More than 2.5 million people have achieved straighter smiles since the FDA approved the use of Invisalign® clear plastic aligners in 1998. Today’s Invisalign®-wearers benefit from continuously advancing technologies.

If you were ever told in the past that Invisalign® wasn’t an option for you, there is no time like the present to check again. Manufacturer Align Technology reports Invisalign® can now accommodate the use of elastics. This means today’s Invisalign® can treat severe bite issues that couldn’t be corrected with the early versions of this game-changing technology.

In addition to treating concerns over how the upper and lower jaws fit together, Invisalign® can:

• Close gaps
• Straighten crooked teeth to reduce crowding

When these conditions are repaired, we help prevent new oral health concerns from emerging or existing dental problems from progressing. For instance, when teeth are crowded, you may be unable to properly brush and floss between tiny spaces. Ineffective cleaning leads to plaque accumulation, which causes tooth decay and an increased chance of gum disease.

You may be asking yourself, “How can Invisalign® straighten, especially without the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces?” After addressing concerns including costs and insurance coverage with you, the Smile Center team may find Invisalign® can benefit you as it has millions of others. From there we’ll design a customized treatment plan.

This plan is developed by first sending x-rays, images, impressions and any other information about your teeth to the makers of Invisalign®, Align Technology. Using this information, the company creates a three dimensional image to guide your precise treatment plan. Generally, plans include:

• The virtual model that shows how teeth shift as treatment progresses
• Clear, BPA-free plastic aligners customized to fit your mouth and correspond with each step illustrated in the virtual model
• Wearing aligners at least 20 to 22 hours each day to gently and gradually move teeth into place
• Options for removal to easily, effectively clean teeth and comfortably eat
• New sets of aligners approximately every two weeks to move from one stage of treatment to the next
• Occasional checkups with the Smile Center to monitor progress

On average, treatment takes about 12 months. We may also recommend retainers following Invisalign® treatment to assure teeth don’t shift back to their pre-straightened state.

There’s a good chance any time required for straightening will feel like it’s flown by, because aligners are so comfortable you’ll forget you are wearing them. In addition, since they are designed be invisible no one else is aware of the straightening process.

Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Kent and his team to discuss “How does Invisalign work?” in Buffalo at greater length by calling . Even conventional braces have advanced with ceramic, tooth-colored brackets that can’t be seen by others and are smaller and more comfortable than traditional metal orthodontia.

Depending on your situation, the Smile Center may not recommend braces at all. Dental crowns and tooth-colored porcelain facings bonded to the front of the tooth can reposition teeth and quickly improve your appearance.