With over 10 years on the market and hundreds of thousands of satisfied patients, nearly everyone has heard of Invisalign. For those who are still unsure how it works, the process is this: detailed impressions of your teeth are scanned to produce 3-D images of your teeth. Corrections to your alignment and bite are programmed virtually and these images are used to fabricate clear custom plastic aligners to wear over your teeth. These aligners gradually and gently shift your teeth into a more ideal position. A fresh new set is provided approximately every two weeks until your treatment is complete.
There have been many advances in Invisalign since it was developed. Initially, more complex bite and alignment problems could not be well-corrected; however, due to some very exciting advances in the science of Invisalign, now even more complex cases are able to be treated. The latest generation of this product uses new software based on a more precise biomechanical design to efficiently move each individual tooth. In other words, every treatment is customized to the patient, designed to move his or her teeth in a way best suited to create a unique smile.
We can now treat patients with a large array of bite problems. Having used Invisalign myself on hundreds of patients, I know first hand that the latest generation of product produces results previously unattainable with a removable appliance. Invisalign allows us to correct open bites, crossbites, and deep bites more effectively than ever before. New attachment designs and add-on features make treatment possible for even complex cases involving underbites and large overbites. Even spaces created by missing teeth can be closed more reliably than previously possible with Invisalign.
We can also better correct severely rotated and tipped teeth. These challenging cases require better control to straighten not just the crown of the tooth (the part you see) but also the root of the tooth inside the bone. Properly positioning the entire tooth leads to a longer lasting and more stable result.
Another exciting development is that Invisalign has extended its product line to include teen patients. Because teens are growing and their teeth are still erupting, Invisalign has modified its adult product to address these issues. Invisalign Teen has all the features of the adult product plus:
Compliance indicators to track a patients approximate wear time and help reassure parents that their child is being compliant.
Six free individual replacement aligners are included with Invisalign Teen to replace lost or broken aligners. Parents have one less thing to worry about during treatment!
Eruption tabs or guides, which are specific for teen patients who often present for treatment with erupting permanent teeth. These guides help control and direct these newly erupting teeth into the correct position.
In my experience, nearly all patients appreciate treatment with Invisalign. Aside from the obvious cosmetic advantages, the trays are smooth and comfortable to wear and patients often feel less discomfort than traditional appliances. Since they are removable, patients can eat what they wish without restriction and easily clean their teeth.
Clearly, these are exciting times in the profession of orthodontic care, and the future promises to continue this trend. The research team at Invisalign remains dedicated to further improvements in clear aligner therapy to create even more precise, efficient, and comfortable treatments. If you are considering orthodontic treatment and would like to learn more about Invisalign, please contact your local orthodontic provider for a consult.
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Dr. Ted Wohl, DMD, MS has been practicing orthodontics for more than 15 years and has used the Invisalign product for over 10 years. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He currently practices in the Midwood section of Brooklyn and the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
