What are Aligners?
Aligners and Invisalign ® is a form of orthodontic treatment that works to correct many different types of malocclusions using a series of clear plastic trays. Aligners were developed as a substitution to the use of metal brackets and wires and allow orthodontic treatment to occur almost “invisibly
Aligners have changed the face of orthodontics. Instead of wires attached to your teeth, your teeth can now be straightened invisibly.
- Aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
- Aligners are removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Aligners are comfortable. No metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation, and less time in the dentist’s chair getting adjustments.
The Aligner Process
- A set of aligners are worn for about 1- 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
- As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position the dentist has prescribed.
- You will visit us approximately once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned.
- Total treatment time averages 11 months. The average number of aligners worn are between 18-30, 1-2 weeks in duration. This of course will vary from case to case.
Aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if the aligners are right for you. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually — week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you will be smiling like you never have before.