Invisalign aligners at Texas Irving dentist Dental Concepts & Orthodontics offer many advantages over traditional metal braces. With the help of powerful technology, these clear plastic aligner trays have revolutionized the world of orthodontics and transformed the smiles of millions of adults and teens worldwide.
Invisalign clear aligners can straighten teeth up to twice as fast as braces and are far more discreet and comfortable because they have no metal wires or brackets. Benefits like these have made Invisalign aligners the most popular removable orthodontic appliances. But if you’re considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or your teen, how do you make sure you get the real deal? Find out here.
Why You Need to Go to a Dentist to Get Invisalign Aligners
The first thing you need to know about aligners is that you can’t just pop into a drugstore and walk out with a set of Invisalign aligner trays. Neither can you get Invisalign by mail order. Authentic Invisalign aligners are only available on prescription from a dentist who’s an accredited Invisalign provider. These dentists complete a certification course that qualifies them to provide Invisalign treatment. They also have access to ongoing support and training on the Invisalign system.
What Makes Invisalign Special?
Many types of clear aligners are available. They all work basically the same way. They reposition teeth to create a better bite function and a more attractive smile. But the Invisalign brand led the way and is the most advanced clear aligner system in the world.
The first clear aligner was introduced in the late 1990s by multinational medical device company Align Technology, based in the U.S. And traditional metal braces were no longer the only option to straighten teeth. Invisalign continues to boast unique technologies and qualities in the way it moves teeth gently and gradually in a series of precisely timed and regulated sequences.
Hi-Tech Features of Invisalign
The Invisalign system packs a powerful hi-tech punch, with an array of proprietary features designed exclusively for Invisalign aligners. These features include:
- ClinCheck, a software tool that creates a 3D video representation showing how individual teeth need to be moved.
- 3D iTero digital scanning that produces a model of your mouth so your aligners can be custom made without messy impressions.
- Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to fabricate aligners.
- SmartTrack, a material in Invisalign aligners that applies optimal pressure to move teeth more predictably. • SmartForce tooth-colored aligner attachments that provide greater control and predictability of tooth movements.
What Does Invisalign Treatment Involve?
Ongoing innovations and technological advances enable Invisalign clear aligners to correct an increasingly broader range of common orthodontic problems. While treatment with braces can take two years or longer, Invisalign can generally do the job in 12 to 18 months, and signs of improvement are often apparent after a few weeks. The treatment process begins with a consultation with your Dental Concepts Irving Invisalign dentist to help you decide whether Invisalign is right for you. We then create a unique, digital treatment plan for you. This maps out the exact movements of your teeth to ensure the correct amount of pressure will be applied in the right place at the right time.
Invisalign provides greater control than braces in how your teeth are repositioned. You get a series of aligner trays to swap out every couple of weeks. Each aligner needs to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day for optimal results. Your Irving Invisalign provider will be with you every step of the way to monitor your progress and make sure your aligners are fitting properly. On completion of your Invisalign treatment, we’ll provide you with retainers to make sure your teeth don’t move back out of their new position.
How to Check Invisalign Aligners Are the Real Thing
Invisalign aligners are medical devices approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And Invisalign is more than a product; it’s an orthodontic technique for straightening teeth. You may come across clear aligners offered by other companies and touted as “just like Invisalign”. These aligners may be based on outdated technology, including expired patents for old technology that Invisalign no longer uses. You can easily check that your aligners are genuinely Invisalign. Each aligner tray will be stamped with the Invisalign brand name, its trademark, and your patient ID number. You will also see either a “U” or an “L” marked on your aligners, indicating whether the tray is for your upper or lower teeth.
Invisalign vs. Mail Order Aligners
Following the launch of Invisalign, other types of aligners came on to the market. Some are available via mail order, without having to visit a dental office. Dentist-directed remote orthodontic therapy is a direct-to-consumer aligner process that minimizes involvement by a dentist, with no face-to-face interaction. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have both issued warnings about mail order aligners. They say these aligners are a form of do-it-yourself orthodontics that can cause lasting damage to oral health.
Invisalign isn’t a direct-to-consumer brand, so you won’t get Invisalign clear aligners from an aligner mail order company. Align Technology has a share in the SmileDirect mail order aligner company but doesn’t supply them with the Invisalign brand, only other type of aligners. While Invisalign aligners are made with patented state-of-the-art materials exclusive to Invisalign, mail-order aligners use generic plastics and technology.
Invisalign Clear Aligners at Dental Concepts & Orthodontics
Invisalign is the original clear aligner and continues to stand out from the rest because of its innovative technologies. You can only get Invisalign clear aligners from a dentist qualified and registered as an Invisalign provider. Before prescribing Invisalign, Irving Invisalign dentists at Dental Concepts & Orthodontics consider patients’ dental history and discuss any concerns they might have about their treatment. Regular visits during treatment allow us to assess your progress and tweak your treatment plan if necessary.
Your dentist can also help you with post-treatment options if more dental work is needed and advise you on how to maintain your smile after aligner therapy. When you go to Dental Concepts, you know you or your teen are getting the best Invisalign clear aligner treatment available. Schedule an Invisalign consultation with us today.
