What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

How does Invisalign® work?

Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear aligners are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about one week, then is replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign®?

• Invisalign® is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
• Invisalign® is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Invisalign® is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor’s chair getting adjustments.
• Invisalign® allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

What are aligners made of?

Aligners are made of clear, strong medical-grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

What do aligners look like?

Aligners are clear and look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign®?

Worldwide, almost 250,000 patients have been treated with Invisalign®. The number grows daily.

Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign®?

While Invisalign® can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, specific training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign® must attend training before cases will be accepted from their office. Close to 30,000 orthodontists and dentists worldwide are certified to use Invisalign®, Dr. Mullaney has been providing Invisalign® treatment to her patients for over 15 years.

How does Invisalign® effectively move teeth?

Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign® aligners move teeth through appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.