Invisalign®
 Now your dentist can give you
the beautiful, straight teeth you've always wanted using the comfortable, clear, almost invisible aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. Invisalign® has been proven safe and effective. Dr. Winchester has attended a special training workshop to learn how to properly use the Invisalign® system.
Invisalign® is the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.
Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear, strong medical-grade plastic "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
The Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. Use of computer technology lets your dentist know with great precision exactly when to apply force as well as how much force should be applied to reach a precisely determinged result. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an precise, efficient force delivery system.
There are four primary benefits of Invisalign®:
- Invisalign® is nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
- Invisalign® is removable - you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Invisalign® is comfortable - there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
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Invisalign® allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start - so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
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Because the Invisalign® retainers are smooth, relatively soft plastic, with no metal and/or sharp edges, they are less abrasive to the inside of the mouth...they are far more comfortable to wear.
We invite you to come in for a consultation with Dr. Winchester. Your first appointment is always complimentary, so you can learn more about Invisalign® and whether it is for you without it costing you a cent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign®
- Has the FDA cleared Invisalign®?
Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign® is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification.
- How much does Invisalign® cost?
As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case. The cost is generally more expensive than traditional braces, but you should discuss this after Dr. Winchester has looked at your teeth and considered what must be done. Also, there is special financing available for the Invisalign® system and you will probably qualify for this special financing if you decide that Invisalign® is for you.
- I am currently wearing braces - can I make the switch to Invisalign®?
Doctors are treating patients with some form of combination of braces and Invisalign®. We recommend that you consult your orthodontist or dentist to determine the best treatment for you.
- Does the procedure work on overbites (overjets) and how?
An experienced doctor can use Invisalign® to treat a vast majority of adults & adolescents
- Are crowns a factor in Invisalign® treatment?
No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign® treatment. However, sometimes small composites called attachments are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist. To find out if crowns will adversely impact your orthodontic treatment, consult an Invisalign® certified doctor.
- Will TMJ affect Invisalign® treatment?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular, or jaw, joint. Individuals can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign®. To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact dental treatment, consult an Invisalign® -certified doctor.
- Can Invisalign® close gaps (space closure)?
Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with the Invisalign® System.
- Are bridges a factor in Invisalign® treatment?
Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your doctor will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment
- Will the treatment be painful?
Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign® is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series.
- Will wearing Invisalign® Aligners affect my speech?
Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear.
- Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?
No. Unlike traditional wires & brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene.
- Will smoking stain the aligners?
We discourage smoking while wearing Aligners because it is possible for the Aligners to become discolored.
- Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?
No, gum will stick to the Aligners. We recommend removing your Aligners for all meals and snacks.
- What's the best way to clean my aligners?
The best way to clean your Aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.
- How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.
- Can patients use aligners for bleaching teeth while active tooth movement is occurring?
While we are aware that some patients are using Aligners for bleaching, Align has not examined the compatibility of currently available bleaching products with our Aligners, nor have we demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies. Align recommends that you consult your orthodontist or dentist for more information on whitening teeth.
- How often must I see the orthodontist/dentist?
Your orthodontist/dentist will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way your doctor can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.
- What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?
This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign® makes. Discuss these possibilities with your treating orthodontist or dentist. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.
For more information, pictures, etc., please visit www.invisalign.com/US/index.html.
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