You may have heard of Invisalign, perhaps seen commercials on TV or ads on social media. But do you know exactly what it is and how it works? Read on for a more in-depth look at Invisalign to determine if it may be the right treatment for you.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a treatment for teeth that need to be realigned (straightened). It can also correct a variety of incorrect bite patterns such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. It is a relatively new treatment that was invented as an alternative to traditional metal braces.
The teeth are aligned using a series of clear plastic trays called aligners that fit over the teeth and are virtually invisible. Certain teeth will have a small, clear dot of composite placed on them to help the aligner grab the tooth. These clear dots are called attachments. Rather than using metal or clear brackets and wires to move teeth, the aligners and attachments gradually shift teeth into their correct positions.
How Does it Work?
Invisalign clear aligners are strategically designed to move teeth into proper alignment. The patient is instructed to wear one aligner for a specific period of time, followed by the next aligner, and the next until the teeth are in the desired positions and the bite is properly aligned. There is not a set number of trays for each patient, it depends on each patient’s individual needs and the severity of the misalignment.
A Step by Step Guide to the Invisalign Process
If a patient is interested in Invisalign, the following steps are typical.
- Find an Invisalign provider, such as an orthodontist and make an appointment for a consultation.
- The provider will assess the patient’s teeth to determine whether or not they are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. This process may involve taking X-Rays and photos of the teeth.
- If the patient is a candidate, the provider will then make digital impressions of the patient’s teeth.
- Using advanced computer technology, the orthodontist will design a customized plan to correct the teeth and bite.
- The aligners are created.
- The aligners and attachments are placed, and the patient is instructed on how to wear the first aligner (how long, how often, and how to care for it).
- The patient returns for follow-up appointments at strategic times throughout the treatment (anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks). At each appointment the provider evaluates progress and instructs the patient on when to switch to the next aligner.
- When the treatment is complete and the teeth are in their desired position, it will be necessary to wear a retainer (often just at night) to keep the teeth in their proper alignment. Failing to wear retainers following treatment will allow teeth to return to their previous undesirable positions.
Benefits of Invisalign
There are quite a few benefits of Invisalign that cause more and more patients to choose this option, such as:
- Virtually Invisible. The clear aligners are almost completely unnoticeable and are far less conspicuous than traditional metal braces.
- Comfortable. The aligners are made with a high-tech material that is comfortable to wear.
- Convenient. You can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth and daily wear does not affect your regular activities.
- Fast Results. When you wear your aligners as directed your total treatment time may be less than the time traditional braces would require.
- Effective. Invisalign has proven to be an effective treatment for the same issues that braces correct, such as overbites, cross bites, crowding, gaps, and more.
Andover Orthodontics is a Certified Provider of Invisalign
Are you looking for an orthodontist who offers Invisalign treatment? Dr. Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics has completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program and has successfully treated numerous satisfied patients. Are you ready to be another one? Call (978) 475-7780 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment.
Invisalign is the new alternative to traditional braces. The name Invisalign comes from the word “invisible” because they are clear and “align” because they move teeth into proper alignment. In addition to how they look, one of the biggest differences between Invisalign and traditional braces is that dental offices offer them, making it unnecessary to see an orthodontist to get this treatment.
Although you could get Invisalign from a dentist rather than an orthodontist, the real question at hand is whether or not you should. What’s the difference and does it really matter? Let’s look at a few important considerations.
How Invisalign Works
The first step is an initial consultation where the dentist or orthodontist evaluates the patient’s teeth and determines whether or not they are an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment (in other words, deciding whether or not Invisalign would be successful in correcting the patient’s teeth). X-Rays and photographs will be taken of the patient’s teeth and mouth to help make this determination.
If the patient is a candidate, a digital scan will be taken of the teeth and a custom plan will be designed by the dentist or orthodontist to align the teeth using a series of clear aligners (similar to retainers). Designing the aligners for optimal tooth movement using Invisalign’s software is a critical step. Since orthodontists do extra training to learn how teeth move they are very comfortable with this design process. Most importantly, if the patient is not an ideal candidate for Invisalign treatment an orthodontist can explain why and you will know what outcome to expect. Since the orthodontist is an expert in tooth movement, they can discuss different treatment options and therapy combinations to get you the results you want.
Patients then come in to get their aligners and any necessary attachments placed, and are instructed on how to wear the aligners for ideal results. The entire process typically takes from 6 to 18 months depending on how much movement is needed.
Training and Experience are Key to Choosing a Provider
When it comes to choosing between a dentist and an orthodontist for this treatment, one important factor is experience. You should look for a provider who has not only completed the required training, but who has used Invisalign to successfully treat a large number of patients.
Dentists and orthodontists must complete a training program in order to be certified to provide Invisalign to patients. An orthodontist already has advanced education in the alignment and correction of teeth, two to three years in addition to dental school. An orthodontist focuses on just moving teeth, whereas a dentist needs to focus on the repair and care of teeth and may not have the same concentrated expertise in the tooth moving field. An orthodontist can use many methods to align teeth and understands each method’s strengths and shortcomings. A dentist may only be able to offer basic Invisalign treatment.
The Final Verdict
The answer to the original question, of “Do you need to see an orthodontist for Invisalign?” is no. You don’t need to. But should you? The answer here is up to you. But is there a greater chance that an orthodontist will have more experience using Invisalign and treating the misalignment of teeth? Yes, because orthodontics is their main focus.
Andover Orthodontics
Dr. Anthony Broccoli has completed the Invisalign Orthodontic Master Program and has successfully treated numerous patients including adults and teens using Invisalign. If you’re interested in trying this alternative to braces, call (978) 475-0450 today to schedule a free consultation or request an appointment.