About Invisalign

The Invisalign System is a series of clear orthodontic appliances, called aligners, which allow you to straighten your teeth without having to wear traditional braces. Invisalign is an esthetic orthodontic appliance that corrects malocclusion using a series of custom-made, nearly invisible, removable Aligners. Each set of custom-made aligners is worn for about two weeks and moves the teeth in small steps to the desired final position. All of the benefits of traditional braces while being almost invisible.

After thoroughly investigating the Invisalign system, Dr. Joiner determined that it was proven to be a safe and effective method to provide patient treatment. This is particularly true for those patients who have avoided receiving treatment because they did not want to wear braces.

Dr Joiner is a certified and experienced Invisalign provider. After a quick visit to our office we will be able to let you know if you are a candidate for the Invisalign System. For more information about the Invisalign System please visit their web site at www.invisalign.com.

Return to Top of Page

Benefits of the Invisalign System

Key Benefits

• Undetectable - The clear aligners are virtually undetectable to others.
• Removable - The aligners are removable for eating brushing and flossing. No need to miss out on your favorite foods.
• Comfortable - The aligners are comfortable to wear, since there are no brackets, wires, or permanent fixtures.
• Effective and consistent results
  
  

Imagine having all of the health and cosmetic benefits that braces provide without being visible, or having difficulty brushing and without the loss of comfort. The Invisalign system may be what you were looking for. Please call our office and set up an appointment to see if the Invisalign System is right for you. For more information about the Invisalign System please visit their web site at www.invisalign.com.

Return to Top of Page

Before and After

The Invisalign System can provide significant results in very little time. Below are patients photos demonstrating the effective results of the Invisalign System.

BEFORE	AFTER

Return to Top of Page

Frequently Asked Questions

The following list of questions and answers is intended to be comprehensive but it still may not adequately address your questions or concerns. Please call our office if you would like to learn more about the Invisalign System and to find out if it is the right treatment plan for you.

1. What are the aligners made of?
2. What do they look like?
3. Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
4. Is this product safe? / Is it FDA approved?
5. Who are the candidates for Invisalign?
6. Does the Invisalign System work on all patients?
7. How do I get started with this system?
8. Does Dr. Joiner have any special training to use Invisalign?
   
9. Do they hurt?
10. How often must I wear my aligners?
11. Will my speech be affected?
12. How long does treatment take?
13. How often must I see the orthodontist?
14. How much does it cost?
15. Is this covered by my dental insurance?

1. What are the aligners made of?
The aligners are made of a clear medical-grade polymer, or plastic.

2. What do they look like?

Aligners are clear and virtually invisible. They look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but aligners are custom made for a better fit. Some people have referred to them as contact lenses for teeth because they are not really detectable to others.

3. Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
For years orthodontists have been using removable appliances for very limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, the Invisalign System treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

4. Is this product safe? / Is it FDA approved?
Yes, the Invisalign system has FDA clearance.

5. Who are the candidates for Invisalign?
The Invisalign System is an alternative to braces for patients who have full adult dentition and complete jaw growth. Dr. Joiner will determine if you are a good candidate during your initial exam.

6. Does the Invisalign System work on all patients?
Invisalign is effective on a broad range of cases. During your initial exam, the Dr. Joiner will determine if you are a good candidate.

7. How do I get started with this system?
Just make an appointment with our office for an initial exam.

8. Does Dr. Joiner have any special training to use Invisalign?
Yes. Training is required for doctors who want to use the Invisalign System in their practices. Dr. Joiner has attended an Invisalign training program to become certified and proficient in the various requirements for treating patients.

9. Do they hurt?
As with traditional braces, there may be a dull, achy sensation that occurs at the beginning stages of treatment.

10. How often must I wear my aligners?
Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

11. Will my speech be affected?
The vast majority of patients report no effect on speech. However, as with traditional orthodontic appliances, there is an initial adjustment period.

12. How long does treatment take?
The total duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the case and is generally equal to that of traditional braces. During your consultation, the doctor can provide you with more detail information.

13. How often must I see the orthodontist?
Appointment intervals are generally the same as with traditional braces.

14. How much does it cost?
As with braces, the cost of the Invisalign System depends on the complexity of your case and your course treatment.

15. Is this covered by my dental insurance?
Orthodontic benefits should be consistent with traditional braces.

 
Return to Top of Page

How Invisalign Works

Here's how it works:

1) The patient meets with Dr. Joiner who takes an impression and x-rays of the patient’s teeth. If the patient qualifies for treatment, impressions and x-rays are taken. Dr. Joiner fills out an Invisalign treatment form and sends all the materials to Align Technology.
2) At Align Technology, a mold is poured of the patient’s teeth impressions and digitized. Align Technology uses its proprietary computer software to generate a start-to-finish 3-D movie that shows the series of movements of the patient’s teeth from the current position to the desired final position.
3) Dr. Joiner reviews and approves the 3-D movie on Align Technology’s website (www.invisalign.com) and from these images, Align Technology produces a series of clear, plastic “aligners.”
4) The patient wears each stage of “aligners” (usually consisting of a pair, one each for lower and upper teeth) for approximately two weeks before switching to the next in the series. Week by week, the patient’s teeth are straightened millimeter by millimeter.
5) Total treatment time is similar to traditional braces.

Return to Top of Page