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Align Technology, the creators of Invisalign, was founded in 1997 by Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth in San Jose, California.
First, you’ll meet with your dentist for an Invisalign consultation. Your doctor will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if Invisalign is right for you. The team will take impressions or digital scans of your mouth and give you a sneak peek of your new smile.
Once your first set of aligners arrives at our office, you’ll come in to pick them up and try them on. Your doctor will instruct you on how to wear your aligners to get the best results. Typically, you’ll wear them for at least 22 hours a day and switch out the aligners for the next set every week.
You’ll come back to our office every 8-10 weeks to pick up your newest sets of aligners and for quick check-ins to make sure your teeth are tracking properly. As long as you wear your aligners for 22 hours per day, your teeth will gradually shift to the corrected position.
After treatment is complete, you’ll maintain your beautiful new smile with a set of retainers. Your clear, plastic retainers will look similar to your Invisalign aligners, but the plastic is stronger to help keep your teeth straight for years to come.
We strive to achieve a bite with a balanced overlap of upper and lower front teeth. This is called an overbite. It can become a problem if the teeth overlap too much, sometimes hitting too hard on the top teeth or the roof of the mouth. If you have too deep a bite, your teeth may wear down or you could suffer from jaw pain. Invisalign can fix an overbite or deep bite, and get your teeth in a healthier position.
An underbite is when your lower front teeth are in front of your upper front teeth. This is called an anterior crossbite. The problem often lies in the position of the jaws relative to one another. This misplacement can make it hard to chew and speak properly. It may cause your teeth to wear down or chip, and can also cause gum recession or even bone loss. Invisalign can fix some cases of underbites, but severe underbites may require Invisalign treatment as well as surgery.
Normally, all of the top teeth sit outside of the bottom teeth. Crossbites are when the upper teeth are inside or behind your lower teeth when you bite together. This can cause your teeth to wear down or chip, and may also cause gum recession or even bone loss. Invisalign can fix some crossbites, but it’s best to have a consultation with your doctor to see which options are right for you.
Gaps between teeth are fairly common, but these extra spaces can create pockets between the teeth and gums where food can get trapped. These spaces can harbor bacteria which can make your gums tender and sore and even lead to gum disease. Invisalign can fix gaps between teeth and give you a straighter, more seamless smile.
Usually the upper and lower front teeth overlap when the mouth is closed. When they don’t, it’s called an open bite. This can make it difficult to chew properly or bite into certain foods effectively. Invisalign can help adjust the bite, and bring the front teeth together.
Crowding happens when there’s not enough room in the jaw for your teeth to sit straight. As a result, they bunch up, overlap and twist, sometimes getting pushed in front of or behind others. Crowded teeth can make oral care routines, like brushing and flossing difficult. When teeth aren’t cleaned properly, it’s easier for plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria to build up. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, crowding can get worse as the teeth naturally shift inward. Invisalign can fix most cases of crowded teeth. You’ll just need to speak with an orthodontist to determine if it’s the best option for you.
Over 8 million smiles have been transformed with Invisalign.
The aligners are designed from molds and built in layers with photo-sensitive liquid resin. When exposed to a laser, the resin cures into a hard, yet flexible, thermoplastic. This plastic is called SmartTrack®, and it was created exclusively for Invisalign treatment. It’s FDA-approved and contains no BPA, BPS, latex or gluten.
The simplest way to keep them clean is to brush them with a toothbrush as often as you brush your teeth. If you don’t have access to your toothbrush, you should rinse them with lukewarm water. Never use hot water as you may warp the plastic. You can also purchase an Invisalign Cleaning System for a more thorough clean.
Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, which makes them virtually invisible. Many people may not notice that you’re wearing them. All sets of aligners are custom-made to fit snuggly to your teeth, and are trimmed to fit to your gum line for a more seamless wear. There are no metal brackets or wires, or restrictions that come with braces, so you can feel confident in your smile throughout treatment.
Invisalign treatment is usually similar in cost to that of braces. But pricing fluctuates depending on your case. A consultation with your orthodontist will determine your needs and help establish the cost of your treatment.
Your insurance may also cover orthodontic treatment, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to better understand your coverage and options.
Average treatment times for Invisalign are just 1 year.
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