Invisalign braces are a new revolutionary way to straighten teeth without metal. A series of clear, removable aligners are used to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires and it's nearly invisible. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. An Invisalign patient can eat and drink anything while being treated along with being able to brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene. This is not possible while wearing traditional braces. Invisalign braces are comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation. No metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments and in some cases a patient only needs to see the dentist half as often as with traditional braces.
Invisalign braces use 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 Aligners are produced. Each Aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved. Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth."
Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign braces move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that this method not only controls forces, but also control 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.
Dental crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign braces. However, sometimes small composites called attachments are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign dentist. To find out if crowns will adversely impact your orthodontic treatment, consult Dr. Padolsky. Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that the treatment is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series. Like all orthodontic treatments, it\may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear.
Initial Invisalign braces consultations with our senior cosmetic dentist in Atlanta, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, are free. If you're interested in improving your smile, be sure to make your free consultation appointment by calling 404-874-7428. Let the receptionist know that you are interested in clear braces. For more information, visit our Invisalign questions page.