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Are your crooked teeth affecting your self-esteem and preventing you from maintaining the social life you have always wanted? The thought of wearing traditional, metal braces that are bulky and cause oral hygiene to be more difficult, may be keeping you from achieving the smile you desire. With advances in technology, you no longer need to worry about traditional, metal braces as the only solution to straightening your smile. No longer do you need to use traditional wire braces to straighten your teeth. What is Invisalign and How does it Straighten Your Teeth? Invisalign is a removable orthodontic appliance offered as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Introduced in 1999 by Align Technologies, Invisalign incorporates a series of invisible plastic aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth. The aligners are designed to move your teeth gradually into their desired orthodontic position. Invisalign is designed to be more esthetically pleasing and treats certain types of minor misaligned tooth problems. The process of straightening your teeth with Invisalign begins with a set of impressions and photographs of your teeth, which are used to create a three-dimensional computer image of how your teeth will eventually move after each session. Through the impressions and images, a series of custom-made aligners are designed to accomplish the gradual adjustment. Your Invisalign aligners are manufactured at the Align Technologies dental laboratory using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Once created, the aligners are sent to your dentist who will dispense them in groups of one or two at a time during regular check-up appointments so that your treatment is properly managed. Benefits of Invisalign One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is its clear aligners that make treatment nearly invisible. Many patients want to repair their crooked smile, but are reluctant to temporarily alter their appearance with metal braces. Invisalign trays are clear and discreet, which means your smile will get straighter without anyone knowing. With Invisalign, your teeth will change, but your lifestyle doesn't have to. Invisalign allows you to participate in sports and other activities without having to worry about cutting your lips and gums on sharp wires and brackets. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can brush, eat and floss normally, or simply enjoy a special occasion. As long as you wear your aligners for the required number of hours every day, you'll have the flexibility to remove your aligners as needed. Not all cases of misaligned and crooked teeth can be treated with Invisalign. It is up to your Katy dentist to determine the best process for straightening your teeth. With Invisalign you will see results faster and less painfully than with traditional braces, and no one will even notice you are receiving treatment.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading general dentist and orthodontist in Katy, Dr. Darrell Hamon and Dr. Arnaud De Buyl. Specializing in veneers, Invisalign, Orthodontics, and oral surgery in Katy, Drs. Hamon and De Buyl and their team of professionals are equipped to handle all of your dental health care needs.
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