Invisalign in Kingston, Tennessee

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.