Q: What is Invisalign®?

A: Invisalign® is the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

Q: Does Invisalign® really work?

A: Yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign® has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Q: How does Invisalign® work?

A: Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Q: What are the primary benefits of Invisalign®?

A: There are four 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 during Invisalign treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good 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 dentist’s chair getting adjustments.
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.

What are aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth."

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign®?

A: Because dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, each patient should review their coverage. However, if a patient has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign® should be covered to the same extent as conventional braces.

Q: Is this a new way to straighten teeth? How old is the company?

A: For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, Invisalign® treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

Q: How old is the Align Technology company?

A: Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign®, was founded in 1997.

Q: How old is this technology?

A: In 1945 Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align generates Invisalign®, a series of customized appliances, called "Aligners". Each Aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

Q: How many patients are being treated with Invisalign®?

A: Currently, dentists are treating more than 135,000 patients. The number grows daily.

Q: How old is this technology?

A: In 1945 Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern technology would enable the use of a series of tooth positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Align has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align generates Invisalign®, a series of customized appliances, called "Aligners". Each Aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.

Q: How many patients are being treated with Invisalign®?

A: Currently, dentists are treating more than 135,000 patients. The number grows daily.

Q: Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign®?

A: While Invisalign® can be used with virtually any treatment philosophy, specific training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign® must attend a workshop before cases will be accepted from their office.

Q: How does Invisalign® effectively move teeth?

A: Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

Q: Has the FDA cleared Invisalign®?

A: Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign® is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification.

Q: How do I get started with Invisalign®?

A: Just make an appointment with our certified dentist for an initial consultation.

Q: Can I go to any orthodontist or dentist to be treated with Invisalign®?

A: Specific training is needed to use Invisalign®; as a result, orthodontists and dentists are required to become Invisalign®-certified before they can begin treating patients with Invisalign®. Dr. Antonious is trained and certified by Invisalign®.

Q: Is Invisalign® available outside the United States?

A: As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case. Please call our office at (408) 720-0900 to schedule your free Invisalign consultation appointment.

Q: What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign®?

A: Dentists can use Invisalign to treat a vast majority of patients with fully-erupted molars.

Q: Does the procedure work on overbites (overjets) and how?

A: An experienced dentist can use Invisalign® to treat a vast majority of adults & adolescents.

Q: Have there been cases where a patient was treated for a case that is a little more severe than moderate crowding?

A: Yes, there are clinical studies, written by dentists citing the treatment of complex cases using Invisalign®.

Q: Are there certain dental conditions that automatically exclude you from being an eligible patient?

A: Your dentist or orthodontist can best determine which treatment is best for you.

Q: Are crowns a factor in Invisalign® treatment?

A: No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign® treatment. However, sometimes small composites called attachments are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign orthodontist or dentist. To find out if crowns will adversely impact your orthodontic treatment, consult an Invisalign® certified doctor.

Q: Will TMJ affect Invisalign® treatment?

A: TMJ refers to the temporomandibular, or jaw, joint. Individuals can have a number of problems with the jaw joint, some of which can be aggravated by appliances and treatments like Invisalign®. To find out if your TMJ problem will adversely impact dental treatment, consult an Invisalign® -certified dentist.

Q: Can Invisalign® close gaps (space closure)?

A: Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with the Invisalign® System.

Q: Are bridges a factor in Invisalign® treatment?

A: Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your dentist will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

Q: Will the treatment be painful?

A: Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign® is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series.

Q: Will wearing Invisalign® Aligners affect my speech?

A: Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear.

Are there restrictions on what I can eat while in treatment?

A: No. Unlike traditional wires & brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your dentist. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

Q: Will smoking stain the aligners?

A: We discourage smoking while wearing Aligners because it is possible for the Aligners to become discolored.

Q: Can I chew gum while wearing aligners?

A: No, gum will stick to the Aligners. We recommend removing your Aligners for all meals and snacks.

Q: What's the best way to clean my aligners?

A: The best way to clean your Aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

Q: How often must I wear my aligners?

A: Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing and flossing.

Q: Can patients use aligners for bleaching teeth while active tooth movement is occurring?

A: While we are aware that some patients are using Aligners for bleaching, Align has not examined the compatibility of currently available bleaching products with our Aligners, nor have we demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies. Align recommends that you consult your orthodontist or dentist for more information on whitening teeth.

Q: How often must I see the orthodontist/dentist?

A: Your orthodontist/dentist will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every three to six weeks. This is the only way your dentist can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

Q: What happens after treatment to prevent my teeth from moving again?

A: This depends on the outcome of the treatment. Some patients might need a positioner, or conventional retainer. Other patients might need a clear plastic retainer similar to the ones Invisalign® makes. Discuss these possibilities with your treating orthodontist or dentist. Every patient is different and outcomes vary.