What is Invisalign
The easy way to improve your smile.
Invisible. Comfortable. And Removable.
- Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth.
- You wear a set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
- As you replace each set of aligners with the next in the series, your teeth will gradually move until they reach the position prescribed by Dr. Fong
CAN IT WORK FOR YOU?
Dr. Fong has treated many patients using Invisalign. Invisalign can treat anything from space closure, overly crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Please schedule an Invisalign consultation appointment with Dr. Fong today.
Getting Started…. IT’S SIMPLE…
- Visit us for a consultation appointment. The Consultation amount will be deducted from your treatment once you go ahead with it.
- Second visit is your records appointment. It entails a series of radiographs, impressions, and picture taking.
- Your third appointment will allow you to view the 3-Dimensional imaging of your original teeth position, to the final prescribed position.
- Your fourth and subsequent visits, you will receive three aligners which you will wear for the following 6 weeks. The aligners must be changed every two weeks. You will visit our office every 6 weeks.
Did you know that the average case using Invisalign takes about 11 months?
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.
How does Invisalign work?
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, clear “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.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
- Invisalign is clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
- Invisalign is removable. Unlike braces, you can eat and drink what you want during treatment. You can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Invisalign is comfortable. There are no metal brackets or wires as with braces to cause mouth irritation, and no metal or wires means you spend less time in the doctor’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?
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.
What do aligners look like?
Aligners are clear and look similar to 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.”
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology and custom manufacturing, Invisalign treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.
How old is the company?
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign, was founded in 1997. Since then, Align has manufactured over 10,000,000 aligners and 250,000 patients have been in treatment.
How old is this technology?
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. Technology has made this vision a reality. Using advanced computer technology, Align generates Invisalign®, a series of customized clear appliances, called “aligners.” Each aligner is worn sequentially by the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both upper and lower arches.
How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?
Worldwide, almost 250,000 patients have been treated with Invisalign. The number grows daily.
Do doctors need special training in order to use Invisalign?
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 training before cases will be accepted from their office. Close to 30,000 orthodontists and dentists worldwide are certified to use Invisalign.
How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?
Like brackets and arch wires are to braces, 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.
Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification.
Cost
How much does Invisalign® cost?
We know that cost is a big question for anyone considering dental or orthodontic work. Invisalign treatment is usually similar to the cost of traditional braces—it can start in the ballpark of $4500 and goes up from there. The national average for Invisalign is about $5500. We generally offer payment plans and a down payment is required.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
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.
What payment options are available for Invisalign?
We will help you find options to make your treatment affordable. We offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, we offer Medicard financing.