Invisalign
Forget the gunmetal-gray strapping – it’s not the only way to get straight teeth. That’s essentially the secret behind a new type of orthodontic device that promises a straight smile while being easy on the eyes.
The Invisalign process uses a series of clear, plastic molds to gradually move the teeth. They’re kept in place 24-hours a day – except for when brushing, flossing, and eating – and changed out every two to three weeks as the teeth straighten. The shape of the molds – and hence the final position of the straightened teeth – is determined by creating a three-dimensional “movie” of each patient’s mouth. It simulates, from beginning to end, the stages the teeth will go through as they’re adjusted.
How Invisalign Works
- Step 1
The patient meets with Dr James Walmsley – an Invisalign-certified dentist who takes an impression and x-rays of the patient’s teeth, prescribes a treatment plan, and sends the impression to the Align Technology lab.
- Step 2
At Align’s lab, a physical model is cast from the patient’s impression. That model is then digitized using a 3D scanner. Next, the data is imported into the Invisalign computer system, where it’s used to produce precise, manufacturable digital model’s and start-to-finish 3D animations of the patient’s personal treatment plan.
- Step 3
Dr James Walmsley reviews the 3D models and animations and approves the treatment plan. From these images, Invisalign manufacturers a unique set of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-fitted to the patient’s teeth and mouth.
- Step 4
The patient wears each stage of aligners for approximately two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Week by week, the patient’s teeth are straightened, millimeter-by-millimeter. Total treatment time is similar to traditional braces and usually ranges from six to 24 months depending on the complexity of the case.
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