Posted by whybraces

Invisalign braces are braces that are “invisible.” That is put into quotes because obviously they are not completely invisible, but the inventors of these braces did their best to make sure that they would blend in with a person’s teeth.

Invisalign braces were first introduced to the market in 1999 and since then, more than five hundred thousand people have used the braces to straighten their teeth. For a while, the company had to battle with OrthoClear over the technology, but at the end of 2006, all litigation was settled and since then OrthoClear has dropped from the market. Some people think that Align Technology (the owners of the Invisalign trademark) bought the company, but these reports have been declared untrue.

Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of “aligners” to move your teeth into their new positions. The aligners are clear and removable. They are not actually braces at all, as braces involve brackets and an arch wire. Instead invisalign is a way to straighten your teeth without using braces.

The patient has X-rays and molds taken which are then used to help an orthodontist plan a course of treatment that moves the teeth from their starting position into their finishing position. When the treatment is designed, the invisalign “aligners” are built specifically for the patient’s mouth. Each aligner is meant to be worn for two weeks. After that time period simply put in the next aligner. Most patients are able to complete the invisalign process within one year.

The Invisalign manufacturing process

Many people prefer the Invisalign process for a number of reasons. The largest reason for choosing Invisalign braces is a cosmetic one. The trays are clear so most people will not know that the patient is having any sort of treatment done. Another reason patients prefer the invisalign system is that the aligners are removable. This means that they can b e taken out for eating, drinking or even if you simply need a break from wearing them. Another advantage of Invisalign braces is that the patient will not have to deal with the “side effects” of other braces—the wires cutting into cheeks, the effects on the gums and the damage to the teeth.

Of course there are disadvantages to Invisalign as well. Invisalign is dependent upon the patient adhering to an orthodontist’s instructions. If the patient doesn’t follow the instructions, then Invisalign will not work. It is also more expensive than traditional braces and the teeth must be cleaned thoroughly whenever the aligners are removed. This can be irksome for people who like to snack. It is very easy to damage the aligners if the patient has a habit of clenching or grinding his or her teeth.

Typically Invisalign braces cost between four and nine thousand dollars, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. As with any orthodontic procedure the length of time the device needs to be worn is a contributing factor to the overall cost. Invisalign braces cost more than regular braces because instead of brackets and wires, the aligners are trays that are made especially for the patient’s teeth.

If the work that needs to be done on your teeth is minimal and you are concerned with the effect braces will have on your appearance, you might want to consider Invisalign. Just make sure that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions exactly, or you might end up having to get regular braces after all!