The Invisalign Process

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

For patients who are seeking an alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign® is an appealing solution. Not only are the clear plastic aligners used in Invisalign® virtually invisible when worn, they are also much more practical and convenient than traditional braces. The transparent trays can be easily removed when patients need to eat or brush and floss, and since the aligners do not contain any wires or brackets, Invisalign® produces far less soft tissue irritation and discomfort.

How Invisalign® Works

In order to guide your teeth back into proper alignment, Invisalign® uses computer technology to develop a series of teeth aligners that are custom-made for your treatment plan. Each individual aligner is shaped to place a specific amount of pressure on your teeth, gradually moving them closer to their final, correct position.

During an examination, Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro will take x-rays, digital pictures, and special impressions of your teeth in order to create a computerized model of your upper and lower teeth. The Invisalign® software will use this model to calculate a treatment sequence. We then are able to review this virtually on the computer screen and approve the proposed therapy or modify it.  Once approved, your set of custom aligners will be molded based on this personalized treatment sequence.

Your aligner may feel tight when you first put it on; this is normal, and part of how the process works. By applying pressure to your teeth, the aligner forces your teeth to move to fit the mold. Once your teeth have finished moving to fit an aligner, we will provide you with a new one. Invisalign aligners should be switched out every two weeks.  Also, several sets of aligners can be given at a time so appointments at the office can be less frequent.

Invisalign® Tooth Attachments

Sometimes, a more specific kind of tooth movement is required during braces treatment. A tooth may need to be rotated or pulled up or down into place. In order to accomplish this, Invisalign® provides tooth attachments: small dots of tooth-colored bonding material that are designed to fit into a corresponding indentation on your aligner. When you wear your Invisalign® braces, this dot of material will catch on the bump in the aligner, applying the correct amount of force to reposition the tooth.

If you struggle with crooked or misaligned teeth and are interested in correcting your smile with Invisalign®, please contact experienced cosmetic dentists Dr. Scott LeSueur and Dr. Charles Dodaro today to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and other East Valley Cities in Arizona.