing with Invisalign. At your consultation appointment, Dr. Staggers can tell you if this option is right for you.

Invisalign Certification

Invisalign Certification is a term used by the Invisalign Company to designated that a dentist or an orthodontist has completed an instructional course on the proper use of Invisalign. This course is a one, or occasionally two, day course given by the Invisalign Company. All attendants of the course receive Invisalign Certification. Invisalign Certification is not a designation of competence, educational level or experience. It is only a designation that the doctor has attended an Invisalign educational course. Approximately half of all Invisalign Certified doctors are not orthodontists. Orthodontists are dentists that have received two to three years of additional training at a University dental school in the straightening of teeth.

Getting Started

Schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Staggers and see if Invisalign/Clear Aligners are right for you.

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