ALIGNERS
At Pāpāmoa Orthodontist we offer Invisalign® clear aligners*. They are a great alternative for people that are not interested in braces but are motivated to improve their smile. Aligners are a series of custom-made, removable, clear trays that are replaced every 1-2 weeks. Tooth-coloured attachments are bonded to your teeth to ensure the teeth move more predictably.
If you choose to explore the Invisalign option, a 3D scan of your teeth is uploaded and a virtual outcome is created using specialised software. Once we’re satisfied with the proposed movements, the aligners are manufactured.
As with all appliances, aligners have strengths and weaknesses. There are a number of cases that are significantly less predictable with this system compared to braces. There are, however, specific situations in which they are actually preferable.
The main benefits of Invisalign are:
- While not completely invisible, clear aligners are still very discreet
- It’s easier to clean and floss your teeth
- They’re removed for eating, meaning fewer restrictions on what you can eat during treatment.
If you’re interested in Invisalign, come and see us at Papamoa Orthodontist for a consultation. Sometimes it’s possible to combine aligners and braces, which might be a suitable compromise for some patients. We cater to the needs of people in Papamoa, Te Puke, Mount Maunganui and Tauranga.
*Invisalign, the Invisalign logo, and iTero, among others, are trademarks and/or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.