Invisalign® uses a sequence of clear, removable, plastic aligners (trays) to gradually straighten your teeth without metal or wires. The aligners are made with 3D computer imaging to fit the exact size and shape of each patient’s teeth. Often, tooth-colored attachments are placed on the teeth to help the plastic trays grip the teeth more tightly. This helps to ensure that the trays are able to move the teeth as efficiently as possible.
Invisalign® vs Braces
The aligners and tooth-colored attachments are essentially invisible and allow you to eat and drink whatever you want for the most part. It is also easier to keep your teeth clean while wearing Invisalign® because you are able to remove the trays when brushing and flossing. While it’s necessary to wear the plastic trays at least 22 hours a day for the majority of the time you are in treatment, Invisalign® offers the flexibility to remove the trays for longer periods during special occasions. Invisalign® is not an option for all orthodontic problems, so an in-office orthodontic consultation is needed to determine if clear aligners could be the best treatment option for you.
How Does Invisalign® 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 in small increments until they have straightened to their final positions. You’ll visit us about once every six to eight weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages between nine and fifteen months. The average number of aligners worn during treatment varies from case to case. Just as with traditional braces, minor adjustments may be required at the end of treatment to perfect your smile; however, rather than repositioning brackets as is done with braces, Dr. Courtney may prescribe updated trays (called a refinement) to help finish your case.
Invisalign® Terminology
Tray – clear, plastic, removable mold of teeth that when used in sequence gradually helps move the teeth to a more ideal position
Attachment – tooth-colored filling material that is temporarily bonded to the tooth during treatment and helps the tray grip the tooth to make the desired movement
Button – a small clear or metal knob that is temporarily bonded to the tooth during treatment to allow for elastic (rubber band) wear
Elastics (rubber bands) – Larger, clear-colored rubber bands that are used to attach the hooks from the upper teeth to the lower teeth. These are used to shift teeth around and get the ideal bite.