Invisalign Clear Aligners

Overview

What is Invisalign?

Remember when braces meant having your teeth wired with uncomfortable metal brackets and wires that cut your mouth up like a cheese grater? Well, today there’s an alternative option in the form of clear, removable braces. Invisalign is a brand of removable orthodontics (similar to a retainer) that is designed to provide the same orthodontic treatment with enhanced aesthetic properties. Dubbed as “invisible braces,” Invisalign offers an attractive alternative to orthodontic correction for people who are too embarrassed for braces.

Invisalign vs. traditional braces

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Traditional metal braces are an excellent orthodontic option for straightening teeth. In fact, there are certain orthodontic conditions that cannot be treated with Invisalign. Such cases still require a more traditional orthodontic approach. Still, up to 90% of the cases that can be treated with metal braces can be treated with Invisalign. So if the idea of having a fixed appliance in the mouth for a year or more is enough to turn you off, consider Invisalign.

Invisalign can help in the treatment of a variety of orthodontic concerns, including:

• Crowding: Teeth may not have enough room in the jaw for a comfortable fit. This is turn affects smile aesthetics. Invisalign can help correct spacing.
• Gaps:Conversely, too much space between the teeth can be an even greater aesthetic concern. Fortunately, Invisalign also corrects teeth that are too wide apart.
• Malocclusion:A “bad bite” can often be corrected with Invisalign. However, severe cases of malocclusion will require braces.
• Overbite
• Crossbite

Invisalign can even be used to supplement traditional braces treatments that may involve teeth that have relapsed back to their pre-treatment position.

Speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine whether your orthodontic condition is treatable with Invisalign.

How does it work?

During an initial consultation, bite impressions and photographs are taken to create a three-dimensional bite profile. Some dentists may take digital scans instead of impressions to send electronically. The dentist uses this profile to essentially create a treatment roadmap through which incremental shifting of the teeth can improve bite functionality.

Custom-designed upper and lower teeth aligners are then fabricated at the Align Technologies dental laboratory with advanced CAD/CAM software. The aligners (as many as 20 to 30) are ordered in accordance with treatment progression, requiring patients to wear then in succession for a period of two-to-three weeks for a minimum of 20 hours per day.

When will you see results?

The duration of Invisalign treatments will depend on the complexity of each case. Below are the average treatment periods for various ages.

• Adults (12-36 months)
• Teens (12-36 months)
• Invisalign Express (6-12 months) – For mild cases of dental misalignment

How long will your results last?

Invisalign results should last a lifetime provided that you follow your recommended retainer protocol. A retainer will prevent teeth from gradually shifting back towards their initial position.

Invisalign provider certification

Patients should understand that orthodontists aren’t the only Invisalign providers out there. Align Technologies – manufacturer of Invisalign – works directly with dentists to train them with Invisalign. Although certification is widespread (more than 25,000 general dentists in the United States), it should not be assumed that any orthodontic provider can offer the treatment. If you are interested in an Invisalign orthodontic solution, you should research certified providers in your area and setup a consultation.

Cost of Invisalign

The average cost of Invisalign treatment is between $2,500 and $9,000.

• Adults (12-36 months): $3,000 – $9,000
• Teens (12-36 months): $3,000 – $6,000
• Invisalign Express (6-12 months): $2,500 – $6,000

In many cases,  Invisalign will be covered by your dental insurance provider if you have orthodontic coverage.