1. Why should I choose Invisalign over the traditional choice of braces?

Invisalign is very much less visible than braces (even "clear" braces). Invisalign consists of clear plastic "aligners" which cover the teeth like slip-covers. Being removable, they are not worn while eating. One brushes one' s teeth after eating and then replaces the aligners. It is therefore much easier to keep the teeth clean while undergoing tooth movement. For this reason, people who have damaged gums or bone around their teeth due to periodontal degeneration are often acceptable candidates for Invisalign tooth movement but not for braces. The aligners are very smooth on their surface and quite comfortable on the inside of the lips and cheeks, which is not as true of traditional braces. Invisalign aligners cause less soreness of the teeth than traditional braces. A new aligner might be slightly uncomfortable for half and hour, whereas new wires with braces might make the teeth tender for 3 days.


2. Where is Invisalign available?

Any dentist who is certified by Invisalign can advertize that they provide Invisalign. Certification requires both a one-day training course and a minimum of 10 cases treated per year. If a doctor does not do 10 cases per year, Invisalign believes the doctor will not acquire the experience necessary to give the product a quality name, and the doctor is de-certified and not allowed to submit cases. Doctors are also required by Invisalign to obtain 10 hours per year in continuing education regarding Invisalign treatment. General dentists are allowed by Invisalign and by the state of California to provide Invisalign treatment, but in general they might not have the degree of experience in moving teeth that orthodontists have. Invisalign recognizes doctors according to how many cases they start. Once a doctor has started a certain number of cases, he/she is designated a Premier Provider. If they maintain around 96 starts per year, they are designated an Elite Premier Provider.


3. I am currently wearing braces. Can I make the switch to Invisalign?

It would probably by somewhat expensive to change from braces to Invisalign, but theoretically it could be done.


4. Can I go to any dentist to be treated with Invisalign?

The providing dentist must be certified by Invisalign, which means they have taken the one-day training course. They must also be "proficient", which means they start at least 10 cases per year. Since Invisalign protects its trademark, it is likely that a dentist advertising Invisalign is certified and proficient.


5. How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?

Invisalign treatment consists of wearing a series of plastic overlay "aligners" which move the teeth in small increments. The aligners are each worn for 2 weeks, and a person gradually moves through a consecutive numbered series of aligners, custom-designed and manufactured by Invisalign specifically for that patient.


6. What is the minimum age of a patient that a doctor can treat with Invisalign?

Teenagers whose baby teeth are gone and whose permanent teeth have grown in are often candidates for Invisalign. Since some parents worry that their teen might lose an aligner, Invisalign allows for a limited number of free replacement aligners for teenagers.