A breakthrough in aesthetic dentistry
Invisalign® is a breakthrough treatment in dentistry that allows patients to straighten their teeth without using braces.
Instead, patients use a series of clear, removable aligners that they change every two weeks, until their teeth have straightened to the final position you prescribe.
Also known as sequential aligner therapy, Invisalign® uses these plastic aligners to move teeth in a carefully preordained, chronologically defined sequence through gentle but continuous ‘push’ forces. Aligner therapies like Invisalign® are comfortable for patients, and give you predictable control over individual tooth movements. Since its inception, more than three million people worldwide have straightened their teeth with Invisalign®.
Invisalign® treatment plans combine proven orthodontic science with 3D computer graphics that project tooth movement so that you can visualise the planned tooth movements and show this to your patients.
Patients will have a series of aligners that they change every two weeks. Each aligner is worn for 22 hours a day – it is removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. Treatment times vary and are customised to meet each individual’s needs .
Each patient’s treatment plan is entirely individual. Invisalign® can be an effective tool for minor to moderate tooth movements or as an element in multi-discipline treatments. It’s a valuable modern technology for every general dentist.
Once a patient has finished a successful orthodontic treatment, retaining the teeth in their new position is a vital next step. Following active movement, teeth have a tendency to return to their pre-treatment positions due to periodontal, occlusal and soft tissue forces. Retainers help them resist this.
There are two classes of orthodontic retainers: fixed and removable.
Fixed retainer (permanent) - When soft tissue pressure is constantly producing a relapse tendency, fixed retainers can be used. These are designed for an indefinite or prolonged retention period. Some of the most commonly used fixed retainers include bonded lingual or palatal wires and cemented lingual arch wires.
Removable retainer (temporary) - Removable retainers are designed for limited retention periods. These allow for gingival and periodontal tissues to be stabilised. At Southern Cross Dental, we recommend Vivera® retainers from Align Technology.
Ongoing SCD support
Need Treatment Planning support? Have a case ready to go? After you have been trained in Invisalign® treatment, you are not alone. We are here to support you with your patients’ cases.
After you send your initial patient consultation moulds and digital photos to the SCD Invisalign®department, our team will work with you to create a treatment plan suited to the individual patient. If you find that your patient is not tracking as expected we can revise the plan, to make sure you achieve the best possible aesthetic and functional result for your patient. Simply call us on 09 379 9778 (Auckland) or 07 346 0516 (Rotorua).
As of January 2019, Invisalign® will be the provider of Invisalign® education courses. To find out more or register visit Invisalign New Zealand.