| Q: |
How does Invisalign® work?
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| A: |
Invisalign® uses 3-D computer imaging technology to
depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position
to the final desired position from which a series of
custom-made “aligners” are produced. Each “aligner”
moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks,
then replaced by the next in the series until the final
position is achieved.
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| Q: |
What are the primary benefits of
Invisalign®?
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| A: |
There are four primary benefits of
Invisalign®:
| 1. |
Invisalign® is nearly invisible – you
can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.
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| 2. |
Invisalign® is removable – you can eat
and drink what you want in treatment; you can also
brush and floss normally to maintain good oral
hygiene.
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| 3. |
Invisalign® is comfortable – there are
no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth
irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend
less time in the doctor’s chair getting
adjustments.
Invisalign® allows you to view your own
virtual treatment plan before you start – so
you can see how your straight teeth will look when
your treatment is complete.
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| Q: |
What are aligners made of?
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| A: |
Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic
that is virtually invisible when worn.
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| Q: |
What do aligners look like?
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| A: |
Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear
tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit
to move teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as
“contact lenses for teeth.”
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| Q: |
Is this a new way to straighten teeth? How old is the
company?
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| A: |
For years, orthodontists have used removable appliances
for limited treatment. Today, with the application of
computer technology, Invisalign® treats a broader range of
cases with greater precision.
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| Q: |
How old is the company?
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| A: |
Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures
Invisalign® aligners, was founded in 1997.
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| Q: |
How old is this technology?
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| A: |
In 1945 Dr. H.D. Kesling envisioned that one day, modern
technology would enable the use of a series of tooth
positioners to produce the kinds of movements required for
comprehensive orthodontic treatment. With Invisalign®, this
is now possible. Using advanced computer technology,
Invisalign® generates a series of customized appliances,
called “aligners”. Each aligner is worn sequentially by
the patient to produce extensive tooth movements in both
upper and lower arches.
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| Q: |
How many patients are being treated with
Invisalign®?
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| A: |
There are thousands of patients across the U.S. being
treated with Invisalign®, the number grows daily. In
addition, more than half the orthodontists in the U.S. have
been certified to use Invisalign®, with more being
certified every month.
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| Q: |
Do orthodontists need special training in order to use
Invisalign®?
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| A: |
While Invisalign® can be used with virtually any
treatment philosophy, specific training is needed. All
orthodontists interested in treating patients with
Invisalign® must attend a workshop before cases will be
accepted from their office.
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| Q: |
How does Invisalign® effectively move teeth?
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| A: |
Like brackets and archwires, the Invisalign® aligner
moves teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled
force on the teeth. The principal difference is that
Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the
timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain
teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are
determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that
particular stage. This results in an efficient force
delivery system.
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| Q: |
Has the FDA cleared
Invisalign®?
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| A: |
Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August
1998 determined that Invisalign® is exempt from 510(k)
pre-market notification.
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