Invisalign

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a product of Align Technology, Inc. and is used as a treatment for correcting misaligned teeth.

The Invisalign procedure requires a specially trained dental professional, like Dr. Edwards, who has been certified by Align Technology.

Invisalign is an alternative to so-called “railtrack” braces that many people find uncomfortable and embarrassing.

The primary benefits of Invisalign are:

1. Clear aligners make Invisalign treatment almost invisible.
2. Removable Invisalign aligners mean you can eat and drink whatever you want and always maintain optimum dental hygiene by brushing and flossing normally.
3. Comfortable Invisalign aligners are replaced frequently so you may forget you’re even straightening your teeth and will spend less time in the dentist’s chair having adjustments.

Is Invisalign right for you?

Invisalign is an effective alternative to traditional braces in many cases. It can handle many bad alignment issues including crowded teeth, wide-spaced teeth, underbites, overbites and crossbites. In fact, over 250,000 Invisalign cases have already been completed, proving conclusively that this dental miracle does work.

However, there are some cases that simply require more traditional braces technology, especially those cases involving very severe overcrowding. This is one of the reasons that you must see an Invisalign-certified orthodontist rather than a general dentist. The general dentist can only offer Invisalign as an orthodontic solution whereas the orthodontist is able to evaluate both the Invisalign option as well as other orthodontic treatment plans so that you can choose the option that works best for you.

How does Invisalign work?

All orthodontic repositioning of teeth works on the same basis: application of appropriate force, at the right place, at the right time. Invisalign is simply another delivery system for these forces, packaged in comfortable, transparent medical-grade plastic.

All patients are provided with a series of differently positioned aligners that are worn at various times during the treatment period. Each one applies force a little differently and, over time, the teeth begin to move little by little until they are eventually in the desired position.

How is Invisalign better than traditional braces?

Invisalign has helped many people get the smile they always wanted and which they may never have achieved if metal braces were the only option. In that sense, Invisalign is better than metal braces.

However, metal braces are an invaluable tool in the orthodontist’s toolkit and no orthodontist that we are aware of is ready to give up traditional braces anytime soon.

Invisalign is better if your definition of better is to allow more people to achieve their best possible smile and feel better about their appearance.

Why an orthodontist is the best choice for Invisalign?

It’s fairly logical why it makes sense to choose an Invisalign-certified orthodontist over an Invisalign-certified general dentist.

Since the only orthodontic treatment that a general dentist can offer is Invisalign, your orthodontic treatment options are severely limited by asking his opinion. What are the scenarios when you come to a general dentist for his opinion on your suitability for Invisalign:

1. You’re suited to Invisalign and the dentist tells you so. Your procedure begins next week. This is the best that you can hope for.
2. You’re not suited to Invisalign and the dentist tells you so. He advises you to see an orthodontist and gives you a couple of recommendations. This is second best because now you have to make and attend another appointment and just wasted your time at this one.
3. You’re not really suited to Invisalign but the dentist doesn’t tell you hoping that he’ll do okay and you’ll be somewhat satisfied. You start your procedure the following week. This is your worst scenario as you are really not certain to be satisfied with the results.

In scenario #3, an orthodontist would be able to explain to you all your options: you could plump for Invisalign with a 60% chance of success or, perhaps, use more conventional methods with a 95% success rate. We strongly believe that the decision should be left up to the patient as long as they understand and accept the pros and cons of that choice.

*Appointment must be reserved before 5pm Monday July 7, 2008 but actual consultation may take place after this date.