You’ve heard about Invisalign—the nearly invisible aligners that promise a straighter, healthier smile without the hassle of traditional braces. But how do they work? How can a series of clear trays shift your teeth into perfect alignment? At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we believe knowing the “how” behind your treatment empowers you to take ownership of your smile journey.
Our team has helped countless patients achieve their dream smiles with Invisalign, combining advanced technology with a personalized approach. With over 30 years of experience in orthodontics, we understand every patient’s unique needs and how Invisalign can gently and effectively transform your smile. We ensure each aligner is tailored to guide your teeth into perfect alignment, giving you a confident, healthy smile you’ll love.
How Does Invisalign Move a Patient’s Teeth?
It’s difficult to imagine significant movement in your teeth by just wearing a tray in your mouth, but Invisalign uses multiple trays over the course of treatment. These trays are changed every couple of weeks and are made based on your specific teeth and needs. Each tray should be worn in a particular order, slowly ushering your smile into a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing position.
Just as braces place constant pressure on the teeth, Invisalign uses a similar process to realign your smile. Instead of using metal brackets, Invisalign is made of transparent thermoplastic, molded to create a perfect fit and stay comfortable while also maintaining its proper shape.
How Are Invisalign Clear Aligner Trays Made?
Invisalign trays are based on your teeth and the ideal end result for your smile, so the process will generally begin with a 3-D scan. From here, your orthodontic provider will use a planning software to map out the movement of your teeth over time. The plan will outline the number of trays you will need, the duration you’ll want to wear each tray, and the expected movement for each step of the process.
Then, your custom trays are fabricated out of the transparent thermoplastic. The information we collect and the plans we create are sent to Invisalign. They’ll create a 3D model of your teeth and print out your custom trays. After quality testing, they’re either sent to your dental provider or directly to you.
What Issues Can Invisalign Help You Fix?
Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic solution for patients from many walks of life, though its design has some limitations. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, if a patient has a severe misalignment in the oral cavity, their orthodontist is more likely to recommend traditional braces or another orthodontic treatment tool.
Invisalign can treat the majority of minor and moderate misalignment issues in the oral cavity, including but not limited to the following:
- Bite issues, including some overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Crowding
- Gapping
- Some cases of rotated teeth
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
- Certain cases of open bite
- Cosmetic issues
If you are unsure whether Invisalign clear aligners are a good fit for you, we encourage you to speak with a provider at Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics. The only way to be certain whether a treatment will work for a patient is to thoroughly assess several key factors and a physical evaluation of the oral cavity. Contact our team at your convenience to learn whether you’re eligible for Invisalign.
What Factors Affect Eligibility for Invisalign?
Patients with various dental issues may be a good fit for Invisalign. Still, those with problems Invisalign cannot easily fix may be a better fit for another orthodontic solution. During your consultation, we’ll look at the following factors to determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for Invisalign:
- Age and responsibility levels
- Personal preferences for visible or non-visible orthodontic tools
- Adult teeth
- Hygiene habits
- Overall health
- Commitment levels
- Severity of misalignment
- Allergies and current ailments
Generally, younger patients will not be recommended Invisalign, especially if they are prone to losing items or are likely to forget to wear their aligners.
Why Choose Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics for Invisalign?
At Okuda & Noorda Orthodontics, we combine advanced technology with a personalized touch to help you achieve your best smile. With over 30 years of experience in orthodontics, we’ve successfully guided countless patients through their Invisalign journey, tailoring treatment plans to their unique needs and goals. From precise 3D scans to customized aligners, we ensure every step of the process is seamless and effective.
Whether you’re dealing with minor misalignments or looking for a discreet way to transform your smile, we’re here to help. Our team is committed to providing exceptional care and support, ensuring you feel confident every step of the way. Contact us today at (702) 737-5500 or through our online contact form. Let’s work together to create the smile you’ve always wanted!
