Invisalign is a series of clear, customized, removable applications called teeth aligners that both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal dental braces. The most obvious demand for the treatment is for cosmetic purposes. The aligners are completely transparent, therefore far more difficult to detect than traditional wire and bracket braces. This makes the method particularly popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces, which are commonly worn by children and adolescents. Due to the removable nature of the device, food can be consumed without the encumbrance of metallic braces. Nearly invisible ‘aligners’ look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as the “contact lenses for teeth.”
Invisalign patients can expect as many as fourteen attachments. They are tooth-colored and made of a glass-like substance. Aligners should be removed to eat, drink, clean the teeth or while having them checked in the clinic. The aligners are made of implantable-grade polyurethane.
For Invisalign treatment, an orthodontist or general dentist begins by taking dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of the patient’s teeth and sends them to the manufacturing company. The impressions are put through a CT scan from which a computer creates a three-dimensional model. The system utilizes the latest in computerized technology and three dimensional modeling to generate a series of clear, see-through aligners, technically known as Invisalign. It works well in treating a majority of crooked teeth problems including overbites, crowding, cross bites and gaps between teeth.
In the U.K, Invisalign treatments range in prices from 3,000 to 4000 Pounds depending on geographic location and competency of the orthodontist. An average of 9-15 weeks is required for treatment for invisible braces and the person is required to visit the doctor once in 6 weeks to keep a check on the progress of treatment.
Like traditional fixed braces, they are largely dependent on the patient’s habits and their co-operation. The success of the Invisalign aligners is based on the patient’s commitment to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20–22 hours per day, only removing them when they are eating, drinking or brushing their teeth.
Aesthetically pleasing, clear “aligners” are nearly undetectable to others. They are more hygienic in the sense that aligners are removable for brushing and flossing which helps promote healthy teeth and prevent gum diseases. It is comfortable to wear and effective for the functions the teeth are expected to do; unlike traditional braces, there are no wires, no metal and no brackets so there is less abrasion in the mouth. Additionally, the system works in approximately the same amount of time as traditional braces.
At present, the Invisalign System is only appropriate for patients with full adult development and complete jaw growth. The cut-off age depends on the individual but is generally 15 to 17 years for girls and 17 to 19 years for boys. It is generally not suitable for small children.