Invisalign 101 – What You Need to Know

Grandview Dental | April 20, 2015

For those of us who are a little older, the thought of braces might not bring happy memories. In fact, negative feelings of painful metal and sore gums may come to mind. Straightening our smiles used to be an uncomfortable, unsightly process; however, that is not the case any longer.

Thanks to the new, modern solution, Invisalign, kids and adults have it much easier when it comes to teeth straightening. Grandview Dental Care has been offering this system for many years, but there is still a lot of information that people do not know when it comes to these clear braces alternative.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign uses clear aligners to adjust teeth spacing as opposed to painful wire braces. Each series is designed to match every individual customer’s unique dental needs.

Invisalign does not use metal brackets. Rather, a new set of plastic aligners is placed in the mouth about every two weeks. This design makes Invisalign much less noticeable. It is also more comfortable than metal braces.

How Long has Invisalign Been Available?

Invisalign was designed by Align Technology in 1998. As of 2012, there have been about two million patients who have used the system and benefitted from its effects.

How are Invisalign Braces Made?

Invisalign aligners are made of medical-grade thermoplastic material. These high molecular, polyurethane resins pass all requirements for human wear. The Invisalign aligners are made for each customer using advanced computer technology.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign can do a few things that traditional braces simply cannot do. Instead of just controlling the amount of movement with each aligner, Invisalign also guides the timing of each movement.

Only targeted teeth are allowed to move with each adjustment. The timed series of Invisalign make the process much more efficient.

What Makes Invisalign So Great?

There are many reasons why Invisalign is a better option than standard metal braces:

• They are removable. Unlike permanent braces, Invisalign plastic aligners can be removed. You can still eat, drink and brush your teeth the same as you have always done.
• They work for several conditions. Invisalign has been used to treat crossbites, underbites, overbites, crowding and excess teeth spacing.
• They are more comfortable than metal braces. Invisalign uses plastic material rather than metal. This means there are no painful wires to poke your gums or lips.
• They are discreet. When it comes to looking your best, clear aligners can be a great way to improve your smile without the embarrassing wires. Invisalign has helped many people stay confident during important events as well as in front of the camera.

Working with Grandview Dental Care

We are such big fans of Invisalign that we have been a Premier Invisalign Provider since 2007. We have helped more than 300 people improve their smiles with this system. In fact, Dr. Thompson is actually considered to be in the top five percent of all Invisalign doctors in the country.

We have had plenty of experience determining what will work best for our patient’s needs. Serving a high number of patients also means we qualify for an Invisalign volume rebate, which is actually passed on to you.

As for customers with orthodontic coverage as part of their dental insurance, Invisalign is usually covered just like regular braces. To learn more about Invisalign and whether or not it is the right option for you, schedule a smile consultation with us.