Some of you might have heard the saying “tin grins are in.” This, of course, refers to a smile full of metal bands, brackets, and wires, or in other words: traditional braces. But what if you want straighter teeth without anyone ever knowing? If this sounds perfect to you, then you will be interested in learning more about Invisalign.

The Invisalign method consists of a series of thermoplastic clear aligners that are custom made for you. They move your teeth in the sequence recommended by your dentist. You change the aligners every 2 weeks, and visit your dentist every 4-6 weeks for an exam. Typical treatment time is about a year, though it varies from patient to patient.

How are they made?
First, you must have an exam by an Invisalign-certified dentist or orthodontist. Your dental professional will determine if Invisalign is right for you. Next, your dentist will take impressions (models), photographs and X-rays of your teeth. All of this information is sent to the Invisalign lab where a 3-D image will be made of your teeth. Your dentist can then plan your treatment using this virtual representation of your teeth. Invisalign then sends the clear aligners back to your dentist. The number of aligners varies for each person, but there are typically 20-30 upper and lower aligners for the whole treatment. The aligners should be worn at all times except for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

Advantages over traditional braces:

   - They can be removed for a special night out.

   - You can continue day-to-day activities while still wearing them.

   - They are clear, so they don’t stand out.

   - Most check-up visits to your dentists are a quick in and out every

     6 weeks.

   - You can remove them to brush and floss, resulting in healthy

     teeth and gums.

   - You take them out to eat.

   - They are less painful than traditional braces because they move

     the teeth with less force per week.

Cost of Invisalign
Invisalign starts at $3,500 (with an average of $5,000). If you have orthodontic coverage through your dental insurance, then Invisalign should be covered the same as regular braces. Make sure you find out what your dental insurance covers, and what it does not.

Who can provide Invisalign?
Only dental professionals who take classes through Invisalign and have a minimum annual number of Invisalign patients can offer Invisalign.