Not many of us were born with genetically perfect teeth. In order to achieve a shiny, straight row of choppers and molars, most people have paid a visit to their local orthodontist, who subjected them to the torture of wearing those uncomfortable fixtures of steel brackets and wire, which we know as braces. Though modern braces are far less hideous and cumbersome than the antiquated braces of yesteryear, they are still painful, unsightly and restrict their wearers from eating or drinking many things. It is for these reasons that Align Technology Inc., a company based in Santa Clara, California, designed and manufactured the revolutionary product Invisalign, which is touted as a preferred alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign consists of a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that are advertised to “give you the teeth you deserve”.

The Invisalign process begins with a series of consultations between you and your orthodontist, during which he will build a computer-generated model of your teeth and jaw structure, using a combination of X-rays and photographs. The model will then be modified in a virtual studio, where an expert technician and your orthodontist will assist you in determining how you want your smile and teeth to look at the end of the procedure. The model will then be adjusted gradually, and the computer can project the ideal positions for your teeth at various stages up to completion. Once both you and the orthodontist are satisfied with the results as they are calculated and projected by the computer, he will then commission the production of the unique aligners that will form the basis of your treatment. The aligners are prepared in a number of stages, with each stage designed for you to wear at different specific points in the treatment time frame. Every aligner stage will push your teeth one step closer to your ideal configuration, until the last aligner finally sets your teeth as you had envisioned them at the beginning.

There are a number of advantages to using Invisalign versus conventional braces. The most apparent one, which can be derived from the name of the product, is the fact that it is completely transparent, and barely visible, so you can correct your teeth without attracting unnecessary attention to them. Conversely, metal braces stand out almost as soon as you flash a grin, which can affect self-confidence in one’s appearance.

Invisalign is also appreciated for being far less disruptive on a person’s schedule. Braces require one to schedule constant visits to the dentist, which require one to sit helplessly in the dentist’s chair for quite some time while the metal wires and brackets are adjusted. The Invisalign aligners are already configured for you to move to the next one when the previous one has performed its job, so the trip to the dentist is mainly to check your progress and let you know that you can start wearing the succeeding aligner.

Lastly, the Invisalign aligners are removable at any time. This means you can eat and drink whatever you want, and clean your teeth and gums afterwards, without having to worry about not being able to brush them properly, due to all the metal in your mouth. Tooth decay and demineralization of teeth are common symptoms of wearing braces, because of the obstructing effect of the metal. This problem is entirely bypassed by the removable aligners.

The average treatment time for the Invisalign system is about 12-18 months, as long as the aligners are worn for at least 20 to 22 hours each day. It is hoped that at the end of the treatment, you will have achieved your perfect smile, with far less pain, inconvenience, and social dismissal than you would have with braces.