10 Awesome Facts About Invisalign® That You Didn't Know

Since its introduction to the general public in May of 2000, Invisalign has improved more than five million smiles worldwide and has become an industry leader in teeth straightening. As an Invisalign provider, Dr. Stefanie Sunnes at Alegria Dental Care helps men, women, and teenagers in Houston get the smiles they’ve always wanted without the hassle and discomfort of metal braces.

But there’s more to Invisalign than just discreet teeth straightening. Here are 10 awesome facts you didn’t know about this revolutionary teeth-straightening system.

1. Invisalign offers predictable results.

At your first appointment, Dr. Sunnes uses Invisalign’s iTeroElement® scanner to record a 3D image of your teeth. With this innovative tool, she can show you a preview of your new and improved smile so you know exactly what to expect at the end of your treatment.

2. Each Invisalign treatment is unique.

Invisalign’s ClinCheck® cutting-edge technology enables Dr. Sunnes to design a personalized treatment plan based on the 3D model of your teeth. Once she fine-tunes the movement of each individual tooth, you receive custom-made removable aligners designed for your specific course of treatment.

3. Invisalign removable trays aren’t made from common plastic.

While they may look like everyday plastic, the special material behind the Invisalign aligner trays is a patented, medical-grade thermoplastic called SmartTrack®. This exclusive substance is FDA-approved and contains no latex, BPA, BPS, or gluten.

4. Invisalign moves your teeth using controlled pressure.

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign uses steady and consistent pressure that controls both the timing and amount of force applied to your teeth. This design provides a more comfortable experience while your teeth shift into their ideal position.

5. Invisalign straightens teeth fast!

You wear your custom-made aligners for 20-22 hours a day and change them out for a new set every week or two. Over the course of your treatment, each aligner tray moves your teeth up to one-third of a millimeter every two weeks. This means you can start seeing your desired smile up to 50% faster than with traditional braces.

6. Invisalign may help improve your figure.

Invisalign isn’t a weight-loss tool, but it can help you avoid unnecessary snacking between meals. While it’s easy to remove your aligners to eat and drink, you need to clean your teeth and aligners before resuming use. This may often make you think twice before reaching for that afternoon snack. Dr. Sunnes also recommends drinking a lot of water when you’re wearing your aligners to keep your mouth moist and fresh throughout the day, which provides additional health benefits.

7. You won’t spend all your free time at the orthodontist.

When you’re going through your Invisalign treatment, Dr. Sunnes monitors your progress every six weeks or so. During these appointments, she checks to make sure your teeth straightening is on track and that everything is going smoothly. Without brackets and wires to adjust, these visits are quick and hassle-free.

8. You may be able to ditch your braces for Invisalign.

In many cases, you can make the switch from braces to clear Invisalign aligners without any problems. It’s also possible to try Invisalign treatments years after having your braces removed. Dr. Sunnes works closely with you during your consultation to determine the best Invisalign strategy to help you obtain your perfect smile.

9. Even celebrities love Invisalign.

Dentists aren’t the only ones who love Invisalign; it’s a popular way for stars looking to discreetly improve their smiles, too. Over the years, numerous celebrities have taken advantage of Invisalign’s barely visible design, including Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria, Justin Bieber, and Tom Cruise.

10. Invisalign isn’t for everyone.

While Invisalign can shift your teeth from side to side, forward to back, and even turn them, they can’t correct significant jaw issues like deep overbites or severely rotated teeth. Similarly, if you’ve had bridgework on several teeth or dental work like veneers and crowns, Invisalign aligners may be less effective for you. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sunnes performs a comprehensive dental examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign treatment; if you’re not, she develops a comprehensive treatment strategy to meet your needs.

11. Bonus Fact

Alegria Dental Care currently has some Amazing New Patient Offers! This includes:

• $50 for a comprehensive exam and necessary X-rays. (Excludes emergencies. Normally $179)
• A complimentary cosmetic dental evaluation and consultation (Normally $129)
• Complimentary second opinion (Normally $159)

For more information on improving your smile with Invisalign, our specials, call Alegria Dental Care or schedule an appointment online today.