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 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 10,000,000 aligners and 250,000 patients have been in 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 generates 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 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.
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. Ask your Invisalign certified
doctor for more information on this new treatment.
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