How Does Invisalign Work?
1. The Digital Treatment Map
The process begins with a high-definition digital scanner capturing a precise, three-dimensional model of your bite. This completely eliminates the need for messy, uncomfortable putty impressions. Dr. Buck uses this digital map to plan out the precise, step-by-step movement of each individual tooth. Specialized software even allows you to preview your finished smile before your first set of trays is manufactured.
2. Custom Aligner Fabrication
Once the treatment plan is finalized, a series of custom clear aligner trays is manufactured specifically for your mouth. These trays are made from a patented, medical-grade thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. This material is designed to fit snugly over your teeth, providing the constant, predictable force needed to guide them into position.
3. Gentle, Continuous Force
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to pull teeth into alignment. Invisalign works by pushing your teeth. Each set of aligners is engineered to be slightly different from the current position of your teeth. When you put the trays in, they exert gentle, continuous pressure on specific teeth. This pressure signals your jawbone to remodel, allowing the teeth to safely shift.
4. Progressing Through the Series
To achieve optimal results, you must wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Approximately every one to two weeks, you will transition to the next set of trays in your series. Each new set builds upon the progress of the last, gently nudging your teeth closer to their ultimate destination.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Clear Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean preserves their clarity and protects your teeth from decay. Follow these simple daily habits:
- Rinse Constantly: Always rinse your trays under lukewarm water whenever you remove them to prevent saliva and plaque from drying on the plastic.
- Brush Your Teeth After Meals: Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles and sugars against your enamel.
- Clean Gently: Brush your aligners with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a clear, mild dish soap or specialized cleaning crystals. Avoid colored toothpaste, which can scratch or stain the plastic.
- Avoid Heat: Never wash your trays in hot water, as high temperatures can warp the plastic and ruin your custom fit.