INVISALIGN®
invisalign frisco rxsmile
A CLEAR
ALTERNATIVE
TO BRACES
Invisalign® Clear Aligners are state-of-the-art braces consisting of transparent, incremental aligners, designed specifically for each individual patient, which gradually adjust teeth to their desired position. Because they are made of a specialized, hard, clear plastic, they are virtually invisible when you wear them. The smooth aligners make wearing braces comfortable with minimal impact on your everyday life. Plus, there are no food restrictions since you remove the aligners when you eat.
Dr. Greenberg is an accredited Invisalign Platinum Provider
Choose an Invisalign Orthodontist that is credentialed and recognized by Align Technologies Advantage Provider Program. The new tiers announced in 2018 reflect an Invisalign doctor’s overall experience level relative to the number of patients he/she has treated with Invisalign aligners. This accreditation is a clear indication of Dr. Greenberg’s experience and expertise working with the Invisalign clear aligner system.
How Invisalign Clear Aligners Work
Treatment begins with x-rays, photographs, a bite registration, and polyvinyl siloxane impressions being taken of your teeth and gums. Dr. Greenberg then creates a treatment plan based on these studies. Dental impressions of your teeth are sent to be scanned in order to create a computerized model. This model uses the orthodontist’s treatment plan to create stages between the current teeth position and the desired position. Before the aligners are manufactured, a computer graphic simulation is provided to you and Dr. Greenberg for approval or modification. This will enable you to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move as you progress through each stage of treatment.
Once approved, several molds are then used to customize individual aligners, which are made of an elastic thermoplastic material. The aligners apply pressure to your teeth to move them into the aligners position. You will receive anywhere from 6 to 48 aligners depending on how far your teeth need to be moved. Aligners are numbered and worn for two weeks each, changing sets as you advance to the next stage. Teeth are moved .25 to .33 millimeters per aligner and the average treatment time is 13.5 months. Treatment time will vary depending on the complexity of the teeth movement plan.
The aligners can easily be removed for brushing and flossing teeth, as well as eating, and are meant to be worn for 20-22 hours per day. Approximately every six weeks, you will need to schedule an orthodontic appointment to have your progress checked. Since your aligners are pre-made and incremental, there is no tightening involved at your appointments.
Refinements may need to be made during the course of treatment. Attachments can be added for patients who need a tooth rotated or pulled down. Invisalign® braces are a suitable option for patients without severely crooked or misaligned teeth and who do not want to appear to be wearing braces.
Are you an Invisalign Candidate?
Conditions favorable for Invisalign clear aligners include:
One or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth
Spaces between teeth or missing teeth
Not enough room for teeth to fit normally
Upper teeth bite over the lower teeth (also known as overjet)
Lower teeth protrude past upper teeth
Some teeth don’t make physical contact with opposing teeth
New advancements in the Invisalign products are continually being made. Precision Cuts is a treatment process which allows the Invisalign aligners to be used in conjunction with elastic bands. This enables patients with more severe bite issues to still have the Invisalign option.
Advantages of Invisalign clear aligners include:
- Virtually invisible
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Removable
- No food restrictions
- Well-established treatment time (each tray worn for 2 weeks)
- Computer simulation shows teeth progression and outcome
Disadvantages of Invisalign clear aligners are:
- Not suitable for severe dental problems
- Higher cost than traditional braces
- Six week wait time for aligners to arrive from factory
- In some cases, traditional braces are still needed for a few months after treatment
As with most braces, a retainer is usually required for a period of time at night after the conclusion of treatment. Vivera® retainers are available which use the same advanced technology as Invisalign aligners. They are custom made for a precise, comfortable fit and come as a set of four retainers in case of loss or damage. Dr. Greenberg will advise you as to how long you should continue to wear your retainer in order to maintain your beautiful, new smile.
Caring for your Invisalign Clear Aligners
Each time you remove your Invisalign aligners, you should clean them to ensure that no food or low pH saliva is trapped inside. Simply brush them thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water, or use a mild denture cleaner. Do not use an abrasive toothpaste, as this can create tiny abrasions on the surface of the aligners that make them dull, as well as form areas that can harbor bacteria.
Ask Dr. Greenberg about Steraligner – a fast and easy-to-use alternative to keep your aligners clean and sanitized. No need to dissolve tablets or crystals. Simply pour Steraligner into the soaking dish and wait 3-minutes. It’s that easy!
Because you are able to remove your Invisalign aligners, you can brush and floss normally with no brackets to work around. When you have your aligners out, store them in the provided case to avoid loss or damage.
If you are interested in invisible clear aligners to improve your smile, contact our office for an appointment. Call 972-335-1300 Monday through Thursday, or submit an online appointment request and we will respond within one business day.
Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.