The Invisalign system from Align Technology uses a series of removable clear plastic aligners to straighten crooked teeth. After an orthodontist makes impressions of your teeth and takes X-rays and photographs, aligners are custom-made from a 3-D computerized model. A complete course of treatment with the Invisalign system can require 20 to 30 sets of aligners. They are worn 20 to 22 hours a day and can be removed while you eat, drink, brush and floss.
Fabrication and Materials
Invisalign aligners are vacuum molded from heated sheets of thermoplastic resin that are suctioned over a model of your teeth. The proprietary plastic used to fabricate these orthodontic appliances does not contain bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers. The resin is USP Class VI medical-grade high-molecular-weight polyurethane.
Costs and Duration of Treatment
Invisalign treatment costs start at $3,500 and average $5,000. Most dental insurance plans that include coverage for braces will cover the Invisalign system. Patients receive new aligners every 4 to 6 weeks. On average, treatment is complete in 12 months and may require less time than traditional braces.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Because the Invisalign system uses removable aligners, it doesn't require cemented attachments or invasive treatment. The clear plastic aligners are all but invisible. Brushing and flossing are easy to complete, since the aligners can be removed for daily oral hygiene and the lack of wires and brackets minimizes trapped food debris. However, some dental conditions do not respond to the Invisalign system. Patients who grind or clench their teeth may damage the aligners, though most patients receive replacements often enough to avoid problems. Though Invisalign treatment may require less time than braces, its costs generally are higher.
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