Invisalign: The Modern Approach to Teeth Straightening

People have been trying to straighten their teeth since the dawn of time. About 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians straightened teeth by binding catgut to them – even Cleopatra wore them! Other innovations in teeth straightening came in the 1800s, when Christophe-Francois Delabarre created a wire crib that would keep teeth in place; elastics, rubber bands, and stronger glues to bond metal braces to the teeth followed soon after.  

Then along came Invisalign, which changed everything. First marketed in the year 2000, Invisalign completely revolutionized teeth straightening – and it continues to be the most modern approach to teeth straightening available.  

How Invisalign Straightens Teeth

Invisalign and traditional braces use the power of pressure to move teeth into their optimal location – but they go about applying this pressure in two different ways.

Strong bones and connective tissue hold your teeth in your jaw. It may seem like your teeth can never move to a new location within your jaw but they really can. If you lose a tooth, for example, the neighboring teeth can drift into the gap the missing tooth left behind.  

You can also move your teeth by applying gentle pressure in the direction you wish them to move. Braces do this through the use of metal brackets and archwires. Bonded to the front surface of your teeth, the brackets hold the archwire in place. The archwire pulls the teeth towards their intended location by applying constant pressure to the teeth.

Invisalign works differently to straighten teeth. This technically-advanced orthodontic solution uses a series of plastic aligner trays that apply therapeutic, teeth-straightening pressure. Each set of trays moves teeth about 0.33 mm and builds upon the progress of previous trays.  

Depending on how much straightening the teeth need and other factors, Invisalign cost is comparable to that of traditional braces.  

When it Comes to Straightening Teeth, Invisalign is Your State-of-the-Art Option

Invisalign starts with 3D imaging

Invisalign dentists use special scanners to create 3-dimensional (3D) images of your teeth. These 3D digital images allow dentists to see how your teeth are positioned and help them plan out the movements that will lead to a beautiful smile.  

Dentists can also use digital impressions and specialized software to create a virtual model of your new smile. The software simulates how your teeth will move throughout treatment, and it can even show you what your finished smile will look like – even before you begin treatment.  

Creating your clear aligners using 3D printing

Your dentist will send the information from the 3D imaging to an Invisalign laboratory. There, highly trained technicians will use the information and advanced manufacturing processes to 3D print your Invisalign aligners.  

Modern materials for comfort, effectiveness

Made from modern materials, Invisalign aligners are comfortable, effective – and nearly invisible! More specifically, the aligners are made from a BPA-free, medical-grade plastic, so they are safe and effective. They are much smoother and more comfortable than traditional metal and wire braces, so Invisalign will never hurt your cheeks, tongue, or other soft tissues in your mouth. They are also designed to fit snugly against your teeth, so it’s easy to forget that you are wearing them.  

Invisalign upgraded their aligners in 2013 to SmartTrack, a patented multilayer aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane / copolyester. This advanced material is prized for its elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. Aligners made with SmartTrack fit better and are more comfortable, so they provide more control over the movement of teeth. They are also easier to put in and remove compared with the older plastics used in Invisalign.  

For Invisalign in Roseville, connect with Smile & Co. during a virtual consultation or an in-person appointment. Our beautiful, modern spaces will help you feel at ease and at home while you get the smile of your dreams. In addition to Invisalign, we offer a wide variety of services. We have two convenient locations, so you can also get Invisalign in Folsom!

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