How Does Invisalign Work for Your Family?
If you’ve ever asked — “How does Invisalign work for my family?” — wonder no more. We created this guide for all you wanted to know about this orthodontic treatment. Read on for answers to the following key topics, and please contact us when you are ready to talk more.
At Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics, the doctors on our staff have successfully treated more cases with Invisalign than 99% of doctors in North America — making us the #1 provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen within the state of Indiana. In fact, Dr. Gorman and Dr. Bunch were specifically selected by Invisalign to teach this orthodontic method to new orthodontic residents and future Invisalign doctors at the Indiana University School of Dentistry.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Invisalign treatment includes a series of clear, removable, custom-made appliances — called aligners — to straighten your teeth. When combined with our knowledge of the 100-year-old science of orthodontics, the aligners shift your teeth in incremental steps to the final desired position for a healthier smile.
We begin the process by taking a digital scan and creating a 3D model of your teeth. We then create a treatment plan based off the exact shape of your mouth. Invisalign then uses advanced technology to translate this digital plan into a series of customized aligners that you wear for one week at a time.
Your teeth move gradually into their new positions as you continually wear and change your aligners. Then, after approximately 12-24 months, together we have achieved a new and healthier smile.
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
Before receiving treatment, we want you to fully understand the answer to the questions, “what is Invisalign” and “how does Invisalign work?” We use the latest 3D imaging technology to create a custom set of aligners made specifically for you. As your teeth shift, you will switch to new aligners every week. Throughout the process, your teeth will gradually and comfortably shift with each new aligner, resulting in a beautiful new smile.
The Invisalign System
The Aligners
Instead of using wires and brackets, Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, customized, and removable appliances called aligners. The aligners are virtually undetectable and designed to move your teeth in small increments into the desired final position. Perfectly customized to fit your mouth, you wear each aligner for one week — only taking it out to eat, brush and floss.
The Scanner
Using a digital imaging scanner called iTero Element, we create a 3D image of your teeth in just a few minutes. This scan informs us of the customized shape for your aligners
The Software
Next, we use software called ClinCheck to create the digital treatment plan from your scans. We can create the entire plan — from your first set of aligners to your beautiful new smile — using this software.
The Material
Invisalign aligners are made from a material called SmartTrack. They are extremely comfortable, nearly invisible, and easy to put in and take out. The SmartTrack material has been proven to apply gentle pressure to your teeth in order to move them to the desired position.
The Attachments
Using Invisalign attachments called SmartForce, we are able to make complex shifts to the position of your teeth without the use of traditional braces. They are small tooth-colored pieces that attach to your teeth during treatment. Your aligners fit snugly around the Invisalign attachments and give your aligners a little something extra to gently push on. Quick Note: Attachments are not necessary in every treatment plan.
The Retainer
Once treatment with your aligners has finished, we then create a retainer within our offices to keep your smile in place. These retainers are just as clear as the aligners, maintaining a healthy smile without noticing anything over your teeth.
If you’re still curious to learn more, give our office a call and ask the front desk for some Invisalign reviews of past patients who can tell you more personal details about their experience with Invisalign.
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