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

 

First, your dentist will determine if Invisalign is right for you. Next, the 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 include:

 

     - 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.

 

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