Invisalign Braces

When it comes to today’s teeth straightening procedures, Invisalign™ is an extremely popular choice for teens and adults. Here’s what you need to know about the Invisalign approach:

What is Invisalign™?

Invisalign™ is an alternative to traditional wire braces that uses a series of removable trays called aligners to gently reposition teeth into proper alignment. Invisalign™ allows patients from teens through adults to get all the advantages of having straighter teeth without the hassles and inconvenience that can be part of the experience of wearing traditional braces.

How are the Invisalign™ aligners designed?

Invisalign™ treatment begins with a dental impression of your teeth to create a three-dimensional mold. That mold is scanned to create a digital model of your teeth that will be used to design your customized plan of treatment. The Invisalign™ system uses a series of calculations that determines the shape and number of aligners you’ll need to get optimum results.

How does Invisalign™ work?

The clear Invisalign™ trays are used in a specific sequence to gently shift your teeth into proper alignment. As your teeth move into place, a new aligner will be introduced about every two weeks to help teeth continue to move closer to their optimum positions. The total number of aligners you need will vary, but most people can expect to have from 18 to 30 trays.

How does Invisalign™ compare to traditional braces?

As a traditional braces alternative, Invisalign™ offers distinct advantages for many patients:


• Invisalign™ trays are clear; in fact, they’ve been called “invisible braces.” That means you can wear them without feeling self-conscious or experiencing the self-esteem issues that often accompany traditional wire braces. And, the trays can be taken out for special occasions when needed..
• Because the Invisalign™ trays can be removed, caring for your teeth is much easier compared to traditional wire braces. Once the trays are removed, you can brush and floss your teeth just as you normally would so there’s less risk of tooth decay.
• The trays feature smooth edges, eliminating the sore lips and tongue that can occur with the sharp wires of traditional braces.
• Since the trays are removable, you can enjoy all the foods you’d normally eat including corn and sugar-free gum.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign™?

Invisalign™ braces alternatives are available for teens and adults and can be used for a wide range of alignment issues, from minor spacing and crowding adjustments to significant overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The best way to find out if Invisalign™ is a good choice for you is to call our office at (260) 484-4181 or make an appointment online.