How Does Invisalign Work for Your Family?
Have you ever asked the question— “How does Invisalign work for my family?” — well, ask no more. We created this guide for all that you might be curious about concerning this orthodontic treatment. Keep reading for answers to the following key topics. Please feel free to contact us when you are ready to talk more.
Here At Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics, our experienced doctors have successfully treated more patients using Invisalign than 99% of doctors in all of North America. Because of this, we are the #1 provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in the state of Indiana. Both Dr. Gorman and Dr. Bunch were even selected specifically 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 is a series of clear, removable, custom-made appliances. These applications are called aligners, and they work together to ultimately straighten your teeth. This, paired with our extensive knowledge of the 100-year-old science of orthodontics, helps us to shift your teeth in incremental steps to the final desired position, providing you with a healthier smile.
We begin the invisalign process by first taking a digital scan of your teeth. Next we create a 3D model from the scans. We then create a customized treatment plan around the specific shape of your mouth. Invisalign uses the most advanced of technologies to convert this digital plan into a series of customized aligners that you wear for one week at a time.
Your teeth will then gradually shift into their new position as you continually wear and transition your aligners. After about 12-24 months, we will achieve a new and healthier smile.
HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?
Before you begin treatment, we will ensure that you fully understand the answers to these two commonly asked questions: “What is Invisalign” and “How does Invisalign work?” We use state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology to create a custom set of aligners made specifically for you and your teeth’s needs. You will transition to new aligners each week as your teeth shift. Throughout this extensive process, your teeth will shift gradually with each new aligner. This will result in a beautiful new smile.
The Invisalign System
The Aligners
Instead of the wires and brackets like is used with braces, Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of clear, specifically-designed, and removable appliances. These are called aligners. The aligners are transparent, making them nearly unnoticeable, and they are developed to move your teeth in small increments into the desired final position. Because they are individualized to fit your unique orthodontic situation, you will wear each aligner for one week — for desired results, you can only take it out to eat, brush and floss.
The Scanner
We use an advanced digital imaging scanner called iTero Element and create a 3D image of your teeth in a matter of minutes. This scan will then guide us through creating the customized shape for your aligners
The Software
In the next step, we use software called ClinCheck to design a digital treatment plan directly from your scans. We design the whole plan, all the way from your first set of aligners to your beautiful new smile, all by utilizing this single advanced software.
The Material
Invisalign aligners are created with a SmartTrack material, which is comfortable, transparent, and easy to put in and take out. It applies a gentle, comfortable, pressure to your teeth in order to help shift them to the corrected position.
The Attachments
We are able to make these complex shifts in the positioning of your teeth without the use of the invasive braces by using Invisalign attachments called SmartForce. SmartForce are small, tooth-colored, tools that connect to your teeth during treatment. Your aligners fit snugly around the Invisalign attachments. This gives your aligners a little something extra to gently push on. Quick Note: These attachments are not always a part of every treatment plan.
The Retainer
Once treatment with your aligners is accomplished, we form a retainer within our offices so that we can work to keep your smile in place. These retainers are as clear as the aligners, and they maintain a healthy smile without anything noticeable over your teeth.
If you are still wondering about us, Invisalign, or our overall process, feel free to call our office today 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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