April 24, 2005

By: William Pensworth
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

Invisalign Teeth Straightening Systems – A Leap In Straightening Technology

The age-old method of putting pressure on crooked teeth with wired metal braces has been ruling the orthodontic field for many decades, with only minor improvements in the aligning systems. The launch of Invisalign teeth straightening systems in 1999 marks the beginning of a shift to a completely new system, appropriate for the 21st century.

In the Invisalign teeth straightening system launched by Align Technology Inc., there are no metal braces for straight teeth. A four-step tooth straightening procedure is used instead:

- An impression, a set of digital photographs and X-rays of the patient’s teeth, sent by the dentist to Align forms the basis of a 3D movie by Align to show the best tooth positions after teeth aligning for the particular patient, and what tooth movements are needed to reach that straight stage.

- The dentist then advises Align on the treatment to be used, basing on which Align makes the ClinCheck 3D movie showing the teeth straightening steps.

- Using Align’s web-based software, the dentist and the patient view the present and the final position of the patient’s teeth, and the intermediate stages of teeth aligning.

- The dentist then approves the tooth straightening system steps with any changes that he considers necessary. Basing on these approved teeth straightening steps, Align uses CAD/CAM technology to create a set of customized clear polycarbonate aligners.

The lightweight aligners fit over the patient’s teeth and should be put on for at least 20 hours per day, but can be readily removed for eating, brushing, flossing, and more. For all practical purposes the straightener is invisible when worn. This may encourage many adults who wish their teeth were straighter, but are unable to accept wearing metal braces, to try out the Invisalign System for getting straight teeth.

Author Notes:

William Pensworth contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  Everything you need to know to get a whiter, brighter smile!