Invisalign
We are happy to announce we now offer Invisalign teeth straightening services. Invisalign has become very popular as an alternative to traditional metal braces, especially for adults. It works both for those whom have never had braces, and those whom have had braces in the past but their teeth have shifted out of proper position. Multiple sets of thin aligners, which are nearly invisible, fit over the teeth and slowly move them over the course of weeks and months. They are removed for eating and drinking, but otherwise worn as much as possible throughout the day and night. Most people complete their treatment between 6 and 15 months, depending on the position of their teeth. Most people prefer Invisalign over braces due to comfort and esthetics.
Dr. Wahlers has been performing Invisalign procedures on his patients for many years. He is able to treat most patients right out of our office. For some more advanced cases, Dr. Wahlers may recommend an orthodontist perform the treatment.
Invisalign can literally change your life by giving you a smile that you are proud to show off! Ask about Invisalign at your next visit, or call today for a free consultation. We can research on your behalf to determine if your dental insurance may cover a portion of the treatment. Financing options are available to spread the payments out over the course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invisalign is the brand name of one of the largest orthodontic companies in the world, Align Technology. They are based out of California and have been in existence for over twenty years. Many orthodontists and general dentists, such as myself, have become certified to be providers of Invisalign through their dental school education or continuing education. Invisalign charges dentists and orthodontists a fee for every patient that uses their system, and helps to design and manufacture the aligners that move a patient’s teeth into better alignment. It is an alternative to traditional braces.
Other companies have recently started to challenge the dominance that Invisalign has held over the clear aligner market. Various smaller companies attempt to compete with Invisalign by charging dentists a slightly lower fee while trying to provide the same service. The biggest difficulty that smaller companies face is that Align Technology has had decades of data and feedback, allowing them to continually optimize the efficiency and predictability of Invisalign. Competitors are playing catch-up and competing by imitation right now. However, technology advances quickly and the competitors may one day be as good, or even better than Invisalign.
A relatively new form of competition is the Smile Direct Club. This is another competitor of Invisalign that essentially cuts out the dentist or orthodontist and markets directly to patients. Patients can take impressions of their own teeth and send them through the mail to Smile Direct Club, and have aligners shipped directly to them. In most cases, a dentist or orthodontist does NOT see the patient during the course of treatment. Personally, I feel there is a lot of inherent risk in allowing patients to control their own treatment without dental supervision. Very simple cases where only a few teeth are slightly out of position may go smoothly, but I feel more moderate to complex cases require a dentist to be involved. Time will tell if Smile Direct Club produces consistent, quality results.
Since the Invisalign aligners (clear plastic devices that fit over your teeth and move them) are manufactured by Align Technology, some patients may wonder why they cannot be sent directly to the patient through the mail. In other words, what role does the dentist have in the Invisalign process? First, the dentist checks if the teeth are in good health. Teeth that are weak, decayed, or have gum disease may be compromised or even ruined if they are moved orthodontically. Second, the dentist takes either scans or impressions, as well as photographs of the teeth, to be sent with a prescription to Invisalign.
When treatment starts, small tooth-colored attachments are placed on the teeth by bonding them. These attachments allow the aligners to pull and push in specific locations to move the teeth in very specific directions. Sometimes, IPR is performed, which can be thought of as flossing with “sandpaper floss.” The dentist removes tight contacts between teeth so that they have room to move into proper position. Lastly, only a dentist can remove the bonded attachments and polish the teeth smooth. Typically, I also recontour some teeth, polishing sharp edges, and smoothing certain areas to perfect the final look.
Invisalign is very predictable and works extremely well when done properly. However, as with any medical or dental procedure, there are risks if performed improperly.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Christopher Wahlers
Dr. Wahlers was born and raised in central New Jersey. He attended Gettysburg College for his undergraduate studies, where he majored in biology, graduating summa cum laude. During his undergraduate volunteer experiences in different medical settings, Christopher decided to pursue a career in dentistry.
During his time at New Jersey Dental School (Rutgers University), Christopher served as president of his class and graduated in 2003 as a member of the OKU National Dental Honor Society. He continued his education with an Advanced Dental Education residency program at Temple University.
Prior to Wahlers ...