Invisalign is a popular alternative to the more traditional metal braces. Used since 1999, it has helped correct crooked teeth and create beautiful smiles for patients around the world. Learn more about the this technology to determine if it is the right dental corrective treatment for you.

How Does it Work?

Invisalign aligners are worn over the teeth and are customized to ensure a snug fit. When a patient is fitted, the doctor will map out a plan to achieve the ideal appearance and positions of the teeth. This plan will be the basis of the shape of the aligners. Typically, each aligner is worn for about a week before it is replaced with the next aligner in the set.

When worn, Invisalign aligners move the teeth vertically and horizontally to position them where they should be. In some cases, the orthodontist may even design a set of Invisalign braces that will rotate the teeth until it achieves the correct position in the mouth. The movement of teeth happens gradually, so there is little pain and no significant discomfort.

Benefits
There are a number of benefits that patients will enjoy, such as:

Near Invisibility
One of the key Invisalign benefits is its appearance. Clear braces are nearly invisible and are barely noticeable.

Safety
These braces are comfortable and smooth, without the metal wires and brackets that are commonly used with traditional braces.

Treatment Period
Invisalign patients typically have to wear the aligners for 1 year to 1 1/2 years while traditional braces wearers have to wait for 3 to 5 years to complete the treatment.

Comfort
The aligners are removable appliances, so the patient can choose not to wear them when eating, drinking or speaking in public, for example.

What to Expect
Invisalign is the best option for people who suffer from the following conditions:

– Overbite
– Underbite
– Gapped Teeth
– Overcrowding
– Open Bite
– Crossbite

Severely malformed and misaligned teeth may not benefit from the design of Invisalign braces. However, there are other treatment options available to correct these problems. If you want to know if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, see your dentist for a proper evaluation.