Invisalign

You've just had a trip to your dentist and been given the news you've been dreading. Your teeth need fixing with braces. This automatically conjures up an image of 'Jaws' (not the shark but the huge villain in the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me).

It's your worst nightmare. Looking as if you've eaten a scrapyard every time you smile!

Thankfully this no longer need be the case thanks to a procedure called Invisalign.

Invisalign provides a safe and effective alternative to straightening your teeth without anyone even knowing; invisible alignment, as the name implies. You get the same benefits of the original braces without the discomfort, embarrassment and unsightly appearance.

The first step in the Invisalign procedure is the use of a 3D imaging system which effectively maps out a treatment plan. This starts with the original positioning of the teeth followed by the desired end result.

The actual procedure of realigning the teeth is carried out in stages. Custom-made, clear aligners are placed in the mouth which gradually move your teeth towards the desired positions. Each aligner is normally worn for 2 weeks or so and then another visit is made to the dentist to get a new aligner. This process is repeated until the teeth are finally positioned correctly. The overall procedure can last up to 12 months or more depending on the extent of correctyion required.

One of the positive aspects of Invisalign is that the aligners are made from a clear, sturdy plastic and are therefore virtually invisible.

It's testament to the success of Invisalign that more and more people are opting for the Invisalign procedure rather than the traditional metal wire braces.

Obviously the main benefit about Invisalign is that the aligners are practically invisible. This is a really positive factor for teenagers who are particularly concerned about their appearance.

What really sets Invisalign apart though is the fact that the aligners can be removed compared to the traditional braces which are permanently fixed in place for the whole duration of the treatment.

This means that you don't have to worry about what you eat or drink because you can brush and floss your teeth normally. No more embarrassing pieces of food stuck in your braces! It also means fresher breath, given that brushing and flossing is easy.

Many teenagers who need orthodontic treatment fear the stigma attached to traditional braces, which makes this an ideal solution. Invisalign Teen has been developed to meet this specific need, and is safe even if all the permanent teeth have not come through. Also being removable, this allows teens to enjoy sports that may be inappropriate or at the very least dangerous for traditional braces, attend social functions with confidence and even play wind instruments.

Invisalign may be used to fix a wide variety of dental and orthodontic needs. The aligners are great with fixing overly crowded teeth, teeth with wide spaces, crossbites, overbites and underbites. Young or old, the results are impressive; a beautiful, healthy smile for the rest of your life!