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Invisalign is a new alternative to metal braces—it is the invisible way to straighten your teeth.  Made available to the public in May 2000, the Invisalign treatment consists of a series of snap-on, custom fit, removable mouth trays, or aligners.  These aligners apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth which, within months, will cause them to shift. Users of Invisalign enjoy this option of braces over traditional metal ones for multiple reasons: (1) no one can tell you’re wearing the aligners, (2) the aligners can be removed for teeth cleaning, and (3) the entire treatment time averages 9-15 months, not 1-3 years.

 Instead of one pair of braces that are constantly adjusted, a series of braces (aligners) are worn in succession, each created with computer aid.  Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks, and is removed only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.  As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move—little by little, week by week—until they have straightened to the final position prescribed by your dentist.  You’ll visit your dentist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.  Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a (clear) retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.

 It is important to note that Invisalign is recommended for people age 16 or over.  Due to the inability of Invisalign to be combined with headgear to fix malocclusion, the patient should already have a proper bite and alignment.  In addition, proper hygiene is mandatory—you need to brush and floss thoroughly before reapplying the aligner.  Finally, having a smile with metal braces is usually not as uncomfortable for children as it is for adults.  Metal braces may still be your best choice.  Talk with your dentist to see which procedure is best for you or your child.

 Please check out the Invisalign site.

Dr. James V. Anderson, DMD | 3626 West 5600 South Suite D, Roy, UT 84064 | 801.985.1940