Patients who are concerned about the appearance of their smiles during orthodontic treatment are excited to learn about alternative solutions such as invisible braces. Also known as Invisalign, this method of orthodontics allow patients to realign their teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires glued onto the surfaces of the teeth.

Instead of using brackets and wires, Invisalign works by realigning the teeth with clear, plastic aligner trays. Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley of 32 Dental find that this method of realigning the teeth allows patients to achieve a better smile in a way that avoids the embarrassment of conventional braces.

First, patients must be an appropriate candidate for Invisalign. The individuals best suited for this particular treatment are those with:

• A healthy smile free from periodontal disease and decay
• Mild to moderate misalignment of the dental arch and/or bite
• The ability to comply with treatment

Once patients have been found good candidates for Invisalign, impressions are made. These are sent to the Invisalign laboratories for the fabrication of a series of trays. These trays are made in succession as to how the teeth will shift over the course of treatment. The procedure is very predictable as it uses 3D diagrams to determine the way the teeth will move. The creation of these trays will take a few weeks before patients will have them in their hands to start treatment.

When the trays arrive back to the dental office, patients return to speak to Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley to discuss the care and use of their new trays. An entire series of trays is made and each one is worn for two weeks before the next one is used. After the course of the entire series, patients will have a more beautiful, better-aligned smile!

Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley of 32 Dental in Marietta encourage their patients to consider the benefits of a straighter smile, from an aesthetic advantage to the opportunity of reducing the risk for periodontal disease and cavities.