Invisalign: Is it right for you?

Traditional braces can take a few weeks to get used to and can be difficult to clean. If you are looking for a subtle and more convenient method of straightening your teeth, it is time to look into Invisalign!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign® straightens teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, removable appliances called aligners. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, without any metal wires that may irritate your mouth or break. Instead, they use a patented thermoplastic material called  SmartTrack formed using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology.

The product has been FDA approved since 1998 and gained widespread popularity in the mid-2000s. The company has made many improvements over the years to make Invisalign increasingly comfortable, as well as easier to get on and off. Though there are competitors for Invisalign, it remains the most widely popular choice in clear braces to this day. 

How is Invisalign Different Than Traditional Braces?

The main appeal of Invisalign is its ability to be removed and that it is much less noticeable than braces. Traditional metal braces have to be attached to the teeth and can only be uninstalled by your orthodontist, while Invisalign can pop in and out of place with minimal effort. You can remove them to eat and drink, brush and floss, or for special occasions. Metal braces restrict your diet and can be time-consuming to clean. 

Invisalign is also customized to your exact teeth, while metal braces are all created the same. Teens and adults alike also enjoy the fact that the clear retainers are basically invisible, making them a far better choice for someone who does not like the look of braces. Installing Invisalign does not involve uncomfortable trays for bite molds due to Dr. Weaver’s high-tech Itero scanner, and they require less frequent appointments for maintenance. Dr. Weaver uses a technology called Dental Monitoring to virtually monitor your progress once a week.

How is Invisalign Installed? 

Once you have made the choice to start using Invisalign, we will take a 3D scan of your teeth in the office. Dr. Weaver digitally moves every tooth to perfect your smile and your bite, and then the aligners are 3D printed at the Align Technology plant. Invisalign will send back sets of aligners that are meant to be worn in a specific order over time to slowly adjust the alignment of your teeth. With a combination of virtual appointments and in-person appointments, we can track your progress and ensure treatment is moving along as safely and quickly as possible. You wear your aligners about 22 hours a day and take them out to eat.  

Dr. Carlin Weaver is a Diamond Plus Invisalign provider, meaning she is in the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America - an elite group! This means she has treated hundreds of patients using aligners and knows exactly how to use the technology to create your perfect smile. Dr. Weaver and her team are specially trained to move teeth using Invisalign, so we can use their technology to solve a wide range of alignment issues. If you are interested in getting Invisalign for yourself or your child, contact Weaver Orthodontics today!