Think of your teeth as a fingerprint: no two sets are exactly alike. That’s why the Invisalign process starts with a scan to identify the needs of each client. Best of all, you’ll be able to see what your smile is going to look like before the first trays even touch your teeth!
This scan is certainly something to smile about! For those of you who remember the sticky goop of plaster teeth molds, have no fear: the dental process has upgraded to the iTero Element® scanner. This state-of-the-art technology quickly captures an accurate 3D image of your teeth, no mess required! The iTero scanner uses laser and optical scanning from all sides to create a 360 degree image. Your doctor will work with Invisalign specialists to identify the shifts ahead and map out a treatment plan. Thanks to the Smile Scan, you’ll be able to see the final product before you even start treatment.
Once your road map has been finalized, the electronic files from your Smile Scan will be sent to Invisalign so that they can create your aligners and retainers, which are assured to fit precisely because of the 3D imaging.
The Invisalign model is especially impressive when you consider the fact that all their aligners made, nearly 8 million each year, are completely unique. No two trays are exactly alike. How are they able to accomplish this? Invisalign has made use of the latest in exciting technological achievement: 3D printing. Once they receive a patient’s electronic file from their iTero scan, Align Technology, the company that invented Invisalign, will produce a set of trays that is specific to their owner. This is all done on a high-end 3D printing system that is as smart as any self-driving car, which ensures safety and efficiency.
These custom aligners are made from SmartTrack, a patented material that was created with comfort in mind. Each set of aligners is trimmed individually to fit with the gum line, and they are never shipped out before receiving an in-depth quality examination. Then it’s onto your teeth for a specified period of time before your next set of aligners arrive. Easy as A-B-C!
At BRO, we know that if you’re considering any type of dental treatment, especially Invisalign, you’re probably going to have a few questions. The biggest of all being, “How will Invisalign aligners actually straighten my teeth?”
This treatment is the future of orthodontics: discreet, convenient, and effective all at the same time! Once you’ve received your custom aligners, which are clear trays that have been created to your intraoral specifications, you’ll pop them in your mouth for a recommended 22 hours a day. They can be removed for eating or brushing, but to get the most out this treatment you will want to keep them in for at least the recommended daily duration.
The total amount of aligners needed for treatment will vary from person to person, anywhere from 10 to over 30! Just like the total amount, each specific period of time that the aligners need to be worn can change as well, though on average it’s about two weeks. The Invisalign process is totally customizable to fit each person’s orthodontic needs!
Do you remember your ABC’s? Think of your trays as exactly that. They will likely feel snug or even difficult to take in and out at first一this is because your first tray is already at Point B, even though you are starting at Point A. Your second set of trays will be Point C, and so on until you reach your desired dental position.
Don’t be surprised if your doctor uses a set of refining trays at the end of your treatment. Think of this as the finishing touch! And just like with more traditional orthodontic practices like braces, the end result is up to you. If you don’t wear the retainers given to you after treatment, your teeth are likely to shift back to their former position.
Have you heard of our new treatment yet? No?! Well fortunately for you, Blue Ridge Orthodontics is proudly offering an exciting new alternative to Invisalign called BRO Impressions, which combines Invisalign technology with the convenience of home! Best of all, Impressions typically costs half as much as Invisalign and takes half the time.
Impressions is a cutting-edge orthodontic treatment that occurs mainly in the home, but you’ll save more than just gas money with this option. Similarly to Invisalign, Impressions involves clear aligners that are changed weekly, but unlike traditional Invisalign, this treatment does not require any attachments.
It is a great option for those who suffer from mild to moderate dental issues, such as crowding, spacing, overbite, or underbite. The period of treatment is typically around 9 months, compared to 18 months with Invisalign, and the cost is roughly half that of Invisalign, even though it utilizes the same patented material.
If for any reason you have to switch to Invisalign during treatment, you’ll only be responsible for the difference between the two options. Though you won’t be required to spend nearly as much time in our BRO offices, there will always be an Impressions Rep available to answer your questions.
No matter what kind of treatment you decide to pursue, you can be confident that Blue Ridge Orthodontics will take good care of your teeth. Did you know that we were ranked among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the country for the past 2 years?
Get started on your dream smile with a complimentary consultation at BRO’s headquarters in beautiful Asheville, NC, or any of our other locations. We have all the tools that you need to correct any orthodontic mishaps and our doctors are the benchmark of passion and professionalism. We’ll see you soon!