Learn How Invisalign® Aligners Are Created

The Invisalign process starts with an examination at our offices. There are very few circumstances where this product is not recommended to straighten teeth, but we want to make sure you are not one of those few individuals. Typically this is a very short visit, during which we will also make sure that you have no underlying issues that could delay or hamper the straightening process. Once we determine that you are a good fit for moving forward, the next step we will take is to get all the records we need to make the Invisalign aligners. One important point to note is that Invisalign® does not work with children since their teeth are still growing and developing. This product is for teens and adults who have already gotten their full set of adult teeth.

During the first stage, we will take a lot of measurements, x-rays, dental impressions of your teeth, and photographs. The objective is to provide the lab with an ideal scenario of what your teeth look like, and the only way to do that is to give them detailed measurements. Fundamentally the dental impressions are so that a replica of your teeth can be made using 3D modeling. This is where the technicians at Invisalign® take over.

The technicians at the company will scan your dental impressions and using these will create a 3D model of your teeth on their computer. Having it on the computer is extremely useful since it allows us, the dentist, to view them remotely. You can also view them as the patient. On this 3D model, the technicians gradually move the teeth into position, mimicking the exact pattern the aligners will follow in moving your teeth into position. From our perspective, we can make adjustments, giving the technicians instructions on tweaking the movements so that it is exactly how we want the teeth to move. This gives us much more control over the process and gets your teeth into exactly the position that we want them to be.

Once we are satisfied with the movement, and final position of the teeth, the technicians will get the go ahead to fabricate the aligners. This is a critical element of Invisalign. Each patient gets a unique, individualized plan based on their specific teeth. The aligners are then built to move the teeth exactly in keeping with this plan and based on a gradual pressure movement basis. Over the course of your treatment, each new set of aligners will be offset by around 1/10mm per tray. What this means is the tray will gradually force your teeth to be straighter by 1/10th of a millimeter. Once the aligner fits your teeth perfectly, they are to be worn for two weeks and then you will move on to the next aligner that once again, moves your teeth.

It is important to wear the aligners at least 20 hours a day. Since the plan is based on the gradual movement of the teeth and tied to a very tight timeline, not wearing the aligners for sufficient amounts of time can result in the teeth not moving enough and the new aligners not fitting well at all. By following the treatment plan, you will have straight teeth in no time.

Orthodontist  >  Braces

Invisalign Can Straighten Your Teeth and After You Will Need a Retainer

As a modern procedure, Invisalign® has brought the promise of beautiful, straight teeth to millions of adults around the world. Once stifled by the perceived stigma of wearing braces or afraid of being ridiculed for a mouth full of metal, today adults can have their teeth straightened without any such fears. The virtually invisible system of aligners can work while you are at work, taking care of the kids, or even celebrating the holidays with your family, and nobody will be any the wiser. Additionally, unlike regular braces, you can remove the Invisalign® aligners at any time meaning that there are virtually no restrictions on what you may or may not eat while undergoing the treatment. Simply remove the aligner, eat to your heart’s desire and put it back, keeping it in place for at least 20 – 22 hours per day. 

As with any treatment, Invisalign® only works if you make sure to follow up after the treatment is completed. The aligning of teeth involves moving the teeth from what they perceive to be the natural spot. While we may find the placement and size of the teeth to be unnatural and, even ugly, the mouth has placed them in a particular spot because that's where the body believes the teeth should go. Once the Invisalign treatment is complete, it is imperative to continue wearing a retainer to ensure that the mouth does not start to move back into the previous structure. The retainer’s job is to prevent nature from undoing all the work you did to have that perfect smile. You will need to decide, however, if you are more comfortable with a permanent retainer or would prefer one that can come out when you are not actively using it. 

The removable retainer: The removable retainer is designed to come out of your mouth and go back in, to ensure that you are exerting pressure on the teeth to hold them in place. Typically you would have the retainer in your mouth at night and remove it during the day. For some patients, they may need to have a retainer in for more than just the night. Unfortunately, a removable retainer’s best feature, its removability, is also its greatest weakness as it is easy for someone to fall out of the habit of putting on the retainer.  This can ultimately cause the teeth start to move. Also, removable retainers are not as effective as permanent ones.  On the other hand, removable retainers do make it easier to eat, brush your teeth, and floss effectively. 

The permanent retainer: The permanent retainer works the same as the temporary retainer except that it is installed by your dentist or orthodontist and is never removed. For people who do not want the hassle of having to remember their retainer this is a far more effective solution. It is also a more efficient solution in terms of holding the teeth in place since it is permanent and adjusted for maximum impact. A permanent retainer has one major disadvantage when it comes to flossing, requiring the patient to learn how to floss around the retainer. However, the advantages of a permanent retainer far outweigh the disadvantage of having to learn a different way of flossing. This is why many Invisalign® dentists recommend permanent retainers or a combination of permanent and removable retainers.  

We can discuss your options during a consultation in order to determine what the best option for you will be. 

Invisalign is the Clear Way to Straighten Your Smile

You can have a straight and a gorgeous smile with Invisalign.  A bright, straight, and warm smile exudes confidence and can transform someone’s appearance.  Most people want a straight smile but may not have the time or desire to wear traditional braces.  Fortunately, there is another option.

MG Dental provides patients with multiple ways to straighten their smile.  While we offer traditional braces, this is not a good fit for everyone.  People with busy careers that need to maintain a certain image may be unable to wear braces while people that travel a lot don’t have time to visit the orthodontist on a frequent basis.

Invisalign is ideal for people with a busy schedule because the progress can be made at home.  Appointments are simply to make sure that the teeth are adjusting as they should.  Traditional braces have multiple components – brackets, wires and rubber bands. These components need to be adjusted or changed regularly at the orthodontist office in order to keep teeth moving in the right direction.  Invisalign is different because there is only one piece to worry about, an aligner.

Clear aligners are created using a mold of your mouth.  They slowly change so that every couple of weeks you can remove the old one and start to wear a new one.  They go in stages so that each time you start wearing a new aligner it will move the teeth that much close to your smile goals.  Patients are given the aligners at the beginning of the process, so there is no need to visit the orthodontist before switching one out.  Regular inspections still need to be completed, but that can be done on a patient's schedule without worrying about causing delays.  Flexibility is important because people’s lives are so incredibly busy.  Even those that are committed to having straight teeth may find the number of office visits cumbersome, making this alternative option ideal.

Invisalign is also an excellent option for those worried about their appearance.  Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of having metal braces on their mouth.  Whether needing to blend in at work or a high school senior wanting to look amazing for the prom, braces do impact your overall appearance where this option won’t.  Since the aligners are clear, a patient can wear it with them with confidence that no one can tell they are on.  This makes them a viable alternative for people that want to straighten their smile without calling attention to it.

Another benefit is that you can care for your teeth like normal without any additional maintenance steps.  Simply brush your teeth after each meal or sticky snacks, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and to remove plaque.  Your aligners can also be brushed using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.

To learn more about the process or to schedule a consultation call MG Dental at 718-416-6444 and speak with one of our experienced team members or our orthodontist.

Invisalign Can Straighten Your Smile: The Invisible Way!

If you want a straight smile Invisalign can help.  Many people want to have the perfect smile but are uncomfortable wearing traditional braces due to their appearance.  Whether an adult professional or college student, there are times where wearing metal braces isn’t conducive to a patients overall goals or busy schedule.  We offer an alternative to traditional braces that can straighten your smile – the invisible way.

In order to determine if you are a candidate, schedule an appointment with MG Dental Orthodontics.  We will evaluate your teeth, gums, and smile and discuss your overall goals.  Based on that conversation, and teeth inspection, we will give a recommendation as to the best ways to straighten your teeth.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign can straighten your teeth without anyone ever knowing that you are wearing a corrective device.  It is completely clear and fits over the top of your teeth similar to how a retainer would.  You can speak and drink normally and take it out while eating meals.  The goal is to wear it for 22 hours out of the day. 

During your examination, we will take a mold of your mouth and use it to create custom aligners.  These aligners are worn for a couple of weeks then switched out to the next set.  Gradually, your teeth will move into place by simply wearing a more recent aligner.  Since they are made ahead of time, you don’t need to schedule as many visits to the orthodontist as you do with traditional braces that need to be adjusted on-site.  This makes them a good alternative for someone with an extremely busy schedule.

There are also fewer accessories with this orthodontic solution.  Traditional braces may require things like rubber bands to be worn during the process and people need special tools in order to floss.  The only thing you need with Invisalign is your custom made aligners.  You can brush and floss like normal.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign?

This process isn’t for everyone.  There are some bite issues that may require traditional metal braces to be worn. If this is the case, we can provide that option, as well.  There is no one size fits all treatment when it comes to orthodontics.  We evaluate each patient on a case by case basis to determine the best way to straighten their teeth, working within their lifestyle and budgetary goals.  By providing multiple options, patients are in control of their overall health and wellbeing. 

Regardless, of how you straighten your teeth it is important to keep them in good condition by brushing after every meal and flossing daily.  This will prevent bacteria from building up and reduce the risk of staining your teeth.  It is also wise to use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any lingering bacteria.  We will provide you with information on how to care for your teeth at home so that you can have the beautiful and healthy smile that you have always wanted.