Invisible Invisalign braces form Molesey dentist

In 1999 Align technologies introduced Invisalign braces and revolutionized the world of orthodontic treatment. Prior to the release of Invisalign, the only options to obtain straight teeth were uncomfortable and unseemly metal braces or ill fitting and ill-effective plastic retainers.

For millions of teenagers the prospect of wearing conspicuous metal braces was a frightening one. After all, no one wants to stand out form the crowd in the difficult teenage years. For adults who wanted to straighten their teeth the idea of metal braces came with the stigma attached about being too old to wear them.

Invisalign offered a genuine alternative to the millions of people who want to straighten their teeth without having to wear metal braces. The one millimetre thick plastic retainers are manufactured with the use of CAD/CAM technology, a revolutionary new process in dental design. Standing for computer aided design/computer aided manufacture, this meant that with the help of the latest digital x-rays and 3D projections, dentists could build up an incredibly accurate three dimensional picture of the teeth on the computer, without the need for laborious and unpleasant dental moulds. Using this imaging they could then manufacture plastic retainers to perfectly fit your teeth. By making small adjustments to each new set of retainers, that a patient receives every two to three weeks, gradual adjustments could be made to the teeth, manipulating them into a straighter position. On average, about 20 sets of retainers are needed to complete the treatment but this depends on the patient and extent of straightening needed.

Invisalign retainers are so discreet that they are virtually impossible to notice unless very close to the patient. They are also removable which means they can be taken out at meal times, unlike more conventional metal braces. This means that certain foods, which would otherwise be off-limits to brace wearers, can still be enjoyed by Invisalign wearers.

Invisalign braces may not be suitable for all patients. For those that need severe corrective treatment, it may still be best to start with metal braces, although these can be substituted for Invisalign during the treatment period. Consult your Molesey dentist about straightening your teeth with Invisalign braces, the most discreet way to straighten your teeth.