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Invisalign: a new type of invisible braces

With the latest innovation in dentistry , it is now possible to straighten your teeth , using a custom-made series of aligners specially customized for you. This was invented in 1999 by Align Technologies. It has the duo advantage of being removable and yet invisible ( clear plastic aligners ).

As shown on the pictures on the left, the aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over you teeth. Our orthodontist will design the aligners in such a way that your teeth are being slowly shifted into position as plan for by your orthodontist.

There are no metal brackets or wires. Just visit your orthodontist every few weeks to get a new set of aligners, until you achieved the goals set by our orthodontist.

Why Invisalign ? Compared to traditional braces. Invisalign is comfortable, convenient and most important of all it is virtually invisible !!! As shown in the picture on the left, invisalign is almost not visible to the naked eye and yet it is straightening your teeth as you go about your daily routine. Today Invisalign is a leading brand of orthodontic appliance because the thin ( about 1mm thick ) and invisible aligners offers many advantages over traditional fixed metal /ceramic brackets braces.

How do Invisalign straighten my teeth?

A series of aligners will be given to you over a period of time .Each aligners will make a slight adjustment to your teeth position as plan for by your orthodontist. The orthodontist will make a mold of your teeth. From this impressions, a 3 dimensional projection of your teeth is produced using CAD/CAM Technology ( computer-aided design /computer –aided manufacturing). Using complex computer program, how your teeth are moved incrementally is plan out, and a series of aligners are made to move your teeth incrementally as plan out. Each aligner are to worn for 2-3 weeks. Teeth movements are in incremental steps of .25 to .33 mm. A typical invisalign treatment requires 20-30 aligners for both upper and lower teeth. Most adult complete their invisalgin treament in about 1 year but this may varies according to the complexity of the case.

Am I a candidate for invisalign ?
Some of the common conditions currently treatable with invisalign are listed below

Gaps between teeth.
This is usually due to abnormal continued growth of the jaw, or due to missing teeth. These unsightly gaps can be closed with Invisalign.

Crowding of teeth.
This occurs when the jaw is too small and the teeth are too big as a result there is not enough space. Crowding of teeth are unsightly and difficult to clean. Moreover crowding will get worse over time. These teeth crowding can be corrected with Invisalign.

Crossbite
This is the result of upper and lower jaw misaliged. This result in one or more teeth upper teeth teeth biting on the inside of upper teeth. Correction with Invisalign will help to prevent abnormal wear of teeth in the future.

OverBite
In this condition the upper front teeth sticks out. This is not only and aesthetic problem, if not corrected by Invisalign, the upper incisors will develop gum disease as well as chipping or fracturing easily.

Underbite
In this condition, the lower jaw sticks out. Only selected mild cases on underbite can be corrected with Invisalign. Insevere cases , conventional braces and jaw surgery is required.

What are the advantages of invisalign?

1) Comfort and convenient. Invisalign are so thin and soft that it will feel very comfortable in your mouth.

2) It is removable , so you can remove after every meal to clean.

3)Special occasions. If you have special occasions, no problem . Remove the aligner and pop it back when the special occasion is over.

4) Fewer doctors visit. Ideal for adults with busy schedule, invisalign may be just for you. Fewer doctors visit is required, approximately every 6 wweks.

5)Allow you to eat all the food that you want. All you got to do is to remove the aligner, eat whatever you want and put the aligner back after the meal.

6) Ease of oral hygiene. With the aligners removed, oral hygiene procedures like brushing and flossing can be done easily.

What type of orthodontic conditions cannot be treated by Invisalign?
The following condition requires conventional braces

Crowding or spaces of more than 5 mm
Severely rotated teeth
Open bite
Severely tilted teeth
Multiple missing teeth in each jaw
Severe discrepancy in jaw structure and their alignment with each other.

How do I decide whether to have Invisalign or traditional braces?
Invisalign are not suitable for complex cases of crowding or irregular bite. An orthodontist is the best person to decide which type of treatment is best for you. In the event that Invisalign is not suitable for you, modern tradtional braces are smaller, less visible and move teeth faster with less discomfort.

FAQ for Invisalign
How long will the treatment take?
This will vary from case to case .An average case can take about 12 months. Consult our orthodontist for a more accurate assessment of your teeth condition.

Can I go to any dentist to be treated by Invisalign?
The orthodontist who is a specialist in braces , will be the best person to look for when you want to be treated with invisalign.

How long must I wear my Invisalign?
For the Invisalign to be effective, it must be worn 20-22 hours a day. Taking out only for eating and brushing teeth.

How often must I see my orthodontist?
The orthodontist will see you every 4-6 weeks ,depending on the severity of your case.

Will Invisalign treatment be painful?
Treatment by Invisaglin is painless but each time the aligners are changed , you will feel some tightness of teeth . But this discomfort is only temporary.

Can I wear the aligners only when sleeping?
No ,to be effective , the aligneers must be worn 20 -22 hours a day.

Will wearing aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatment , you might get a slight lisp for a day or two. but it is only temporary.

Do I need retainers after my Invisalign treatment.?
Like all orthodontic treatment , a period with retainers are compulsory to prevent relasped.