Invisalign FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and short answers about Invisalign.

If you don't find the information you are looking for, please take a moment to contact Dr. Kamel and ask him your question. He may be able to provide you with a short answer or point you to a helpful web site. Remember that you can always get detailed and personalized answers to all your questions by arranging for a private consultation. Use the Contact Us form or call the office today at 613.599.2222.

Questions & Answers

1. What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

2. How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made, clear "aligners" are produced. Each "aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

3. How do I know if Invisalign is for Me?

Invisalign can be used to treat the vast majority of common problems for adults and teens.
Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It's successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth. It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, an Invisalign clear aligners can be used in all or part of just about any treatment plan..

4. What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

1. Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
Look your best during and after treatment.
• Of course you want to look great, at work, at school, with friends. Maybe you speak to groups or conduct meetings. You still can. Because Invisalign is clear and nearly invisible, most people will never know you're straightening your teeth - unless you tell them. And when your course of treatment has ended, you can feel more confident, whether in front of people or not. You're going to have a stunning smile

2. Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygien

3. Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor's chair getting adjustments.
Made to fit your lifestyle, not change it.
Because Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners to position and straighten teeth, you can keep your active lifestyle during treatment. Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners have no metal bands or wires to irritate your mouth. So go ahead and be as active as you like. Since Invisalign is removable, just take the clear aligners out for special events or if you're going to indulge in a sticky, gooey snack.

4. Invisalign allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start-so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

5. What are the Advantages of Invisalign?

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, virtually invisible custom-molded aligners.Invisalign. With breakthrough technology that lets you have the smile you've always wanted - without the hassle of braces.

1. The clear alternative to metal braces.
By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth with results you'll notice sooner than you think. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position step by step, until you have a more beautiful smile. And unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.

2. Less treatment time.
An average Invisalign course of treatment takes about a year. You'll see your Invisalign Certified Orthodontist or Dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check progress. At regular intervals, you'll receive a new set of custom-molded clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to you, determined by your doctor for your course of treatment.

3. Clear. And comfortable.
Since Invisalign is practically invisible, there's no unwarranted attention to your mouth. In fact, very few people will notice at all - unless you tell them. They're comfortable to wear and remove easily when you eat, brush, and floss.

6. What are aligners made of?

Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

7. What do aligners look like?

Aligners are clear and look similar to tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

8.Is this a new way to straighten teeth?

For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

9. How old is the company?

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997. Since then, Align has manufactured over 10,000,000 aligners and 250,000 patients have been in treatment.

10. How old is this technology?

In 1945, Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align generates Invisalign®, a series of customized clear appliances, called “aligners.” Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

11. How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

Worldwide, almost 450,000 patients have been treated with Invisalign. The number grows daily.

12. How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, Invisalign aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

13. What is Invisalign Express?

Invisalign Express is an orthodontic treatment designed to correct mild orthodontic problems such as minor crowding and spacing. Since it's designed for mild problems only, treatment time is generally less than six months. Ask your Invisalign certified doctor for more information on this new treatment.

Portions Copyright © 2005 by Invisalign.