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Invisalign Q & A

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses custom-crafted oral aligners to gradually straighten your teeth and jaws. Invisalign® aligners are made from a thermoplastic called SmartTrack®. SmartTrack is free of all chemicals, including BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten, making it safe for pregnant women and people with allergies.

What orthodontic issues can Invisalign® correct?

The team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry typically recommends Invisalign® to correct mild or moderate orthodontic issues like:

  • Gaps between teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Misaligned jaws
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Overjet

You might also benefit from Invisalign® if you have crowded teeth or teeth that overlap each other.

How does Invisalign® treatment work?

Invisalign® treatment begins with an in-office consultation. During your initial appointment, the team conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and assesses your bite. 

Photographs of your teeth and bite are taken and uploaded to a special software program where dentists remotely assess the ease or difficulty of your dental problem and if Invisalign® is right for your situation. If so, impressions are made and also sent to Invisalign®, who will map out the step-by-step movements of your teeth and jaws. This is called a ClinCheck, and your dentist will review this with you either in-person or via Zoom before proceeding with Invisalign® treatment.  The ClinCheck may be modified with either more treatment if needed to get a better result or if you want less involved treatment at this time. 

You are also free to decline treatment with Invisalign®. You will only be obligated to pay the Invisalign® workup fee if you decline orthodontic treatment in our office to cover the expenses incurred by The Center for High Tech Dentistry. 

If you approve to proceed with the demonstrated treatment plan, then the aligners will be manufactured, and you can generally start treatment in one to two weeks from the moment of approval. 

Not all of the teeth may track the way we plan so that refinements and restarts are possible, but they’re very rare.

During treatment, you visit The Center for High Tech Dentistry every few weeks to try on a new set of aligners. Each set of aligners brings you closer to a healthy and symmetrical smile.

How long does treatment with Invisalign® take?

The length of time that Invisalign® takes depends on the original position of your teeth and jaws and how well you adhere to the treatment plan. Most people obtain their desired results within 6-12 months.* More complex orthodontic issues can take up to 18 months. Be patient, attend all of your routine checkups, and wear your aligners for the prescribed 20-22 hours each day.

Are there other types of orthodontic treatment?

The team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry offers several types of orthodontic treatments in addition to Invisalign®, including:


ClearCorrect™

The team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry is ClearCorrect-certified. ClearCorrect is very similar to Invisalign®. The main difference is that ClearCorrect aligners are thinner, meaning they’re less visible and easier to maintain. ClearCorrect aligners are delicate and require special handling. This is particularly true when removing them for cleaning or rinsing.


Orthosnap®

Orthosnap uses clear aligners with no striations. Their unique design prevents measurement errors and allows for quick and effective treatment outcomes. In addition, Orthosnap offers “step pricing,” meaning you only pay for the aligners you use.


FastBraces®

FastBraces are an accelerated teeth-straightening solution that offers remarkable results in less time than traditional braces. They work by adjusting the crown of your teeth and then the position of your tooth roots in order to move your teeth into their ideal position. 


Six Month Smiles®

Six Month Smiles are another accelerated orthodontic solution that can move your teeth into their ideal alignment more quickly than traditional braces. Their design uses either invisible aligners or clear braces, depending on your circumstances, to remedy oral misalignment. 

To see if you can benefit from Invisalign®, request a consultation at The Center for High Tech Dentistry. Call the practice to schedule an appointment or book online today. 

*Individual results may vary.