What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign treatment is a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign shows you your complete treatment plan based on your Invisalign Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth towards the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth to move them little by little.
Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. The treatment time depends on your specific needs and will be decided by your Invisalign Provider.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign aligners move teeth through a series of carefully controlled movements. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment not only controls the amount of movement that each aligner delivers, but also the timing of the movement. So, at each stage, only certain teeth can move, following the Invisalign treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
How much does Invisalign cost?
As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your teeth straightening issue and your course of treatment. As a general rule the cost for adults is comparable to traditional fixed braces and is typically between 3500 € and 5500 €.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
Make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider for an initial consultation.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
The time taken depends on the complexity of the treatment and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. During your consultation, your Invisalign Provider can give you more detailed information.
What is Invisalign and how does it work?
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign treatment is a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign shows you your complete treatment plan based on your Invisalign Provider’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth towards the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth to move them little by little.
Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, gradually moving towards the projected final position. The treatment time depends on your specific needs and will be decided by your Invisalign Provider.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign aligners move teeth through a series of carefully controlled movements. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign treatment not only controls the amount of movement that each aligner delivers, but also the timing of the movement. So, at each stage, only certain teeth can move, following the Invisalign treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and typically hardly anyone notices that you’re wearing them.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. You can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would to maintain your normal oral hygiene routine.
Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires. This means that in most cases less time is spent in your Invisalign Provider’s practice for adjustments.
And finally, the Invisalign System allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you begin treatment, so you can see how your teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
Dentists or orthodontists have successfully used removable appliances for years. But the Invisalign System uses Align Technology’s 3D computer technology and mass-customisation to treat a wide range of patients who want straighter teeth. The ClinCheck® software allows patients to see their treatment plan from beginning to end before the start of treatment.
How much does Invisalign cost?
As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the complexity of your teeth straightening issue and your course of treatment. As a general rule the cost for adults is comparable to traditional fixed braces and is typically between 3500 € and 5500 €.
How do I get started with Invisalign?
Make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider for an initial consultation.
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
Millions of patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. (Data on file at Align Technology.)
Where is Invisalign treatment available?
Invisalign treatment is available directly in over 45 countries, including most of Europe, the US, Canada, China, Japan and Asia Pacific, Middle East, Latin American and with distributors in smaller emerging growth countries within Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.
Technology
How old is the technology?
In 1945, Dr H D Kiesling 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. Today Align Technology uses advanced computer technology to produce Invisalign®, a series of customised clear aligners. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce gradual tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.
The aligners
What are aligners made of and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign® System. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth.
Invisalign Providers
How do I get started with Invisalign®?
Make an appointment with an Invisalign Provider for an initial consultation.
Can I go to any dental practitioner for Invisalign treatment?
While the Invisalign System can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with the Invisalign System need to attend training. More than 90,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using the Invisalign System.
How often do I need to see my Invisalign Provider once I have started treatment?
Patients typically visit their Invisalign Provider every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of Invisalign aligners, but your Invisalign Provider will decide based on your treatment.
Treatment process
How does Invisalign® work?
Invisalign aligners move teeth through a series of carefully controlled movements. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement that each aligner delivers, but also the timing of the movement. So, at each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, following the Invisalign treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
The time taken depends on the complexity of the treatment and is generally comparable to that of traditional braces. During your consultation, your Invisalign Provider can give you more detailed information.
Is the Invisalign treatment painful?
Some people may experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days when they insert a new aligner at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It’s a sign that the aligners are working and it usually goes away in a couple of days.
Once Invisalign treatment is complete is a retainer necessary?
Wearing a retainer after any orthodontic treatment is an important step, because it keeps teeth stable in their new positions. If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal position, it’s best to wear a retainer as directed by an Invisalign Provider. In many cases your last aligner will be your temporary retainer, until your retention option is determined. Your Invisalign Provider can advise you on longer term retention options.
Suitability for treatment
Does the procedure work on overbites?
An Invisalign® Provider can use Invisalign to treat overbites in the vast majority of adults and adolescents. Consult an Invisalign Provider to find out whether Invisalign is suitable for you.
Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude someone from being an eligible patient?
No – only your Invisalign Provider can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
Are bridges a factor in Invisalign treatment?
Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your Invisalign Provider will be able to work out whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.
Are crowns an issue in Invisalign treatment?
Crowns (tooth caps) are usually not an issue in Invisalign treatment. However, sometimes in Invisalign treatment small tooth-coloured composites called ‘attachments’ are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements, and these are more difficult to bond on crowns than on teeth. In these cases, the location of the crowns needs to be carefully evaluated. An Invisalign Provider can provide further advice.
Can Invisalign treatment close gaps?
Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with Invisalign. Consult an Invisalign Provider to find out whether Invisalign is suitable for you.
Will TMJ affect Invisalign treatment?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular or jaw joint. People with a TMJ condition can have a number of problems, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign, and some of which can improve or remain the same. To find out if your treatment will have adverse effect on your TMJ problem, consult an Invisalign Provider.
Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign treatment correct this?
A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Invisalign can usually correct the shifting that occurs after braces – often referred to as a relapse.
I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign treatment?
A significant number of patients are being treated with a combination of braces and the Invisalign System. Consult an Invisalign Provider to work out the best treatment for you.
Oral health
What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with the Invisalign System?
With experience, an Invisalign Provider can use the Invisalign System to straighten teeth for a majority of adults and adolescents. For teenagers, talk to your Invisalign Provider to see if Invisalign Teen may be the right treatment option for your child.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, with the Invisalign® System you can eat whatever you like while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. This also makes it simple to brush and floss your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene, before re-inserting your aligners.
Living with Invisalign treatment
What's the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain good oral hygiene.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional wires and brackets, with the Invisalign® System you can eat whatever you like while in treatment because you remove your aligners to eat and drink. This also makes it simple to brush and floss your teeth after each meal to maintain good oral hygiene, before re-inserting your aligners.
How often should I wear the aligners?
You should wear your aligners all the time during treatment, except when eating, brushing or flossing teeth. Recommended wear 22 hours a day.
Will the aligners affect speech?
The vast majority of patients report no effect on speech. However, as with traditional orthodontic appliances, there is an initial adjustment period associated with having something new in the mouth.
Can I smoke while wearing the aligners?
Smoking is discouraged while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become stained or discoloured.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
Chewing gum while wearing aligners is not advised as gum can stick to them. It is recommended that aligners be removed for all meals and snacks.
What's the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water and using the Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or special cleaning tablets. It’s important that you brush your teeth after each meal before re-inserting your aligners to maintain proper hygiene.