Invisalign®

WHAT IS INVISALIGN®?

Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

How does Invisalign® work?

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, clear "aligners" are produced. Each "aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then is replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Invisalign® is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign® is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
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.

What are aligners made of?

Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

What do aligners look like?

Aligners are clear and look similar to 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."

Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign® treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

How old is the company?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign®, was founded in 1997. Since then, Align has manufactured over 10 million aligners and 250,000 patients have received treatment.

How old is this technology?

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. Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align crafted Invisalign®, a series of customized clear appliances called "aligners." Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign®?

Worldwide, almost 250,000 patients have been treated with Invisalign®. The number grows daily.

Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign®?

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 training before cases will be accepted from their office. Close to 30,000 orthodontists and dentists worldwide are certified to use Invisalign®.

How does Invisalign® effectively move teeth?

Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign® aligners move teeth through 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.

Has the FDA cleared Invisalign®?

Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign® is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification.

What is Invisalign® Express?

Invisalign® Express is an orthodontic treatment designed to correct mild orthodontic problems such as minor crowding and spacing. Since it's designed for mild problems only, treatment time is generally less than six months. If you live in or around Boston and are considering Invisalign® treatment, call us today!

FAQ

How Does Invisalign® fit My Day-to-Day Life?

If it is snack time, you can take out your aligners to eat or drink whenever you want.
In addition, Invisalign® aligners can be removed so you can brush and floss regularly to keep both your teeth and gums healthy.
Invisalign® aligners can also be removed even for a night out. There are minimal changes required.
Since Invisalign® aligners are clear, you don’t have to hide your smile during the treatment process.
With Invisalign® treatment, it is simpler to make your smile picture perfect for major occasions.
Invisalign® appointments work with your schedule. Most visits are in and out, with regular progress checks every six weeks.

How Many Patients Elect to Have Invisalign® Treatment?

There are up to three million patients worldwide who have been treated with Invisalign®. The number of Invisalign® smiles grows at a daily pace. At your next appointment, we can help answer any questions you might have, and get you started on the smile you truly want. Contact us today!

What is the Primary Value I Can Get Out of Invisalign®?

Invisalign® aligners are clear, making Invisalign® a seamless fit with your lifestyle and social interactions with your friends and family. Invisalign® aligners are also removable. In contrast to braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment simply by removing the aligners before any meal. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would to maintain your oral hygiene.

In comparison to traditional metal braces, Invisalign® treatment does not use metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. In addition, less time is spent in the doctor’s chair and scheduling appointments, and more time out doing the things you are passionate about.

Invisalign® technology allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start the process, so that you can preview how your straight teeth will look once your treatment is complete.

Visit Invisalign.com on your mobile phone to try the Invisalign® SmileView™ right now. Take a smiling selfie and we’ll show you what Invisalign® treatment can do for you.