What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

Yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, Invisalign® has been proven effective at straightening teeth.

Invisalign® uses "ClinCheck®", 3-D computer imaging technology, to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "Aligners" are produced. Each "Aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

There are four primary benefits of Invisalign®:

For years, orthodontists and dentists have used other removable appliances for limited and simple treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, Invisalign® treats a broader range of cases with greater precision.

Align Technology, Inc., the company that manufactures Invisalign®, was founded in 1997.

Currently, over 500,000 patients are being treated with Invisalign®. The number grows daily.

While Invisalign® is a system with unique computer application and specific treatment process, special training is needed. All orthodontists and dentists interested in treating patients with Invisalign® must attend a training program before cases will be accepted from their office.

Like brackets and archwires, Invisalign® Aligners move teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force on the teeth. The principal difference is that Invisalign® not only controls forces, but also controls the timing of the force application. At each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move, and these movements are determined by the orthodontic treatment plan for that particular stage. This results in an efficient force delivery system.

Just make an appointment with an Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist for an initial consultation.

Specific training is needed to use Invisalign®; as a result, orthodontists and dentists are required to become Invisalign®-accredited before they can begin treating patients with Invisalign®.

At this time Invisalign® is marketed in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, South America, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, etc..

As with other types of orthodontic treatment, the cost of Invisalign® is heavily dependent on the complexity of a patient's case, we are unable to provide specific cost information. The cost is generally more expensive than traditional braces.

You can call Invisalign® Hotline: (852) 3106-8677 or email to patient@invisalign.com.hk, or contact your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontists or dentists for more details.

What are Aligners made of?

Aligners are made of clear medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as "contact lenses for teeth".

Yes, the FDA has reviewed our application and in August 1998 determined that Invisalign® is exempt from 510(k) pre-market notification.

An Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist can use Invisalign® to treat a vast majority of adults & adolescents. By having the initial consultation, your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist can best determine which treatment is best for you.

The minimum age is 12 years old, providing that his/ her second molars are fully-erupted.

Some patients are treated with some form of combination of braces and Invisalign®. We recommend that you consult your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist to determine the best treatment for you.

An Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist can use Invisalign® to treat a vast majority of adults & adolescents including those with overbite.

No, crowns are usually not a factor in Invisalign® treatment. However, sometimes small composites called "attachments" are bonded onto teeth to help achieve certain movements. In these cases, the location of crowns must be carefully evaluated by an Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist. To find out if crowns will adversely impact your orthodontic treatment, consult an Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist.

Yes. Spaces between teeth are generally easy to close with the Invisalign® System.

Because bridges firmly link two or more teeth together, they can offer significant resistance to tooth movement. Your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist will be able to determine whether bridges will be a factor in your treatment.

Will the treatment be painful?

As compared with braces, Invisalign® is much more comfortable for not having metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. Some people experience temporary, minor discomfort for a few days at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This is normal and is typically described as a feeling of pressure. It is a sign that Invisalign® is working - sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination. This discomfort typically goes away a couple of days after you insert the new Aligner in the series.

Like all orthodontic treatments, Aligners may temporarily affect the speech of some people, and you may have a slight lisp for a day or two. However, as your tongue gets used to having Aligners in your mouth, any lisp or minor speech impediment caused by the Aligners should disappear.

No. Unlike traditional wires & brackets, you can eat whatever you desire while in treatment because you remove your Aligners to eat and drink. Thus, there is no need to restrict your consumption of any of your favorite foods and snacks, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Also, it is important that you brush your teeth after each meal and prior to re-inserting your Aligners to maintain proper hygiene.

We discourage smoking while wearing Aligners because it is possible for the Aligners to become discolored.

No, gum will stick to the Aligners. We recommend removing your Aligners for all meals and snacks.

The best way to clean your Aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water. Please refer to Tips on wearing your Aligners. You may also purchase Invisalign® cleaning system from your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist.

Aligners should be worn all day, around 22 hours of wear, except when eating, brushing and flossing.

Your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist will schedule regular appointments - usually about once every six weeks. This is the only way your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist can be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

All people have to wear retainer after the treatment to prevent teeth from moving. Invisalign® has its own retainer which looks the same as the Aligner. There are other types of retainer, depending on the outcome of treatment. Discuss this with your Invisalign®-accredited orthodontist or dentist.