Children, Teens and Adults
The face of orthodontics changed forever when Invisalign debuted in 1998. Invisalign has effectively straightened and beautified smiles for decades. Children as young as 7 can be successfully treated with Invisalign. Even patients who have been told they are not candidates for Invisalign can often enjoy successful treatment. The possibilities are broader than one might think, and the only way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation.
The Product
Invisalign aligners are removable trays that are made from flexible plastic. Your orthodontist designs the desired tooth movements and Invisalign manufactures the aligners so that they apply the force, needed to move the teeth. This plastic is a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack and was created exclusively for Invisalign. Of course, Invisalign aligners are FDA-approved and are free from BPA, BPS, latex, or gluten. They are thin and clear and fit, securely over your teeth, while appearing invisible - hence the company's name, Invisalign. Aligners are changed every week, on average, and are extremely comfortable.
The Possibilities
At Lux, we recognize each patient is unique and deserves an individualized approach to their treatment, no matter what appliance they choose. If Invisalign cannot be used successfully, other options will be provided. At Lux, Invisalign is used to treat dental underbites, open bites or crossbites (front or back teeth), missing, extra or malpositioned teeth (visible in the mouth and on X-ray), habits like thumb or finger sucking and severe crowding. Additionally, patients preparing to receive dental implants or jaw surgery can also have their teeth positioned using Invisalign.
The Process
The first step is to schedule a consultation. At Lux, patients complete a thorough medical and dental history and are then scanned using the digital iTero 3D scanner. The scanner provides a simulation of what the teeth can look like using Invisalign. Photographs of the face and teeth along with a 3D Ultra Low Dose X-ray are also taken. All of this information is used by Dr Cohen to diagnose and create a customized treatment plan. The aligners are then manufactured to achieve the desired goals.
The Daily Picture
At Lux, the goal is to create a customized routine for each patient. Younger patients and older patients may prefer to wear their trays at different times of day depending on their work, school or travel schedule. The aligners can be changed every 5, 7, 10 or 14 days depending on the patient, their motivation and the treatment being rendered. There is flexibility in customizing all of these aspects so that patients do not feel overwhelmed or experience patient burn-out while, at the same time, the bone biology surrounding tooth movement is considered. There is a human being, attached to the teeth and that is the approach taken at Lux.
The Virtual Component
At Lux, Virtual Care is a significant part of the treatment and patient experience. At the beginning of treatment, patients are invited to participate in Virtual Care by downloading the Invisalign app. We provide cheek retractors and instructions on how to submit photos of the teeth and the bite each week. We review photo submissions and communicate directly with our patients to encourage them on a job well done or to provide helpful guidance on how to improve their aligner wear. This platform allows many follow up appointments to also take place virtually. At Lux, up to 50% of the appointments can be virtual. The key is the communication and interaction between our team and the patient.