The Invisalign System’s history is the stuff of legend. In 1997, two Stanford University business majors, Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth, developed a new dental appliance that would function similarly as braces but were removable and barely visible. It’s said they pitched the idea of their start-up while wearing the removable braces; their investors hadn’t a clue and were dually impressed. With more investors, the start-up, Invisalign, was made available to orthodontists and by 2000 they had become a household name as more and more adults who were considering braces but did not want to endure the ordeal or inconvenience of metal braces found this new option attractive and convenient. Today, Invisalign is FDA-approved and a viable option for thousands of people who want a picture-perfect smile without the hassle of metal hardware.
What exactly is Invisalign and how does it work? If there are things you wish you knew about Invisalign, look no further. We have the answers you are looking for.
Invisalign and traditional braces – what’s the difference?
The goals of both traditional braces and Invisalign are to straighten and align the teeth and close the gaps. Whereas traditional braces employ a series of wires and brackets that are affixed to each tooth, Invisalign is a clear plastic aligner that is molded to your teeth and can be conveniently removed when necessary. With Invisalign, there are no wires to cut your cheeks, no rubber bands, and no broken brackets.
What bite problems can Invisalign address?
Invisalign is great for treating typical bite problems, to include gapped, crowded and crooked teeth, gapped teeth, and under- and over-bites.
How are often can I expect a new aligner?
Depending on the success of the previous aligner, expect to have your aligners changed out to a new one about every two to three weeks during your Invisalign treatment. Each aligner gradually shifts your teeth until they are straight and aligned correctly. Changing out the aligner is the equivalent of tightening traditional braces.
Who can get Invisalign?
Invisalign is appropriate for both teenagers and adults. You may be a candidate for Invisalign if your teeth are too crowded or have unequal spaces between them. Invisalign is perfect for adults that have had teeth shift after wearing braces as teenagers.
When can I remove the aligners?
Yes, Invisalign aligners are removable, however, it is recommended that they are worn both day or at night. When and for how long you need to keep them in for depends on your dentist’s instructions.
How and when do I clean the alingners?
Expect to clean the aligners in the morning when you wake up and at night. To clean your aligners, brush them gently with a baby-soft toothbrush. You can also soak them in denture cleaner or Invisalign crystals. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly throughout the day.
Is Invisalign painless?
Like regular braces, Invisalign shifts the teeth to where they need to be. Expect soreness, especially the first few hours after being issued a new aligner, but at least there are no sharp wires or bracket poking your inner lips and cheeks.
Can I get Invisalign over the counter?
Don’t let anyone tell you that all clear braces are alike. For the most effective treatment, don’t expect to purchase dental trays off the shelf. To get started, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth and write a treatment plan. Your mold and treatment plans are submitted to Invisalign. The sophisticated computer technology at Invisalign constructs 3D images of your teeth that are used to create a precise series of aligners, custom-made for your teeth.
Are there any additional benefits to Invisalign?
Besides their convenience and near invisibility, there are many benefits to having Invisalign, such as faster treatment time, increased comfort, and fewer check-ups. Since they are completely removable, you can be picture-ready for prom, weddings, and graduation pictures. Plus, there are no restrictions on food – and that means corn on the cob!
At Dedicated Dental, we customize each Invisalign system for your teeth, and each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to shift your teeth gradually into place. This is also better for the health of the gum tissue and the bone structure of the mouth. To find out if Invisalign is right for you or someone in your family, call our Henderson office at (702) 566-5509 to schedule an appointment today.
