Wake Forest Orthodontics

Invisalign

What it is and how it works.

Invisalign® uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners. Every two weeks you switch to a new set of aligners, until you reach the end of your treatment. Due to the shape and color, these trays can barely be seen in your mouth, even when you smile. Like traditional braces, these trays are meant to stay in place in your mouth the entire day, except when you are eating. Because the trays are removable, you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, your brushing and flossing routine barely changes. Additionally, you spend less time in our office getting adjustments than with traditional braces.

Invisalign® trays are made using 3-D computer imaging technology, which has been proven quite effective in minor tooth movement. This program allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how straight your teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

You wear each set of trays for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each tray with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Gladwell has prescribed. You’ll visit Dr. Gladwell about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of trays worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but this will vary from case to case.

Learn more about Invisalign® on their web site at www.invisalign.com.