‘The Whole Tooth’ Invisalign Invisible Braces: A Cosmetic Approach to Straightening Teeth

As part of our office mission of comprehensive dental care, Dr. Mascherin provides orthodontic care for patients needing minor treatment. Crowded teeth can be staightened to improve the appearance of the smile. Teeth that have tipped or drifted can be repositioned to allow placement of bridges or implants. Until now, retainers or braces were a necessary part of the orthodontic treatment we offer patients. New advances in three dimensional computer technology now allow us to straighten teeth with “invisible braces.” This new system is called “Invisalign”. Dr. Mascherin is certified to treat patients with the Invisalign system!

What is Invisalign?

The Invisalign system uses three dimensional computer technology to design a series of clear plastic, custom fit retainers. These clear “aligners” gradually straighten the teeth without using braces or wires. These retainers are similar in appearance to the custom made bleach trays our staff fabricates for patients that bleach their teeth. Impressions are taken of the teeth and a series of aligners are custom designed using computer technology. Each aligner is usually worn for about 2 weeks and is then replaced with the next aligner in the series. Each aligner is slightly different than the previous one, and thus causing the teeth to gradually move into their proper position. The only time the aligners should be removed is for eating, brushing, and flossing. The total time to complete Invisalign treatment varies with each individual, but can take about 9-15 months for simpler cases.

Why Choose Invisalign?

There are several wonderful features about the Invisalign system. While undergoing orthodontic treatment the braces are “invisible” and highly cosmetic. Patients can speak and function with ease and more than likely no one will notice that aligners are being worn. In addition, the aligners can be removed for routine dental cleanings and for daily brushing and flossing, allowing patients to maintain an optimum level of oral health during orthodontic treatment. This is a great contrast to traditional braces that are very difficult to clean and maintain. Many patients with poor oral hygiene habits during traditional orthodontic therapy will suffer the consequences of permanently weakened enamel, dental decay and periodontal problems when the braces are removed.

Having said all this, one should note that Invisalign is not for everyone. More complex orthodontic cases are best accomplished using traditional braces. Invisalign is most appropriate for patients where only minor tooth movement is required, such as straightening crowded front teeth or uprighting tipped back teeth to allow placement of a bridge or implant.

Although a beautiful smile is the ultimate goal, did you know that creating proper tooth alignment is not just for cosmetics? Having your teeth properly aligned can improve the comfort and function of your bite and can facilitate better gum health. With proper occlusion, patients experience less tooth fracture, discomfort and other complications caused by misaligned teeth. Oral hygiene habits usually improve once teeth are properly positioned and the patient is able to clean all the tooth surfaces with ease.

Advances in dental technology are exciting indeed and we are thrilled to be able to offer the Invisalign system to our patients!