Invisalign® – Creating Beautiful Smiles

Just because Mother Nature didn’t bless you with a perfect smile doesn’t mean you have to live with esthetic issues and bite concerns.  Today’s orthodontic systems focus on correcting teeth and jaw abnormalities so that everyone can have the smile they’ve always wanted.

Bracketless Orthodontic Systems

General Dentists at Centennial Smiles acknowledge that when it comes to straightening teeth most patients want to explore the option of removable, bracketless systems.  The esthetic nature of these systems may enable even the most hesitant patient to move forward with treatment - as eating, brushing and flossing and social engagements aren’t hampered by orthodontic wires and brackets.  Though not superior to more traditional orthodontic systems – bracketless options can meet both the esthetic and dental needs of patients.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Space + Force + Time are the required elements of tooth movement regardless of the system being used.  The amount of force needed to be exerted on teeth to create the desired movement varies from case to case and is dictated by the amount of tooth correction required.  Though Invisalign® does not involve brackets and wires; force is achieved by the customization of each aligner and the capability of the system to achieve the desired amount of movement.  In a typical Invisalign® case a patient will wear a set of aligners over a period of 18 to 24 months.  Each custom-made aligner is worn for approximately 2 weeks and is then replaced by the next aligner in the treatment sequence.  One of the advantages of Invisalign® treatment is that the level of customization enables the dentist to map out in advance the entire orthodontic case and make adjustments in anticipation of treatment goals.

Wearing Invisalign® for the Required Amount of Time

Invisalign’s® removability isn’t an open door to wearing the aligners sporadically.  This system is highly customized and can estimate treatment times and results based on the aligners being worn for approximately 22 hours a day.  The 2 hours that the aligners are not being worn is for mealtimes, sports activities and social engagements.  When aligners are not worn in correct sequence or for the anticipated amount of time treatment goals may not be compromised.

If you’ve been thinking of straightening your teeth and would like more information on Invisalign® clear aligners, contact Centennial Smiles today!

All procedures performed by General Dentists.