There are many options for straightening your teeth. One of these options is Invisalign braces. Invisalign is one of the newer types of orthodontic treatments and is one of the most convenient to use. For some people, Invisalign braces can be a better choice than traditional metal braces.
Who Invented Invisalign?
In the late 1990s, a Stanford University student named Zia Chishti was going through orthodontic treatment. After braces, he kept wearing his retainer, but he was struggling with it. He had the idea that the retainer should be used throughout the entire orthodontic treatment process.
With his friend, Kelsey Wirth, and other partners from Stanford University, Chishti created Align Technology and developed the aligners for the Invisalign process.
How Do Invisalign Braces Work?
Invisalign braces are the closest option to invisible braces out there. With Invisalign, you don’t have to wear hard brackets or wires across your teeth because the treatment uses clear, plastic aligner trays to push your teeth into the correct place.
Your orthodontist will take digital 3-D scans of your teeth and send them off to the Invisalign laboratory. Then, a technician will create a set of aligners for you based on your measurements and the plan that your doctor has prescribed. The aligners will gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position.
The orthodontist will give you five aligners to start. You’ll swap one out every two weeks in order to slowly start shifting your teeth. Eventually, you’ll go through every aligner in your set and will end up with a beautiful, straight smile.
Different Types of Invisalign Treatments
Invisalign offers four different types of treatment: Express Invisalign, Lite Invisalign, Complete Invisalign, and Teen Invisalign.
Invisalign Express is perfect for treating cases with minor spacing and crowding issues. Invisalign Express offers the shortest treatment time of any braces, including the other Invisalign products. Usually only needed for six months, Invisalign Express is the perfect option for helping with minor orthodontic cases.
Invisalign Lite is for more moderate orthodontic cases. It’s appropriate for people who had braces when they were younger but didn’t consistently wear their retainer so their teeth have shifted. Invisalign Lite is perfect for correcting less severe issues and treatment is usually only seven to nine months.
Invisalign Complete is the standard Invisalign product. It treats the widest array of orthodontic problems, including more intensive cases. Although the Invisalign Complete treatment takes the longest out of any of the Invisalign products, it barely interrupts your lifestyle.
Invisalign Teen is used for moderate orthodontic issues, typically younger patients who have just found out they need braces. As a teen, having braces can be awkward. With Invisalign Teen, there’s no need to be self-conscious because Invisalign trays are nearly invisible.
How Is Invisalign Different Than Traditional Braces?
Invisalign barely impacts your lifestyle because the aligners can be taken out whenever you need to. You’ll need to remove them when you eat and when you brush and floss your teeth. However, it’s important to wear them on a regular basis or your teeth will never align properly.
The convenience of Invisalign braces is great for adults who are working in professional business environments or teenagers who feel self-conscious about having traditional braces.
If you have mild to moderate orthodontic issues and want to know if Invisalign is a good option for you, call us today at (843) 4-BRACES.