What is Invisalign:
The patient meets with Dr. DeWitt, an Invisalign-certified orthodontist who takes orthodontic records of the patient’s teeth, including impressions, and fills out an Invisalign treatment planning prescription form and sends all the material to Align Technology. At Align, a computer model of the patient’s teeth is created from the impressions. Align then uses its advanced, 3-D imaging software to generate a graphical representation of the doctor’s treatment plan—almost like an animated movie of the way the patient’s teeth will move from the current position to the final desired position. The doctor reviews and approves the rendering of his treatment plan on a secure portion of Align’s website. From the plan, Align Technology produces a series of clear, plastic aligners unique to your treatment. 
Each aligner is worn for about two weeks, and is then replaced by the next aligner. Gradually, the teeth move toward their final position. Invisalign is comfortable to wear and it doesn’t require you to change your busy lifestyle. Patients visit their orthodontist once every 4 weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of Aligners. Average treatment time is about 1 to 2 years. Because aligners are removable, you can continue to brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy. In the U.S. alone, more than 200 million individuals have some form of malocclusion. Each year, less than one percent of these individuals, or approximately two million Americans, enter orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a compelling treatment alternative for most of the patients who would seek traditional orthodontic treatment. Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces:In the hands of a skilled orthodontist and when worn per your doctor’s recommendation, Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces for many types of treatment. Your orthodontist will help you to decide between the two options. How much does Invisalign cost:Only your doctor can determine the cost for your specific treatment. It depends on the kind of treatment you need and how long it takes. Invisalign treatment is often similar to the cost of traditional braces. In addition, if you have orthodontic insurance coverage, Invisalign is normally covered to the same extent as conventional braces. How many hours should you wear Invisalign trays:Overall we find the aligners are most effective if worn 20 to 22 hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing and flossing. Lost aligner trays:In the event that an aligner is lost or broken, you should inform your doctor right away. The previous aligner will have to be worn while a replacement aligner is ordered to replace the lost or broken tray. In most cases the replacement aligner should arrive in a few days.
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