What Is Invisalign? | How Does It Work? (Updated)

Last Updated on October 13, 2021 by Gio Greenard

Many people have misaligned teeth. This can have a negative impact on their smile, self-confidence and more. Traditional braces mean experiencing discomfort and mouth sores. Avoidance was the main aim until Invisalign became a popular treatment. Invisalign is a method of straightening teeth. Done with removable virtually invisible aligners. Each aligner fits a person’s individual dental situation. Replaced every two weeks, relocating teeth to the desired final position. In this post, we’ll show you what Invisalign is and does.

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign

•  Is Invisalign as good as braces?

Invisalign braces align the teeth by gently nudging them into the preferred position, based on a series of predetermined intervals designed by your orthodontist using computer technology, 3D modeling, and virtual reality.

With traditional braces, the adjustments are obtained mainly by pulling the teeth with the wires and brackets placed by the orthodontist. It is not just as good but better in many.

• Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

They usually come in around the same price as wire bracket braces. It all depends on the doctor you choose and the length of time needed to achieve the result. Also, express options are available to those who need small adjustments.

• How painful is Invisalign?

Invisalign is considered uncomfortable rather than painful. The nudging instead of pulling is what avoids the pain. You will have discomfort and tightness but pain, no.

• What does an Invisalign do?

Invisalign is a method of straightening teeth with a number of virtually invisible aligners that are removable. Each aligner is designed to fit a person’s dental situation. They are replaced every two weeks, and a person will gradually see their teeth relocating to the desired final position.

Invisalign is the Answer

History

The idea for Invisalign Technology was formed in 1997. Zia Chishti conceived of the idea after using a retainer as part of his adult orthodontics treatment. He and his partners began working on developing the Invisalign process utilizing 3D printers in a garage located in Menlo Park, California.

The Food and Drug Administration gave its approval for the Invisalign system in 1998. Sales of it in the United States began in 1999.

Professional Orthodontics Evaluation

The first step in getting straight teeth with the Invisalign method is to speak with an orthodontist trained to perform the procedure. It is important a person has all of their questions answered before moving forward with the procedure.

This is a big decision. They can provide a professional evaluation of a person’s orthodontic needs and determine if a patient would benefit from Invisalign. The details of a patient’s individual situation will be discussed.

Customized Treatment Plan

An orthodontist will start by taking pictures, making x-rays as well as taking impressions of a patient’s teeth. The next step in the Invisalign process is to create a digital 3-D image of a person’s teeth. These images will be used to create an exact treatment plan. It will provide such information as the precise movement of a patient’s teeth and the amount of time required to complete the treatment.

An orthodontics professional can show the patient a virtual representation of how their teeth will change at each step of the treatment. Every treatment plan is individualized, but it is estimated to take a year on average for adults. Teens will have them around the same length of time as traditional wire braces.

They are very smooth, and people find them comfortable to wear.

When Do I Get My Aligners?

Once the preparation is complete, the next step is for a person to receive their custom-designed aligners. These aligners are made to not irritate a patient’s cheek or gums. Each of the aligners is manufactured out of BPA-free plastic. They are very smooth, and people find them comfortable to wear. It is necessary for a person to wear their aligners all during the day. They can be removed for eating food and drinking beverages.

The aligners can also be removed for teeth brushing as well as flossing. This is done to make certain the Invisalign braces are not scratched or dented. It only takes a short amount of time for people to become used to wearing their aligners. They will notice how their teeth move during each step of the process. The aligners are also clear. This means they can be worn by a patient who doesn’t have to worry about others noticing metal on their teeth.

What Do I Need to Get Started?

A person using Invisalign aligners will need to start using a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks. There will be occasional checkups. This will be done so the progress of a person’s teeth can be carefully monitored. These checkups will usually be conducted every month and a half.

In order to get the best possible results, a patient should wear the aligners for up to 22 hours each day for every day of the treatment. During each step of the process, patients can witness how their teeth are developing into providing the smile they desire. In the majority of cases, your custom-made clear aligners can achieve the same result as traditional braces in a similar amount of time (6-36 months).Cleaning Aligners

The Invisalign aligners can be cleaned by brushing and rinsing them in warm water. There are also Invisalign Cleaning Crystals as well as specialized cleaning tablets available. It is also essential a person carefully brushes their teeth after each meal. Their teeth need to be clean before they put the aligners back into their mouths. When all of this is done, proper oral hygiene will be maintained.

Finishing Treatment

When patients go through every step of the Invisalign program, all of their teeth will be positioned perfectly. Their teeth will be in the position desired. It will be recommended to some patients they wear a retainer for some time after the treatment is over.

This is because at times teeth have shifted back to their original position. A retainer will make certain the teeth position and smile that have taken so long and so much hard work to achieve doesn’t go away.

Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.