How Does Invisalign Work?

How Does Invisalign Work? If you want all the facts about this innovative orthodontic treatment you’re in the right place. Hilton-Diminick Orthodontics is a Diamond+ Invisalign provider. That means they are in the top one percent of all providers, as rated by Align Technology.

First, What is Invisalign?

After its introduction in 1999, Invisalign quickly became a favorite treatment method, especially among adults. Although everyone may want a straight smile, not everyone wants the stigma that goes with traditional metal braces. Many generations of teens suffered through the taunts of “metal mouth” heard in middle school hallways.

Changes in braces, including smaller brackets, colored rubber bands, and even clear ceramic brackets have had positive effects. But Invisalign almost completely removes the stigma of wearing braces. In fact, the tray aligners are almost invisible and many people will not even notice that a patient is wearing them.

The clear trays are constructed using SmartTrack material, which was developed by Align Technology after eight years of exhaustive research. Patients wear each tray set for about two weeks before switching to a new set of aligners. The computer-generated tray sets work to gently shift teeth into proper alignment.

While traditional braces use brackets that the orthodontist bonds to a patient’s teeth, Invisalign is a tray alignment system. With braces, a wire attaches to the brackets to create tension to shift teeth. The almost invisible tray aligners use a gentle but constant pressure to move teeth. To determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for Invisalign treatment, an orthodontist must perform a complete examination.

After the examination, a custom treatment plan is developed. The orthodontist creates a digital scan of the patient’s mouth and jaw structure. The images create a 3-D “map” for use in creating the sequential tray sets.

A patient receives several sets of tray aligners at each evaluation appointment. The orthodontist will include instructions on when to shift to the next set in the sequence. Invisalign treatment is under the control of the individual patient. It is important to wear alignment trays for the specified number of hours to expedite treatment.

Trays should remain in place over a patient’s teeth for 20 to 22 hours each day. For eating, drinking, and oral hygiene the patient removes the trays. A patient can also remove the trays for picture day at school, some athletic sports, and other reasons throughout the day. The hazard of removing the trays too much is a possible extension of treatment duration.

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Although there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign, oral hygiene is important. Patients should brush their teeth before reinserting tray aligners after meals and drinking (other than plain water). The trays should be soaked each night and brushed gently several times per day to avoid bacteria generation.

Contact HD Ortho to Schedule Your Consultation

If you think Invisalign might be right for you, please use our Smile Assessment Quiz to start the process. New and existing patients may also use the Appointment Request form or call our office at 1 (833) 321-STR8.

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