Throughout time, people have used tools to straighten their teeth. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians bound catgut to their teeth as a natural straightening method. In the 1800s, wire cribs, rubber bands, and adhesives were used. These early examples of braces show that people have always wanted to beautify their smiles.
In 2000, Invisalign revolutionized orthodontics with a discreet, removable, comfortable alternative to metal braces. The world of dentistry has never been the same.
How Invisalign Straightens Teeth Differently
Like braces, Invisalign works by applying pressure to shift teeth into place. Traditional braces use metal brackets and archwires to apply this pressure continuously. The braces must remain on the teeth during treatment. To move teeth, the dentist tightens the wires by small degrees until the teeth are in the correct position.
Invisalign uses custom-made plastic aligner trays that move teeth incrementally (about 0.33 mm per tray set). Each tray builds upon the previous one, guiding teeth into their correct positions. There are many benefits of Invisalign, including:
- Invisalign trays are easy to remove and clean.
- Invisalign is discreet.
- Invisalign is comparable in cost to traditional braces.
Invisalign’s High-Tech Approach to Treatment
3D Imaging for Personalized Planning
Getting Invisalign starts with personalized planning. Dentists create a detailed 3D digital scan of your mouth. These scans help map out a customized treatment plan for the patient. Software simulations show how your teeth will shift and what your final smile will look like.
3D Printing for Precision Aligner Manufacturing
Once the digital impressions are created, your digital scan is sent to an Invisalign lab, where your aligners are 3D printed. Technicians use advanced software and processes to ensure each aligner fits perfectly. This helps ensure a comfortable and effective treatment experience.
Modern Materials for Comfort and Control
Patients turn to Invisalign because of their comfort. Traditional braces have wires and brackets that can cause discomfort and even small cuts in sensitive mouth tissues.
Invisalign aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic for safety and durability. They’re smooth and comfortable, with no metal wires to irritate your mouth. Invisalign aligners fit snugly, making them easy to wear and remove.
SmartTrack Technology
Invisalign uses SmartTrack technology to create a better customer experience. Introduced in 2013, SmartTrack is a multilayer thermoplastic material. It offers improved elasticity, transparency, and wear resistance, so your Invisalign arches will last longer and do the job better. It also offers improved tooth movement, control, and fit for better patient comfort. SmartTrack makes Invisalign easier to remove and insert than earlier materials.
Get Started With Invisalign Today
Invisalign combines the latest in dental technology with personalized treatment. Patients come to Weninger Dentistry for Invisalign arches because they want the enhanced experience of Invisalign over traditional dentures.
The dental experts at Weninger Dentistry are here to help our patients straighten their teeth and beautify their smiles with the best dental technology available. To learn more about how Invisalign can help you, contact us to make an appointment.