Do You Want The Smile You've Always Dreamed Of?

Invisalign, as many people know by now, is a clear plastic tooth alignment system put forward as an alternative to metal braces.  This method has become widely used and accepted, and is not showing signs of slowing down. Its popularity undoubtedly stems from that fact that wearing a removable set of plastic aligners that is not particularly noticeable to others strikes most people as being a lot better than spending  a couple of years with a “metal mouth.”

From a technical standpoint it’s really computer imaging and design logic procedures that make the system tick. An impression is taken of the patient’s teeth and supplemented with photos and x-rays. This information is sent to Align Technology, the manufacturer of the product, and then through a scanning process a three dimensional computer model of the teeth are created. Each tooth in the model can be dealt with individually, and according to the orthodontist’s specifications as to the final positioning of each, an Invisalign dental tray is designed to begin the process of shifting the teeth in the desired direction. On the orthodontist’s approval, the tray is sent out and the patient begins wearing it at all times except when they eat or on other special occasions. As the treatment continues new trays are produced to continue the tooth movement. For a period of time after the conclusion of the treatment, a retainer is worn for a period of time to maintain the new alignment.

As of 2008, over 730 thousand patients have used or are using the system. This is a 75% increase in usage since 2003. According to Align Technology, there are close the 36 thousand U.S. practitioners (orthodontists and other medical or dental professionals) trained in Invisalign treatment, and just over 48 thousand worldwide.

How effective is Invisalign for correcting orthodontic problems? The vast majority of crooked teeth can be straightened with the procedure, and Invisalign statistics show that over 80 percent of malocclusions (problem bites) can be corrected by the alignment system. A combination of braces used behind the teeth and Invisalign can correct the remaining 20 percent.

Invisalign is truly a cutting edge technology. Align Technologies has done well as a company despite a few snags along the way, and its product is top in its class. As an alternative to the traditional metallic miseries many teenagers have to experience, Invisalign is welcomed by youth and adults alike, and it is likely that is will have the market cornered for some time to come.







For more information, or to get the smile you've always wanted, please call our office at 215-735-8844.

www.DentistryInPhiladelphia.com