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Invisalign

 

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing.  Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and is effective, in specific types of problems. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign.

Why Would I Want It?

 

The aligners are invisible and removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment.

How Does It Work?

 

You wear each set of aligners for about 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 Dr. Oppenhuizen has prescribed. You’ll visit Dr. Oppenhuizen about once every 4 to 8 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 10-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

Is it easy?

 

Invisalign trays are completely removable so it is very easy to eat and keep your teeth clean. It’s also great if you simply must take the trays out for an important event. That’s the beauty of removable trays.

What’s the Downside?

 

Ah yes, there is a downside too. Because the trays can come out, it is critical to discipline yourself to wear the trays as directed. They won’t work if they are not in your mouth enough. The unfortunate reality is that teeth move when under constant and consistent pressure. Properly moving from step to step in the process is critical. If trays are not worn properly, lost, or broken the entire process can be in jeopardy.

Another reality of Invisalign is that the result can be quite inconsistent and require additional steps, time in treatment and even braces to resolve. Part of the problem is the nature of removable devices, but a deeper aspect is that the trays are constructed by CAD/CAM technology which assumes that everybody’s teeth, jaws, and physiology are the same. That simply isn’t true. Invisalign results rarely match what can be acheived with other treatment methods.

The biggest problem is one we avoid. Orthodontics is a skill that incorporates specialty training,experience, art, technology, and most of all a deep knowledge of how teeth move.Most Invisalign treatment is conducted by general dentists with training that does not compare to a licensed Orthodontist. Before beginning Invisalign treatment one should always seek the experience of an Orthodontist by getting a second opinion.

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For the right person Invisalign can work, but truly, it’s not for everyone.

Ask Dr Oppenhuizen to explain the process and whether it is right for you.