Five individuals founded Invisalign in 1997 to use technology to straighten and reposition teeth. Since then, Invisalign has become a popular orthodontic option for millions of patients worldwide.
Patients will wear custom aligners made according to precise 3D scans of their teeth and gums during treatment. They are removed only to eat, drink, and brush their teeth.
The Aligners
Invisalign London treatment involves wearing a series of clear, removable aligners custom-made for your teeth and jaw. The Invisalign system is designed to move your teeth gradually and safely, allowing you to maintain the natural beauty of your smile throughout the process.
During a consultation, your dentist or the best invisalign orthodontist near me examines your teeth and gums, takes X-rays and digital scans, and generates a customized treatment plan. Your doctor then uses a 3D (iTero Element(r) scanner) to show you how your teeth will move over time.
Your doctor will also explain how often and long you must wear your aligners. They should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily, though you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth.
Attachments are small handles that an orthodontist cement to your teeth before delivering your first set of aligners. These handle-like attachments help your aligners exert the proper force on problematic areas and coax stubborn or difficult-to-move teeth into cooperating with your treatment plan.
The Attachments
Invisalign attachments (or SmartForce Attachments) are dental bonding materials placed on your teeth before treatment starts. They are small pieces of tooth-colored composite resin bonded directly to your teeth.
During your Invisalign treatment, attachments are used when your orthodontist needs to move your teeth complexly. They help the aligners apply pressure more effectively, improving orthodontic results.
Orthodontists receive a clear plastic template from Invisalign containing small bulges corresponding to the specific locations on your teeth where attachments need to be placed. The orthodontist then fills the bubbles with a dental bonding material that matches the color of your teeth.
The dentist uses a unique attachment placement procedure that only takes a few minutes and causes no pain or discomfort. Once the attachment is placed, it’s bonded to your tooth using a UV light. Then, the dentist removes the branch by pulling it off your tooth with a pair of dental pliers.
The Trays
During treatment, you will receive several new trays that gradually shift your teeth into a straighter position. These trays are typically changed every week or two and designed to help you achieve your desired smile.
Invisalign uses 3D printing technology to create a set of custom-fitted aligners for your smile. These trays are made from thick material designed to hold your teeth securely.
They also feature an edge that mimics the natural gum line. This is helpful because it helps people notice them less than a straight edge would.
You must wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours daily during treatment. You can remove them for special occasions or photos, but you should know that each missed hour can set back your treatment plan.
The Process
Unlike braces, which exert force on teeth with brackets and wires, Invisalign uses custom-made plastic trays that patients wear. The trays are changed every two weeks, gradually shifting the teeth to an ideal position.
Because the trays are clear, they’re more discreet than traditional metal braces. They also come with removable attachments, which allow patients to remove their aligners for eating and brushing.
When taken out of the mouth, the trays should be cleaned thoroughly before and after meals and rinsed with water. This helps prevent stains and smells by removing buildups and bacteria.
Treatment can take six to 12 months for mild problems, although it may be longer for more severe cases. How long your treatment takes depends on your situation, orthodontist’s recommendations, and your commitment to wearing the aligners.
