IN FOCUS Articles

INVISALIGN – THE BEST ORTHODONTIC SOLUTION?

Invisilign
Invisilign device on upper teeth
 

Invisalign is an alternative to wire braces that uses transparent, incremental aligners to adjust teeth. It is manufactured by Align Technology, a multinational medical device company headquartered in San Jose, California. The Invisalign treatment process involves taking a mold of the patient's teeth that is scanned in order to create a computerized model. Using the doctor's treatment plan, the computer model creates stages between the current and desired teeth positions that are used to create molds for individual aligners. The company was founded in 1997. The Invisalign product was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998.

Why would I want it?

Dr. Sean Sherman, a certified Invisilign provider from Pittsburgh-based Sherman Orthodontics (ShermanOrthodontics.com) explains: “Not only are the aligners virtually invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also more comfortable than traditional braces, with no metal or wires, which also usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign treatment also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.”

How does it work?

You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to their final positions. You'll visit your orthodontist about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages nine to 15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Invisalign treatment uses a series of virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that allow you to smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign clear aligners are made with 3D computer imaging technology and have been proven effective.

Traditional braces vs. Invisilign?

Clearly, in comparing braces vs Invisalign, it’s a tight race. If you’re an adult, or have a teen, who tends to be self-conscious, Invisalign may appeal to you. And the fact that it’s removable so you can eat, drink, brush and floss more naturally, may sound desirable. But if the idea of having to remove your trays for meals or while drinking anything but water seems inconvenent, Invisalign may not be the best solution for you. Plus remember, you should brush after each meal before putting your trays back in, to avoid staining.

Exact success rates for braces vs Invisalign are difficult to find, since Invisalign has not been around long enough to gather sufficient long-term data. Plus, Invisalign’s success depends largely on the beholder. If you don’t wear them, they won’t work. With braces, you don’t have any choice in the matter!
Lastly, if you need to address issues with your back teeth, need to rotate teeth or move teeth vertically, Invisalign may not even be an option. That’s why it’s critical to enlist an orthodontist experienced with both traditional braces and Invisalign. Then he or she can recommend the most effective solution to perfect your smile and teeth.

Clearly, in comparing braces vs Invisalign, it’s a tight race. If you’re an adult, or have a teen, who tends to be self-conscious, Invisalign may appeal to you. And the fact that it’s removable so you can eat, drink, brush and floss more naturally, may sound desirable. But if the idea of having to remove your trays for meals or while drinking anything but water seems inconvenent, Invisalign may not be the best solution for you. Plus remember, you should brush after each meal before putting your trays back in, to avoid staining.

Lastly, if you need to address issues with your back teeth, need to rotate teeth or move teeth vertically, Invisalign may not even be an option. That’s why it’s critical to enlist a provider experienced with both braces and Invisalign. Then your orthodontist can recommend the most effective solution to perfect your smile and teeth.

Find a Certified Invisalign Provider

Straightening your teeth to improve your smile and overall oral health should not be taken lightly. If you need help deciding whether braces or Invisalign makes more sense for you or your child, consult an experienced specialist

By 2016, there had been over two million Invisalign patients and many dentists and orthodontists in North America had been trained on the Invisalign system.

Consider Invisalign treatment to get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without traditional braces. A consultation with a certified Invisilign provider like Dr. Sean Sherman can determine if Invisalign clear aligners are the right choise for you.

 



Health & Fitness Listings

IN FOCUS:
    Invisalign-the best orthodontic solution?
Facts about Anthrax
Facts about Smallpox