Invisalign
Invisalign combines the treatment plan of the orthodontist with advanced technology to create a series of clear, nearly invisible aligners that, when worn consistently, gradually move your teeth, or the teeth of your child, into the desired, stable position. Intraoral photographic scans, rather than traditional dental impressions, are used to create a highly accurate computerized model of your dentition that is used by Dr. Wong, along with specialized orthodontic imaging and his examination findings, to create a comprehensive treatment plan that is executed by a series of form-fitting aligners
Why See an Orthodontist for Invisalign: Comprehensive, Customized Treatment Planning
Although the technology involved in the Invisalign software is interesting, treatment success is dependent upon the orthodontist’s clinical understanding and his or her comprehensive, detailed treatment plan from which the aligners are produced.
Due to the complexities of orthodontic treatment planning, tooth root movement, and the unique mechanical properties of aligners, effective treatment specification through the Invisalign dashboard requires the clinician to be knowledgeable in both the specialty of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and the unique capabilities and limitations of aligners.
As with traditional braces, the clinician, not a computer program, determines the progression and types of tooth movement and, therefore, the ultimate tooth positions and appearance when using Invisalign aligners as a treatment tool.
Automated Invisalign treatment plans require extensive modification in over 95% of cases, and determining which cases require modification, and of what type, is not in a dentist’s skill set.
Also, due to the mechanical limitations of aligners, in-house modification of aligners through segmentation allows Dr. Wong to complete movements that would otherwise require braces. Dr. Wong recently attended a 15-person roundtable of leading North American orthodontists during which he presented unique aligner modification techniques to his colleagues.
Orthodontists such as Dr. Wong are specialists who have completed a two to three-year post-doctoral (post-dental school) master’s degree and residency in the science and practice of tooth movement and positioning.
Benefits of Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign aligners are discreet orthodontic tools that allow teens and adults to benefit from treatment while maintaining confidence in their appearance. Aligners are removable for brief periods, such as during a speech or while playing a wind instrument, if they remain in place for the required 22 hours per day.
With consistent wear and remote monitoring through a specialized phone application used in Dr. Wong’s office, a patient can move from one aligner to the next with fewer office visits.
Dr. Wong has treated international patients successfully with minimal in-person visits when that patient’s treatment requirements and consistent aligner wear allow their teeth to move according to Dr. Wong’s treatment plan without additional appliances.
Invisalign Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of treatment with Invisalign aligners is comparable to that with precision braces.
Determining factors of cost are those that influence treatment complexity and length.
During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Wong will use his treatment findings to determine the treatment complexity and cost.
You will leave your consultation knowing a comprehensive price and will be presented with payment options, including a payment slider, which you may use to choose an individualized monthly payment.
Another factor that influences overall cost is the patient’s willingness or ability to wear the aligners as required. Additional Invisalign costs may be accrued if aligner wear is inconsistent or disrupted, resulting in the need for a new treatment plan and set of aligners.
Treatment with Invisalign aligners by an orthodontist is covered under orthodontic insurance plans.
Like braces, aligners, whether the Invisalign brand or another, are treatment tools employed by Dr. Wong to execute his custom treatment plan, not an independent modality.
Invisalign Treatment Duration
Treatment with Invisalign aligners varies in duration according to the biologic complexity of the required tooth movements and the consistency with which the patient wears the aligners.
Aligners are very well suited to some types of movements but less so to others, which require more time for an aligner to accomplish than would be the case if using a fixed appliance.
An experienced orthodontist such as Dr. Wong can determine an approximate length of treatment by thoroughly evaluating the patient’s face, bones, and dentition while considering the mechanical properties of aligners as they act on the teeth.
Why Choose Dr. Wong for Invisalign Treatment
A Diamond Invisalign provider and expert in both orthodontic treatment planning and execution, Dr. Wong is fully versed in utilizing Invisalign aligners and regularly participates in advanced conferences presented exclusively to orthodontists.
Automated Invisalign treatment plans used by general dentists require extensive modification for correct treatment outcomes in over 95% of cases, and determining which cases require modification, and of what type, is not in a dentist’s skill set. Using his expertise in orthodontic tooth movement and dento-facial orthopedics, Dr. Wong overrides automated Invisalign plans, producing a comprehensive, individualized prescription of non-intuitive organic movements to achieve a stable and aesthetically pleasing outcome for both the teeth and the face.
In addition to treatment-plan customization, Dr. Wong has developed aligner modifications to overcome the mechanical disadvantages of Invisalign. As noted above, Dr. Wong, who is recognized for treatment excellence, recently attended a 15-person, invitation-only roundtable of leading North American orthodontists during which he presented unique aligner segmentation techniques to his colleagues. Dr. Wong’s aligner modification techniques allow him to create movements with aligners that, otherwise, could only be accomplished with braces.
Having successfully treated over 8,000 orthodontic patients, Dr. Wong looks forward to exploring with you the potential of Invisalign as a treatment tool and prescribing the course of treatment for you or your child that will result in a stable, healthy, and beautiful smile!
For more information or to schedule a complimentary initial consultation, please visit our contact page or call 206-812-4494.