How Does Invisalign Straighten Teeth?
Quick Answer
Invisalign uses a series of custom-moulded clear plastic aligners that apply gentle, controlled force to shift teeth incrementally.
The Full Story
A dentist or orthodontist takes a 3D digital scan of the patient's teeth and uses software to map the desired movement from start to finish. This plan is divided into stages, each represented by a new aligner tray made from medical-grade thermoplastic (SmartTrack). Patients switch to a new tray every one to two weeks; each tray moves teeth about 0.25–0.33 mm. Small tooth-coloured "attachments" are sometimes bonded to teeth to give aligners extra grip for complex movements. Treatment typically takes 6–18 months, and over 17 million people worldwide have used Invisalign since its 1999 launch.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Clear Aligners vs. Braces — How Invisalign Works"