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 from which aligners are made is sophisticated, 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 outcome when using Invisalign aligners as a treatment tool. Orthodontists such as Dr. Wong are specialists who have completed a two to three-year post-doctoral program and residency subsequent to dental school.
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, a patient may move from one aligner to the next without regular office visits. Dr. Wong has treated international patients successfully with only minimal in-person visits when that patient’s treatment requirements and consistent aligner wear allow.
Invisalign Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of treatment with Invisalign aligners is comparable to that with precision braces using LightForce 3-D printed brackets or the invisible Brava appliance. Determining factors of cost are those that influence treatment length, including case complexity and 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 Dr. Wong to re-plan your or your child’s treatment and produce a second set of aligners.
Treatment with Invisalign aligners by an orthodontist is covered under orthodontic insurance plans. Like braces or the Brava appliance, aligners, whether the Invisalign brand or another, are treatment tools employed by Dr. Wong, 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.
What Dr. Wong Brings to Invisalign Treatment
A Diamond Invisalign provider and expert in orthodontic treatment planning and execution, Dr. Wong is fully versed in utilizing Invisalign aligners and continues to participate in advanced seminars presented exclusively to orthodontists on the evolution of Invisalign’s treatment-planning dashboard through which he specifies a comprehensive, individualized prescription of non-intuitive organic movements to achieve a stable and aesthetically pleasing outcome for both the teeth and the face.
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.