The Invisalign® System is a new orthodontic treatment system, which utilizes a sequential series of clear plastic retainers (aligners) to straighten out teeth.  The Invisalign® molds eliminate the esthetic challenges which traditional metal or even clear braces pose.

The Invisalign® process relies on 3-D CAD/CAM technology to manufacture the necessary retainer series for each individual patient.

Once an impression is taken, the resulting mold will be scanned by a computer and translated into a 3-dimensional computer image.  This represents the original position of a patient's teeth.

The doctor will then then determine the final desired position of the patient's teeth and render this image on the computer.

The images below show the computer renderings of a patient's initial and final position.

                                BEFORE                                                                                              AFTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A computer will then determine how many retainers a particular patient will need in order to achieve the final result.  Each retainer will move the teeth ever so slightly towards the final desired position.

Finally, a CAM device will then manufacture the series of retainers for the patient.

The image to the right shows a typical Invisalign® retainer.

The number of Invisalign® trays necessary will vary from patient to patient, but the average is between 18 and 30 trays.

Each retainer is worn for  2 weeks (24 hours a day, except during meals) and then the next retainer in the series is used. 

 

This process is repeated until the teeth are in their desired position.  The entire Invisalign® treatment takes approximately the same amount of time as traditional orthodontic braces.

Dr. Stalley has been utilizing the Invisalign® process for many years with great success.  For more information or to schedule a consultation appointment, please call us at (310) 542-6988.