Invisalign is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth and achieve the dazzling smile you've always dreamed of. Using advanced 3D computer-imaging technology, Invisalign depicts your complete treatment plan based on your dental practitioner’s prescription, from the initial position of your teeth to the final desired position. Then a series of clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth – and your teeth only – to move them little by little. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the series, until the final position of your teeth is achieved. Your Invisalign treatment time will be determined by your dentist or orthodontist, based on your specific needs.
Invisalign aligners are practically invisible. No-one may even notice that you’re wearing these virtually invisible “braces,” making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle and day-to-day interactions with others.
Invisalign aligners are removable. Unlike fixed metal braces, you have the flexibility to eat and drink what you want during treatment by simply removing the aligners. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would for fresh breath and to maintain good oral hygiene.
Invisalign aligners are comfortable. Unlike traditional fixed braces, there are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth. This also means that in most cases less time is spent in your dental practitioner’s practice for adjustments.
And finally, Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you even begin treatment so you can see how your straight teeth are expected to look when your treatment is complete.
Dentists or orthodontists have successfully used removable appliances for years. But with the application of Align Technology’s 3D computer technology and mass-customisation, the Invisalign system can be used to treat almost anyone who wants straighter teeth. The unique Invisalign software allows patients to see their treatment from beginning to end even before the start of treatment.
While Invisalign can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign must attend training to become qualified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients before treatments will be accepted from their practice. More than 64,000 dentists and orthodontists worldwide are already trained to treat patients using Invisalign. Find an experienced Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist near you.
Invisalign aligners move teeth with an appropriate placement of controlled movement on the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign not only controls the amount of movement per aligner, but also the timing of the movement. So at each stage, only certain teeth can be moving, as determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system that moves teeth into the desired prescribed position.
The virtually invisible aligners are made of strong medical grade thermoplastic material, uniquely developed for the Invisalign system. The aligners are custom-made for you and fit snugly over your teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as ‘contact lenses for teeth’.
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997.
In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kiesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align Technology produces Invisalign®, a series of customised clear aligners. Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.
More than 1.4 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. The number of Invisalign smiles grows daily.
ISO is an international organisation which promotes standardisation and grants Quality Certifications. Align is certified to the ISO 13485:2003 standard. This standard is granted to companies which comply with the regulatory requirements for medical equipment and devices.
Invisalign aligners are cleared by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Align Technology, Inc. has held the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA since 1998 to be able to sell and market the Invisalign system.
No. Invisalign aligners do not contain Bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticisers. Invisalign aligners are made of USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight, polyurethane resins. Tests have been conducted to determine the biocompatibility of these materials, and show that they are biocompatible and pass all applicable regulatory requirements and thresholds for human wear in the mouth. Of course, as with any medical device, you should consult with your dental practitioner about your aligner treatment and any applicable risks of use.
At this time, Invisalign is marketed in many countries worldwide including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain to name but a few.
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