Invisalign
Invisalign braces are a revolutionary new way to straighten teeth without using wires brackets or bands on the sides of the teeth. Invisalign works by using a series of ultra-thin clear "aligners" continuously worn over the teeth which slowly invisibly move the teeth to a predetermined final position typically over a period of 8-18 months .
Invisalign allows patients to eliminate unsightly crowding and mis-alignment of the teeth. Only teeth that are free of decay and healthy from periodontal disease are able to be moved by this system.
To find out if you are a candidate for this revolutionary approach to improving smiles, call for a free initial consultation. Fees range from $3,000-$6,000 depending on the complexity. Financing is available in most cases.
Click the photo gallery to view a sample case.
Invisalign FAQ
- How much does Invisalign® treatment cost?
As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is highly dependent on the complexity of a case. The cost of Invisalign treatment is sometimes less than that of conventional braces when only a few teeth need to be moved. For other cases which involve more tooth movement and more treatment time, the fee is sometimes 10-15% more than that of conventional braces. Thus fees can range from $3,000-$6,000.
- Does Invisalign® really work?
Yes, in both clinical research and in dental practices worldwide, Invisalign® has been proven effective at straightening teeth. Invisalign® utilizes gentle forces to slowly move teeth around in the jawbones in much the same fashion as conventional braces - only faster and almost invisibly!:
- Does insurance cover the cost of Invisalign® treatment?
Because dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your plan coverage. However, if you have orthodontic coverage Invisalign® will likely be covered to the same extent as conventional braces. If you have coverage, we will instruct your insurance carrier to pay you directly as we do not take assignment of benefits from insurance companies.
- Can I see some pictures of completed Invisalign® cases?
Yes. Several previously treated cases have been photographed and can be view on www.invisalign.com
- How are Aligners made?
Invisalign® uses 3-D computer scanning and imaging technology on molds taken of your teeth to create "virtual models" of your teeth and bite relationship. These models are exact digital replicas of your teeth and bite. A patented computer software program is then used to straighten the teeth on the "virtual model" as directed by Dr.Hagood and as desired by you. These changes are then reviewed with you at a treatment planning conference within about three week. At that time he will show you how many teeth will be moved to achieve your goals and tell you how long your case will take to treat as well as how much treatment costs would be. When you are ready to proceed with treatment, Dr.Hagood will instruct Invisalign® to make a customized set of Aligners which will move the teeth as planned. The Aligner fabrication process takes about two weeks to complete.
- What are the primary benefits of Invisalign® ?
There are five primary benefits of Invisalign®
1. Invisalign® is nearly invisible - you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
2. Invisalign® is removable - you can eat and drink what you want in treatment: you can also brush and floss normally to maintain god oral hygiene.
3. Invisalign® is comfortable - there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in the dental chair getting adjustments.
4. Invisalign® allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start - so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.
5. Invisalign® treatment is generally faster by about 20-30% than conventional braces.
- What are Aligners made of?
Aligners are made of thin, clear strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.
- What do Aligners look like?
Aligners are thin and clear. They fit over the tops and sides of the teeth. Some dentists refer to them as "corrective contact lenses for teeth"
- Is Invisalign® a new way to straighten teeth?
For years, dentists have used removable appliances (active retainers) for various forms of tooth movement. Today, with the application of Invisalign's ® new computer technology and custom fabrication process, Invisalign® can do most things that can be done with wires and brackets in a very precise and predictable fashion.
- How long has the Invisalign company been around?
Align Technology, Inc. is the parent company that manufactures Invisalign® It was founded in 1997 and services dentists from all around the world.
- How many patients have been treated with Invisalign®?
Invisalign® has been successfully used on over 3,000,000 patients worldwide and this number grows daily.
- Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign®?
Specific training and experience is needed to provide Invisalign® treatment. A dentists must be certified by Invisalign® as well. An esthetically trained restorative dentists like Dr.Hagood can provide you with Invisalign® treatment as well as plan for and properly address other inter-related dental issues.
- How can Invisalign® effectively move teeth?
Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force ont the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign® not only controls force, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each sage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage.
- Has the FDA cleared Invisalign®?
Yes, the FDA has reviewed Align's application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign® is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification
- What is the minimum age of a patient that Dr.Hagood can treat with Invisalign®?
Dr.Hagood can treat the vast majority of patients who have fully erupted molars. This commonly occurs by the age of 14.
- I have crowns on some of my teeth. Is this a factor in Invisalign® treatment?
No, crowns typically do not prohibit the use of Invisalign®
- Can Invisalign® be used to close gaps between teeth?
Yes Unless the spaces between the teeth are unusually wide, they can be closed easily with the Invisalign® System/strong>
