Invisalign is a special teeth straightening system that uses transparent aligners. The function is similar to braces, correcting misaligned teeth by applying different intensities of pressure to each tooth. This of course requires proper customisation of the aligners.
This blog will walk you through the steps of Invisalign aligner making, ensuring you obtain the best Invisalign treatment. Since everyone has a unique set of teeth, custom-made pair of clear braces are essential for restoring the smile. Read on below for details!
About Invisalign: A brief overview
As told, Invisalign has the potential to straighten crooked teeth, just like braces. However, contrary to fixed metal brackets, it does not present the disadvantages of making frequent adjustments and reduced dental aesthetics. Invisalign uses a clear, biocompatible plastic material that fits snugly to the teeth surface, making it a discreet solution for teeth straightening.
You may doubt about the potential and strength of these simple plastic aligners which is very normal. However, the truth is they can induce a significant amount of force on the misaligned teeth, gradually shifting them to a straighter position. The aligner shape also plays a crucial role in this purpose. When they are put on the teeth, some pressure can be felt, indicating the aligners are in action.
Customised Invisalign aligners: What are the steps behind its making?
To provide you with the best Invisalign treatment, the orthodontist will manually start evaluating your teeth and surrounding structures first. After that, he will:
Step 1: Take your dental impression
Previously, dentists used to ask the patients to bite down on a soft yet firm material, such as putty. That helped them cast the dental shape and structure, which would act as a future reference for making the aligners. However, now, digital 3D scans are taken that make an even more detailed impression of the mouth’s internal structures. An optical camera is also used for this purpose.
Step 2: Design the Invisalign trays
The obtained 3D scan from the optical camera will be transferred into a special software, such as ClinCheck. It helps create a detailed virtual model of your internal mouth and determine how each pair of clear aligner trays will shift each tooth into its ideal position. Based on this information, the trays will be customised so they perfectly suit your dental configuration.
Step 3: Create the Invisalign trays
The dental impressions taken by your orthodontist will be utilised to sculpt the Invisalign trays. This manufacturing process is done in a dental laboratory, and works similar to a 3D printer. Your Invisalign trays are then printed or milled out according to the designs recommended by the dentist. For the whole treatment course, you will need 26 similar sets of trays (each meant to be worn for a period of two weeks).
How do Invisible aligners work?
Due to the discreet nature of Invisalign aligners, they are hardly visible to the surrounding people when worn. Moreover, since they are customised, the aligners offer a perfect fit to your teeth surface, slowly transforming your misaligned smile into a straighter one. Besides, various studies have shown that Invisalign can successfully treat cases for both adults and adolescents, even better than the conventional braces.
Each set of aligner is meant to be used for a period of two weeks, after which the next set is switched onto. For obtaining the most out of this teeth straightening treatment, you must religiously wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours straight (except while having meals and maintaining oral hygiene). Based on how complex your situation is, the treatment may extend between 6 and 18 months.
How Invisalign helps move your teeth?
To understand the mechanism of how Invisalign moves teeth, it is crucial to understand the fundamentals of tooth movement first. Here is a quick explanation!
When a force is applied externally to a tooth, the surrounding bone resorbs on a particular side. This, in turn, leads to the formation of a new bone on the other. With time, this process pushes the tooth in the direction of the applied force. But, if the force is too extreme, then, the surrounding oral tissues and structures will also be damaged. Hence, it is important for orthodontic specialists to design aligners that apply mild, controlled forces; yet strong enough to move the affected teeth into the correct position.
Invisalign aligners apply a gentle, but firm force in an accurate and targeted way. They specifically generate pressure over certain areas of the teeth so they can move in the required direction. The flexible and durable plastic used to manufacture these aligners makes them lightweight, ensuring utmost comfort. It is known as thermoplastic polyurethane, (or TPU in short) and is biocompatible, making them safe for human use without causing any harmful reactions.
When you put on an Invisalign aligner, it offers a tight fit over the teeth, applying a gentle, constant force over to rectify your teeth’s alignment. Not only that, the aligner set also supports the surrounding teeth and other dental tissues. This special orthodontic treatment can thus gradually solve gapped teeth issues and create a properly aligned smile.
As you gradually progress through the aligner series, each one will differ a bit than the previous one. This indicates that your teeth are slowly getting back to their proper position. Each aligner is built based on the progress provided by the last aligner. Thus, by the end of the treatment process, you will have your teeth shifted into its actual position.
Conclusion
Invisalign is a modern, effective and discreet orthodontic solution to straighten the teeth. Unlike fixed braces, it does not present any hassle of repeated adjustments and side effects like gum irritation. Moreover, with its customisable treatment plans and flexible approach, one can easily correct dental issues in the fastest possible way. This blog explains how the aligners are customised as per patient requirements. So, if you suffer from any of the issues mentioned above, do not sit back. Consult with your locally available orthodontist and book for the best Invisalign treatment today!
