As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case. We are unable to provide specific cost information, but the cost is generally more expensive than traditional braces.
Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
To see what just a few of the many thrilled Invisalign® patients are saying about Invisalign? click here and then click on the "Past Patients" tab. You will also be able to see the before and after pictures of patients who have been through Invisalign® treatment.
Invisalign® is the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.
Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
Invisalign® is nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
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Invisalign® is removable - you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
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Invisalign® is comfortable - there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
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Invisalign® allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start - so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth."
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, Invisalign® treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.
In 1945 Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align generates Invisalign®, a series of customized appliances, called "Aligners". Each Aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.
While Invisalign® can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, specific training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign® must attend a workshop before cases will be accepted from their office.
Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
Specific training is needed to use Invisalign®; as a result, orthodontists and dentists are required to become Invisalign®-certified before they can begin treating patients with Invisalign®.
As is typical of medical product introductions, Align conducted extensive testing prior to commercially releasing the product. As a result of successful testing via private and university-based clinical studies across the U.S., Align is no longer soliciting volunteers to participate in test groups. If and when Align resumes accepting volunteers, Align will post a notice on our website to inform you of opportunities to participate.
As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case. We are unable to provide specific cost information, but the cost is generally more expensive than traditional braces. Please contact our office for an initial consultation.
Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
Doctors are treating patients with some form of combination of braces and Invisalign®. We recommend that you consult with us to determine the best treatment for you.
No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign® treatment. However, sometimes small composites called attachments are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist. To find out if crowns will adversely impact your orthodontic treatment, please contact our office.
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular, or jaw, joint. Individuals can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign®. To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact dental treatment, please contact our office.
Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. We will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign® is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series.
Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear.
No. Unlike traditional wires & brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
While we are aware that some patients are using Aligners for bleaching, Align has not examined the compatibility of currently available bleaching products with the Aligners, nor have they demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies.
We will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way we can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign® makes. Discuss these possibilities with your treating orthodontist or dentist. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.
