Introducing Invisalign® — The Straightest Way to a Great Smile

Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It’s virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you’re straightening your teeth.

Clearly Different
The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by your orthodontist. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office and Dr. Crist will determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners -- as few as 12 or as many as 48. Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually -- week by week until the final alignment Dr. Crist prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before!

If you want to learn more about Invisalign and how it works, please visit the Invisalign Homepage.

To ensure the best possible results, only an orthodontist who has been trained and certified by Align Technology can diagnose and treat using Invisalign. Invisalign is not intended for children and is not appropriate for every adult. Only an orthodontist can determine if this treatment is an effective option for you. To see if Invisalign can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted, call Dr. Crist at 605-361-0016 to make an appointment.

INVISALIGN

PURPOSE
Invisalign is a convenient, "invisible" way to straighten your teeth.

WEAR
Aligners must be worn a minimum of 20-22 hours every 24-hour period. Only remove aligners to eat, brush and floss your teeth. When removed, store them in the blue retainer case and keep away from children, pets and extreme temperatures.

INSERTION AND REMOVAL
When inserting the aligners, gently slip them over the front teeth and apply equal pressure on both sides of the aligner sliding the fingers to the back of the mouth until the aligner snaps into place.

When removing the aligners, place the fingers simultaneously on both sides to gently lift the back portion off the teeth then move the fingers to the front portion and remove the aligners completely.

Make sure to check the aligner BEFORE inserting - the top is marked with a "U" for upper and the lower is marked with an "L" - the number of the tray you are wearing is also found in this area.

When progressing to a new set of aligners you must follow this sequence: When finished with the first set, clean and store them in the red retainer case, use them ONLY as a back up to your second set. When finished with the second set, return the first set to our office and use the second set as your back and so on throughout your treatment.

If the aligners are still tight fitting after the recommended wear time, continue to wear them one more week before advancing to the next set. You may notice a small excess of space between your aligner and the teeth when first placed - the teeth will gradually move into the correct position and eliminate the space - IF THE ALIGNER DOES NOT FIT PROPERLY CONTACT OUR OFFICE.

ATTACHMENTS
Tooth colored buttons may be attached to the teeth to aid in specific movements. Make sure you check your attachments regularly and if all are not present contact our office.

Repeated breakage of the attachments (3 or more times) will result in the assessment of a $35.00 excessive breakage fee.

CARE

Clean your aligners prior to each insertion with a toothbrush and cool tap water. Toothpaste may dull the shine of the aligner.

DO NOT use a denture cleaner.
DO NOT soak the aligners in mouthwash as staining of the tray may occur.
DO NOT use bleaching agents with the aligners.
DO NOT place in boiling water or ever rinse with hot water as warping of the aligner may occur.

WHAT TO EXPECT
A period of adjustment will be necessary following the placement of aligners. Difficulty with speech is normal at first - adaptation to the aligners through reading and talking will improve speech.
Some minor discomfort is expected, and it is recommended that you use Ibuprofen as needed.