2018 was a big year for Align Technologies Inc., Invisalign’s parent company. Last year, and the year before, their Q4 financial report shows big gains in the market. If you’re an investor who’s taken an interest in Align Technologies, this is obviously good news. If you’re just a patient who is embarrassed by their crooked teeth, however, this is also good news. Apart from becoming a marketplace success, Invisalign has been continually improving their treatment using traditional orthodontic principles, data collected from over 20 years of patients, and the newest innovations in materials.
For those interested in fixing their crooked smile without the inconvenience of braces, there has been no better time to schedule that consultation, and talk to your dentist about Invisalign.
Utilizing ‘Big Data’ to Perfect Treatment
From election propaganda, targeted ads that somehow know when you’ve changed your location, to major congressional hearings, “Big data” has quickly become a buzzword that conjure feelings of distrust and even fright. The truth is, like most things, big data is a tool like anything else that can be used for good (or the opposite). In the case of Invisalign, data has been collected from over 6 million smiles and used to perfect their treatment, making it faster, safer, and more efficient. Using digital scan technology, your dentist is able to scan your smile, run the data through proprietary software, and map out a correction plan for your smile. This process can eliminate guesswork, giving you an accurate estimate of your treatment time.
Advanced Materials
But mapping out a correction plan is no good if you can’t actually follow the plan, and this posed a real problem for Align Technologies. They used a plastic aligner that initially started out strong enough to provide the necessary force to move your teeth, but it didn’t stay strong. In the warm and wet environment of the mouth, the plastic quickly lost strength. This meant that teeth moved slowly, and sometimes they didn’t reach their intended position.
So Align developed a new plastic for Invisalign. It’s still clear and BPA-free, but it’s also much stronger. And it retains its strength so that it can continue applying strong force to move your teeth. This makes Invisalign treatment faster and more predictable.
Invisalign Vs. Traditional Orthodontics
When compared with traditional orthodontics likes braces, Invisalign is the clear winner. Compared with traditional braces, Invisalign can correct your smile in as little as 6 months, cutting general treatment time by almost fifty percent. Coupled with a shorter treatment window, Invisalign also offers a more convenient way to straighten your smile. After your initial consultation, you’ll begin receiving clear aligners. These are less noticeable compared to metal braces, and can be removed at any time: before a meal, before a big meeting, etc. Each aligner is a progressive step toward fixing your smile, and can work in conjunction with regular dental visits to quickly and efficiently straighten your teeth.
Although many patients do experience pain, especially when switching aligners, many have reported the pain to be less than traditional braces.
Are You Ready to Change Your Smile?
If you’re tired of misaligned teeth, then it’s time to schedule an appointment. After an initial appointment, your dentist can inform you of your treatment options, expected treatment period, and any other questions you may have. Invisalign offers an aesthetically pleasing and faster way to correct crooked teeth.
If you live in or around Mohegan Lake, New York and would like to learn if Invisalign is right for you, please call (914) 526-2144 or contact Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake today to schedule an initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist.
