Invisalign® to Straighten Teeth 

Invisalign ® is an orthodontic technique that specialized dentists and patients highly appreciate for its efficient teeth straightening and esthetic effect. 

Invisalign ® is a valuable tool in dentistry and is an excellent alternative to brackets or metal retainers.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment consisting of removable and nearly invisible aligners designed and fabricated using specialized software (CAD/CAM – Computer Aid Design).

These aligners are made of medical-grade thermoformed polycarbonate that is non-toxic to humans. The aligners exert light pressure on the teeth, creating a gentle and gradual tooth movement that gradually corrects the misalignment of the patient’s teeth.

Invisalign is a modern technique in which the specialized dentist customizes the aligners with the support of ClinCheck® software.

Advantages of  Invisalign ®

Minimum visibility
Invisalign® aligners are clear, so teen and adult patients can have discreet orthodontic treatment.

Removable aligners
During treatment, the patient can remove the Invisalign® to eat, drink, or attend an important meeting.

Versatile orthodontic treatment
Invisalign® can help solve dental misalignments and bite problems at once. In addition, aligners can be placed on natural or prosthetic teeth or fixed or removable dentures.

Comfort
Customized aligners effectively adapt to the patient’s physiological characteristics. The lips, cheeks, and tongue glide naturally through the aligners.

Prevents metal allergies
The materials used to fabricate the clear aligners Invisalign® are an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies.

Visualization of treatment results
With the 3D ClinCheck® software, the dentist and patient can visualize the treatment progress easily until the results are reached. The progressive tooth movement images allow the patient to understand the treatment plan better.

Efficiency
The precise calculation of teeth movements can reduce the overall treatment time compared to conventional methods.

Invisalign® treatment phases

Like conventional orthodontic treatment, the Invisalign® system consists of different phases:

1. Initial examination

As in any orthodontic treatment, an initial assessment is performed. It includes a clinical examination, x-rays, and cephalometry. More recently, the intraoral scanner iTero has been used.

2. Design and fabrication of the Invisalign® aligners

In this phase, the dentist takes PVS (polyvinylsiloxane) impressions of upper and lower arches and a bite record. These impressions are then scanned using ClinCheck® 3D software. After scanning, the 3D images obtained are sent to Align Technologies to fabricate the Invisalign® aligners.

3. Teeth straightening with Invisalign®

After receiving the aligners manufactured by Align Technologies, the patient must come to the dental practice, and the dentist will calibrate the aligners. The patient must wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day until the next control appointment to achieve the treatment objectives.

4. Check-up and realignment appointments

At control appointments, the dentist must evaluate the teeth and bite condition to readjust the aligners and the pressure they exert on the teeth.

5. Retention phase

Once the Invisalign® treatment is completed, the aligners are removed, and the retention phase begins. Teeth have memory and tend to return to their original position once the aligners are removed. Fixed or removable retainers are therefore used.

This retention phase is essential, and it allows to maintain the results obtained during the treatment.