Invisalign® Clear Braces
What is Invisalign?
Your Invisalign treatment will consist of a series of aligners that you switch out about every two weeks. Each aligner is individually manufactured with exact calculations to gradually shift your teeth into place. And since your Invisalign system is custom-made for your teeth and your teeth only, with a plan devised by you and your dentist or orthodontist, you know you'll end up with a smile that truly fits.
If you're ready for a smile that transforms your appearance, Invisalign is your answer. Although there are many choices out there, no other works as effortlessly as the Invisalign system.
Invisalign is the best way to transform your smile without interfering with your day-to-day life. Check out the benefits below:
Will it work for me?
Not only is Invisalign versatile, helping to correct a broad range of dental and orthodontic issues, but it really works. And there are over a million smiles to back that up. But a confident smile isn't the only benefit of correcting your dental issues with custom-made Invisalign aligners—your health can be positively impacted as well. Learn more about several common issues below that an experienced Invisalign doctor can work with you to correct.
Overly crowded teeth: This occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause dental decay, an increase in chances of gum disease, and can prevent the normal function of teeth.
Widely spaced teeth: This occurs with abnormal continued growth of the jaw bone. When teeth are missing, this issue can also be caused by the other teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues in teeth can cause some periodontal diseases.
Crossbite: This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth. This issue can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.
Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an "overbite" is known to dental professionals as "overjet." It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It's typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This issue can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.
Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It's usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This issue can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.
An Invisalign doctor will work with you to create a custom-designed program that will treat your specific dental or orthodontic issue(s). Your treatment program will consist of a full set of aligners, made for you, and only you. While it's important that you visit an experienced Invisalign doctor to see how well Invisalign fits your specific needs, you can get a head-start now by taking our self assessment at www.invisalign.com.And of course, there are other considerations when making the decision to straighten your teeth. Think about how Invisalign can fit in your life by providing a virtually-invisible option to getting the smile you want.
Before and After
Invisalign has helped thousands of people with many different dental or orthodontic issues. Take a look at some specific issues, how they were fixed, and how long the treatment lasted.
Testimonials
Over 1,000,000 people are smiling brighter thanks to the Invisalign system. See how just a few of their lives have changed with Invisalign.
“I'm so glad I made the investment to go with aligners rather than metal braces. I've heard stories of people having food stuck in their metal braces, and I didn't want to go through that. It's so easy — all I have to do is remove my aligners when I eat.”
“I wanted my teeth straighter, but I didn't want to be in pain. My aligners are so comfortable, compared to the metal braces I had when I was a kid, that sometimes I forget I have them on.”
“I always wanted to have straight teeth, but never thought my smile would look this great. Plus, no one even knew when I was wearing them. I couldn't be happier!”
“At first, I was skeptical about whether or not to use plastic aligners to straighten my teeth, but I am very glad I decided to make the investment. In just about nine months my teeth were straightened using the clear, comfortable, and easy-to-remove aligners. I'm a busy guy, and using Invisalign fit right into my lifestyle.”
“Everybody comments on my new smile, even when I'm wearing the aligners. Plus, I can remove them at any time, so they don't affect my lifestyle.”
FAQs
What is Invisalign®?
The Invisalign® system is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the smile you've always dreamed of. Using advanced 3-D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your doctor, based on your specific needs.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are practically clear. No one may even notice that you're wearing these virtually invisible "braces," making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.
Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and good oral hygiene.
Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires with the Invisalign system that could cause irritation to your mouth. Plus since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair.
And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
More than 1,000,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.
How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?
Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on your teeth. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.
What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to tooth-whitening trays. Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you and only you to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.
Do Invisalign aligners contain Bisphenol-A (BPA)?
No. Invisalign aligners and Vivera Retainers do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. These aligners and retainers are made with USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your health professional about your aligner or retainer treatment and any applicable risks of use.
Since having my braces removed, my teeth have shifted. Can Invisalign correct this?
A number of Invisalign patients have undergone a previous treatment involving braces at some point in their past, often during their youth. Invisalign can usually correct the shifting that occurs after braces, and do so without having to go through the trauma and social awkwardness of wearing metal braces.
I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign?
Doctors are treating a significant number of patients with a combination of braces and Invisalign. Consult your Invisalign doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Will wearing Invisalign aligners affect my speech?
Similar to other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign 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 caused by the aligners should disappear.
Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Thanks to the removable nature of the aligners, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. In fact, you're required to remove your aligners to eat and drink. So, unlike undergoing traditional treatment using wires and brackets, 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 fresh breath and proper hygiene.
Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing aligners because it is possible for the aligners to become discolored.
Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the aligners. We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks.
Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
While Invisalign moves your teeth without the pain and anxiety of metal braces, some people will experience temporary 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's also a sign that Invisalign is working, as it moves your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away in a couple of days.
What's the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your aligners is to use the Invisalign cleaning kit, available for order at www.invisalignstore.com. As a secondary method, however, your aligners can also be cleaned by brushing them and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
How often must I wear my aligners?
We find aligners are most effective if worn 20 to 22 hours per day – and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
How often must I see the Invisalign doctor?
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments – usually about once every four to six weeks. The goal of these visits are to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.
Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and Align Technology, Inc.has held the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA since 1998 to be able to sell and market the Invisalign system.
How often will treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case and can only be determined by your doctor; however the average case takes about 12 months.*
What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
This varies person to person and 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, such as Align Technology's Vivera Retainer. (See www.viveraretainer.com) Discuss this with your dentist. Every patient is different, and outcomes vary.
How much does Invisalign cost?
We know cost is a big question for anyone considering dental or orthodontic work. The truth is, only your doctor can determine the cost of your specific treatment. It really depends on the kind of treatment you need, how extensive the issues are that you want corrected, how long your treatment plan will last, where you live, and other factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist.
Will my insurance cover Invisalign?
Because medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your personal coverage plan. However, in general, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.
Invisalign Teen – The Clear Alternative to Braces®—Now for Teens!
What is Invisalign Teen™?
Invisalign Teen™ is the only clear orthodontic aligner therapy designed specifically for teens, designed to custom-fit your teeth and go with your lifestyle. During your treatment, you can keep smiling, playing sports, eating what you want, and brushing and flossing normally. The aligners are made of smooth plastic and move your teeth gradually.
Invisalign Teen™ offers the same effective technology as Invisalign® with additional features that compensate for Teen treatment challenges including:
- Compliance indicators track the patient’s approximate wear time and help provide reassurance for parents that the teen is being compliant.
- Six free individual replacement aligners are included with Invisalign Teen™ to replace lost or broken aligners. This gives parents one less thing to worry about during treatment.
What Invisalign Teen™ treats?
By using its advanced technology, the Invisalign Teen™ system can treat a broad range of dental and orthodontic conditions, which, in the past, were usually treated with traditional braces:
- Overly crowded teeth
- Widely spaced teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
More Reasons to Smile about Invisalign Teen™
- Because Invisalign Teen™ aligners are virtually invisible, you can smile all you want. Most likely, the only way people will know about your treatment is if you choose to tell them.
- A whole lot of reasons to say cheese! Invisalign™ is an FDA-cleared orthodontic treatment that has been chosen by nearly one million patients worldwide.
- Healthier pearly whites? You can brush and floss your teeth normally. That means fresh breath, as well as less chance of plaque, decay, and gum disease.
- There are no metal wires or bracket, and Invisalign Teen™ aligners are made of smooth plastic that custom-fit your teeth.
- You’re still changing so we did too. Invisalign Teen™ aligners allow for growing adult molars.
- The Blue Dot Wear Indicator provides an estimation of wear-time. The dot is designed to fade to clear over a two-week period if you wear your aligners properly.
- Don’t sweat it. If you lose an aligner, we give up to six, free, individual ones.
- The good news. The Invisalign Teen™ system usually costs about the same as traditional and other clear braces.