How Invisalign Works

Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth - VA

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The Invisalign process is relatively simple. An image of your current tooth configuration is fed into a computer, which plans a precise sequence of steps that can move your teeth into perfect alignment. Each step is accomplished with the use of computer-designed clear plastic aligners. Each aligner is worn for two weeks, with a visit to Dr. Michael P. Folck about every six weeks or so to ensure you are progressing as planned. Each step is gradual and relatively gentle, and the full course takes about six months to a year to complete.

This page explains some aspects of the Invisalign procedure and how it works, but many people understand the process better if they hear it explained in person. To talk to us in person about Invisalign, please call 877-206-3444 or email Michael P. Folck, DDS for a consultation today.

Basic Principles of Tooth Movement

Your teeth are designed to be able to respond to the stresses of a bite to move into a position where stress is minimized. In a healthy bite, this helps keep your teeth straight, but in a misaligned bite it can push your teeth further out of alignment. Fortunately, the process can also be harnessed to move your teeth back into alignment with orthodontic treatment.

When your teeth experience stress, they push on the jawbone, transferring that force. Your body removes bone from where it is stressed and builds it up in areas where there is less stress. This means that when teeth are pushed in a certain direction with constant force, they will move in that direction while maintaining connection to bone.

How Invisalign Moves Teeth

Invisalign treatment begins with x-rays, pictures, and an impression of your teeth which are converted into a computer image of your current tooth configuration. Invisalign’s software analyzes this position and determines the best path to move your teeth into an optimal configuration. It then breaks this movement down into a series of steps, which, depending on the amount of movement required, could be as little as 12 or more than 30. Invisalign then manufactures a clear plastic aligner to accomplish each step by gently pushing your teeth into position.

Each aligner will be worn for two weeks, and when you first put one on, you will feel the pressure it is exerting, but by the time you are ready to move on to the next one, the current one should feel perfectly comfortable. By the time you finish the full sequence of aligners, your teeth will be in the ideal arrangement designed by the program.

To prevent your teeth from moving back into their previous arrangement, you will need to wear a retainer.

Learn more about the Invisalign Treatment Process.

Can Invisalign Help You?

For more information, you can read Is Invisalign for Me? But the best way to learn if you are a candidate for Invisalign is to be evaluated by a dentist.

Please contact Michael P. Folck, DDS today for an evaluation.

Behind the Smile is...

Dr. Michael P. Folck, DDS
328 Louisa Avenue, Suite 120
| Virginia Beach, VA, 23454 |

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