Are you unhappy with your smile but hesitant to get braces due to the thought of discomfort or the sheer look of braces? Invisalign orthodontic treatment has gained in popularity over the last ten years, although many people still don’t know much about it. Rather than having metal brackets attached to your teeth, Invisalign involves a series of clear, custom designed trays that patients wear, while having the flexibility of taking them on and off. There are many advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces, as well as some disadvantages. Compared to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment tends to be more comfortable and more cosmetically pleasing. However, traditional braces are needed to treat the more complex cases. The first step In the Invisalign process is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign certified orthodontist. At the consultation your orthodontist will do a full evaluation of your orthodontic needs and determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. The process starts with taking x-rays, photographs, and a very detailed impression of your teeth, all of which are used to create a 3D simulation of how your teeth will move from start to finish. When the orthodontist approves the treatment plan, Invisalign manufactures a series of trays, each tray slightly different from the next. The patient is instructed to wear each tray for two weeks. Once the teeth have moved into the new position, a new tray is used. This process is repeated until the teeth have moved into their final position. It is important for consumers to know that many dentists are also certified Invisalign providers. However, orthodontists have additional expertise with orthodontic treatment after completing a two to three year university based residency. This expertise makes your orthodontist the most skilled provider to ensure the best results, and ultimately your satisfaction.
Dr David Hoffman is an orthodontist and Invisalign Certified Provider serving the communities of North Scottsdale and Central Phoenix at Arizona Orthodontic Studio and Avalon Orthodontics. Follow him on Google+ Call (480) 451-3088 today to schedule your complimentary consultation. Make sure to mention that you are a member of AZ on the Rocks.
