Invisalign, St. Louis, MO

Invisalign is a clear orthodontic appliance that is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Its popularity stems from the plastic aligners that perform the treatment that allow people to maintain their mature appearance as they straighten their teeth. Invisalign is recommended for orthodontic situations with mild to moderate spacing or crowding. They are virtually undetectable, easy to use and comfortable to wear and have been proven effective.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign uses a series of aligners that are custom made for the patient and designed to gradually move teeth into their ideal position. Dr. Hill will first take an impression and photographs of your teeth during the initial consultation. The results are then sent to the Invisalign lab and used to create a three-dimensional computer projection of how the teeth could be moved incrementally. Dr. Hill works with Invisalign to form the basis of developing a treatment plan designed to accomplish this movement. Once the treatment plan is approved and in line with your dental goals, the plastic resin aligners are manufactured for each stage of the treatment process.

The aligners are comfortable, easy to clean, and removable. You can take them out to eat a meal and brush your teeth. You simply re-insert them to continue straightening. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift teeth into place, based on the exact movement Dr. Hill has planned out. Patients must understand that they need to follow the guidelines put in place for the treatment to work as planned, otherwise they may risk longer treatment times or unfavorable results.

The average treatment time for Invisalign is about one year, provided the patient wears the aligners the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day. Treatment times may be longer if a more complex treatment is necessary.

Invisalign is only available through dentists who have been approved by Invisalign and have undergone specific and extensive training. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign or see if you are a candidate for this treatment, please contact our office today.