Invisalign® has revolutionized orthodontic care, offering a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to straighten teeth. How does Invisalign and Clear Aligners work? Unlike traditional braces that rely on metal wires and brackets, Invisalign® and Clear Aligners use a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift teeth into place. If you’ve been exploring orthodontic solutions, you might wonder: how does Invisalign work? This article breaks down what clear aligners are, how they work, the process, and why Clear Aligners / Invisalign® might be the ideal choice for your smile.
What are Clear Aligners / Invisalign®?
Clear Aligners like Invisalign® and/or other brands are an advanced orthodontic solution that uses clear plastic aligners to align teeth. These aligners fit snugly over your teeth and are nearly invisible, making them a popular alternative to metal braces. Custom-designed by the orthodontist for every patient with advanced 3D imaging technology, ensuring a personalized treatment tailored to each individual’s needs.
The aligners apply controlled forces to specific areas of your teeth, and/or tooth colored glue bumps (attachments) gently guiding them into proper alignment over time. You’ll transition through a series of aligners, each slightly different, until your teeth reach their ideal positions.
Digitally Designed & BPA Free
Clear aligners for teeth such as the well-known brand Invisalign® are digitally designed, clear plastic trays that gently move your teeth into their ideal positions programmed by Dr Boss. They are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic, they offer a comfortable fit without irritating your cheeks or gums.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable, often letting you enjoy your favorite foods and maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the treatment process. Instead of having brackets and wires moving your teeth, the removable clear aligners gradually move your teeth to their ideal position as you move forward in your series of of clear aligner trays. Each subsequent aligner gently moves the teeth to towards their destination. Clear aligners can be a great solution for teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth and improve their bites, but do not want braces.
Advantages of Invisalign® Over Traditional Braces
- Aesthetic Appeal: Clear aligners are nearly invisible, perfect for those wanting discreet treatment.
- Comfort: Smooth plastic aligners are more comfortable than metal wires and brackets, minimizing irritation.
- Removable: Enjoy your favorite foods and brush or floss easily without restrictions.
- Predictable Results: Advanced 3D imaging offers a clear view of your progress and final results.
- Convenience: Fewer office visits are needed compared to traditional braces.
Step-by-Step Process of Clear Aligner/Invisalign® Treatment
Free Consultation
Your dream smile journey begins with a FREE 1-hour consultation. We want to hear all about your smile goals. We will review your medical/dental history, take photographs, 3D x-rays, and a 3D scan of your teeth. Drs ReAnn & Hunter Boss (Board-Certified Orthodontists) will learn more about you and review your records and determine if Invisalign®/ Clear Aligner treatment will help you to achieve your smile goals . The team will review your estimated insurance benefits, customized treatment fee with our flexible-designed-by-you Zero % interest financing plan.
Custom Treatment Plan
Using our advanced 3D technology, we create a personalized clear aligner treatment plan for you based on your goals reviewed at your consultation. We then sequence the planned movement into stages so that each aligner is moving your teeth towards the smile of your dreams. We then submit your aligners for manufacturing. On average, our patients will have 2-4 sets of aligners during their treatment to help achieve optimal esthetics and function.
Receiving Your Aligners
Once the aligners arrive to our office, our team performs additional quality checks. Then, it’s time to schedule your aligner bonding visit! We reserve a 1 hour for this visit to place any tooth attachments (customized tooth-colored bumps that are placed on the teeth to help the clear aligners grip the smooth slippery tooth surfaces of the teeth). We take time to review proper insertion and removal techniques, cleaning and how to help you get the most from your aligner treatment.
Wearing Your Aligners
For optimal results, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20–22 hours daily. Remove them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Be sure to clean your teeth before reinserting your aligners- this keeps your aligners clean and clear and helps prevent cavities!
Check-ups
One advantage of Invisalign/ Clear Aligner treatment is that checkup appointments can be quick and spaced out so that you do not have to take too much time away from your busy schedule. On average, our patients have visits to our office every 8-12 weeks. We will schedule visits at critical times to make sure your clear aligner treatment is smooth and efficient. We may make adjustments as needed to your plan and provide additional sets of aligners until you reach your smile goals.
Retainers
Once we have achieved your smile goals, we will remove the aligner attachments and make final records- photos, x-rays and a 3D scan of your teeth. To preserve your results, you’ll need to wear clear retainers, which prevents teeth from shifting. Retainers are to be worn 24/7 for 3 months then NIGHTTIME for LIFETIME. We like to provide our patients a complementary back up set of retainers so that you can preserve that BOSS Smile! Click here to learn more about retainers.
Will Invisalign Work Your Case?
Invisalign® is a versatile solution for many dental issues, from mild crowding to gaps and misalignment. However, some complex cases may still require traditional braces. A consultation with the experts at Boss Orthodontics is the best way to determine if Invisalign® suits your needs.
Contact Boss Orthodontics for Your Clear Aligner / Invisalign® Consultation
At Boss Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your best smile. Our experienced team creates customized Invisalign® treatment plans tailored to your goals. Whether you’re an adult seeking a discreet solution or a parent considering orthodontics for your child or teen, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to transform your smile? Contact Boss Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation and start your Invisalign® journey. Let us help you achieve the confidence that comes with a beautiful, straight teeth!
Why Choose Boss Orthodontics for your Invisalign® / Clear Aligner Treatment?
Boss Orthodontics is a family practice that specializes in comprehensive and limited orthodontic treatment for children and adults. Both Dr Hunter & ReAnn Boss are board certified orthodontists who care about you and your smile. Dr Boss will review if Invisalign will work for your specific tooth or bite improvement needs. Boss Orthodontics has a focus on high quality care and service that you will notice.
Orthodontic technology is constantly improving. The Bosses pride themselves on staying up with the latest in orthodontic and 3D technology to offer the best quality care to their patients.
Click here to learn more about clear aligner/ Invisalign treatment at Boss Orthodontics.
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