Decatur, AL Invisalign
One of the first things people notice about us is our smile. If your teeth are crooked, you may be embarrassed to smile. But, especially if you’re an adult, you may not be fond of the idea of wearing braces for two or three years.
Fortunately, things have changed. In 1997, the Invisalign company was founded. They used computer technology that made it possible to straighten your teeth without anyone knowing using clear aligners.
How Invisalign Works
An optical scan is made of your teeth, which allows a computer to create a three-dimensional image of your teeth and their alignment. A radiograph is taken to show the positions of the roots of your teeth in the bone. Then the dentist creates a plan for moving the teeth until they are straight.
All of this information is put into a computer program, and the computer then manufactures a series of hard, clear plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth. You wear each set for two weeks, and each set moves your teeth slightly. You’ll notice when you put it into your mouth that it doesn’t fit quite right. That’s because it is designed to put light pressure on your teeth to cause them to move. In a couple of days, your teeth will move to their new position. During the rest of the two-week period, your bone will remodel to support your teeth in their new positions, and then you will put in the new aligners.
No one will even know you’re wearing orthodontics, even at a conversational distance.
Clear Correct Versus Invisalign
After the launching of Invisalign, a company called ClearCorrect was launched to make some improvements in the technology. Drs. Drake and Wallace actually prefer Clear Correct over Invisalign. They work on the same principles, with some differences:
- It is more affordable. Invisalign lab fees are quite high. ClearCorrect has been able to trim those fees, and Drs. Drake and Wallace pass those savings on to their patients.
- It is more adaptable. The additions to their software give the dentist more flexibility in treatment. While Invisalign is a rigid procedure, which doesn’t allow for changes, Clear Correct considered the human factor. Not everyone’s bite follows the rules exactly. This allows the dentist to make needed changes to the treatment plan so you get the results you need.
- Clear Correct has study clubs. This is a huge benefit to dentists and patients alike. Because the dentists can gather in local groups and learn from the experiences of one another, it improves their skill level as well as the treatment experience for their patients.
Advantages of Invisalign or ClearCorrect Invisible Braces
- No one will know you’re wearing braces.
- With the computer planning and controlling the tooth movement, movement is more efficient and treatment is usually completed in about half the time of conventional braces.
- There are no dietary restrictions. Just remove the aligners when you eat and put them back in when you are done. Be sure to wear the aligners at least 22 hours a day.
- Oral hygiene is much easier, which ends up being healthier for your teeth and gums.
- There are no wires and brackets poking your cheeks and tongue.
There are also some disadvantages to consider:
- They require patient compliance. If the patient is forgetful or not diligent and forgets to wear the aligners or loses them, that is a problem.
- Not every case where teeth are out of alignment is appropriate for these invisible braces. For example, if some of the teeth aren’t fully erupted, it may not be possible for the aligner to engage them and move them.
- Because of the high laboratory cost, they are more expensive than traditional braces.
If you’ve been wanting to straighten your smile but were hesitant about the idea of a mouth full of metal, this may be the solution you’re looking for. You may call our office to schedule a consultation or click here to request an appointment online.