INVISALIGN Interview With Dr. Roberto DiVito, For BIZYMOMS.com

1. What is Invisalign?

In the simplest term, Invisalign is a removable type of braces that uses pressure to move your teeth. The virtually clear trays (or aligners as they are called) allow the patient to take the appliance out of the mouth to eat, brush and floss their teeth. The clear aligners are inconspicuous and are a great way to improve your smile.

2. How does Invisalign work?

With Invisalign, you can address and fix misaligned teeth, spacing issues, such as crowding or crooked teeth, without the need for traditional metal-wire braces, brackets or bands that have long been used in the past. This is accomplished by progressively using the clear aligners to reposition your teeth in a step by step pace using gradual pressure until the desired tooth position/result is achieved. Usually the patient wears each set of aligners over a two-week period to move the teeth in increments.

3. What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign is more convenient than traditional braces and prevents the need to tighten wires, repair broken wires and deal with the irritation of the sharp metal edges on lips and tongue. While braces are still an effective treatment to move teeth, Invisalign, with all of its advantages and the comfort that comes with it, normally is the treatment of choice if possible. Invisalign also has been shown to help periodontal gum health.

4. How long does Invisalign treatment take?

The length of treatment is based on a case to case evaluation. Treatment time can differ for a period of five months to two years depending on the severity of the problem, the desired outcome and patient compliance. Remember that Invisalign only works if you wear it!

5. How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign can be 20 to 50 percent more than traditional braces treatments and remember, not all patient cases can be treated using Invisalign.