Invisalign

The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners used to straighten teeth. The Invisalign aligners are made after the Dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a lab.  The lab makes the Invisalign aligners custom-made clear aligners especially for you using computerized technology.  After a couple of weeks, the clear Invisalign aligners arrive at the office of your Dentist and the first set of Invisalign aligners are tried on your teeth.

The Invisalign aligners are clear and are barely visible to others compared to metal orthodontic braces with brackets and wires.  With the guidance of your Dentist, you move to the next set of Invisalign aligners usually after about 3 weeks.  The number of Invisalign aligners will depend on the individual patient and the orthodontic problem.    The Invisalign aligners are generally fairly comfortable.  There can be some discomfort or mild pain when a new Invisalign aligner is placed as it exerts pressure on the teeth to move them.  Unlike traditional metal orthodontic braces, there are no brackets to come off or wires to break and poke.

You may have seen ads for removable clear aligners ( such as Invisalign ).  You will need to discuss your situation with your Dentist to see if your smile can be corrected with Invisalign clear aligners and upper Invisalign Appliance. This is used as an Indexing template for the placement of attachments when needed.

An upper Invisalign Appliance This is used as an Indexing template for the placement of attachments when needed. 

Disadvantages of Invisalign

The disadvantages of Invisalign may include:

• Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign.
• The Invisalign system is for adults and cannot be used if baby teeth remain. Children and younger teenagers will require more traditional orthodontic braces with metal brackets and wires.
• Also, the Invisalign system is designed for only certain tooth movements.  Your Dentist will need to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign.   Major tooth movements, skeletal discrepancies, and extensive crown and bridge treatment can influence whether Invisalign is the right choice for you. It may not be.
• The cost of Invisalign can sometimes be significantly more than with metal braces.  The computerized custom clear Invisalign Aligners will result in a lab bill for your orthodontist which is passed on to you in the form of your treatment fee. With traditional orthodontic braces there is the cost of the brackets and wires, but no such lab bill for your Dentist to cover.
• The Invisalign Aligners are removable and require motivation to be worn consistently. You will need to decide if you have the self-discipline to wear the Invisalign Aligners.
• Since the Invisalign Aligners are removable they can be misplaced. Lost Invisalign Aligners may result in an extra charge by your Dentist and may delay treatment until your new custom-made Invisalign Aligners are replaced.

Some patients may experience difficulty adjusting to the feel of the Invisalign Aligners in their mouth.  Before spending the cost of the Invisalign treatment, you should decide if you are a patient person who can give some time to adjusting to the new feel of the Invisalign Aligners on your teeth.  A few patients may experience some gum irritation with the Invisalign Aligners.  You should contact your Dentist to discuss the problem if you are having the pain in your teeth or gums with Invisalign.