Invisalign® Specialist

Does Invisalign® “work” the same way as traditional metal braces?

Invisalign® is designed to straighten and properly align teeth just like metal braces, but instead of relying on metal bands or ceramic plates and wires that are attached to the tooth surfaces, the Invisalign® system uses a series of clear removable trays, much like the trays used in teeth whitening procedures, to help coax teeth into their proper positions over time.

What are the benefits of having Invisalign® treatment compared to traditional braces?

Because the trays are smooth and clear, they're almost invisible when being worn and they are also very comfortable, with no sharp edges or wires. The Invisalign® trays can also be removed, making it much easier to keep teeth and gums clean during treatment and also eliminating food restrictions. Because there are no wires to be continually readjusted, patients typically require fewer office visits – usually just once every six weeks – and treatment with Invisalign® is usually much faster compared to traditional orthodontic treatments.

What happens during treatment with Invisalign®?

Invisalign® trays rely on a custom design to move teeth into their correct positions. Treatment begins with a series of dental impressions to reflect the pre-treatment positions of teeth. These impressions are sent to a lab where special design and modeling software will create a series of three-dimensional virtual models that show how teeth need to move to come into proper alignment. The custom trays will be created based on these models for a one-of-a-kind custom solution based on the mouth shape and orthodontic needs of each patient. Each tray is worn for about two weeks before being “traded in” for the next tray in the series to keep teeth moving in the right directions. Most patients use from 12 to 30 aligners, and treatment can usually be completed in under two years – sometimes in much less time.