Invisalign: New Orthodontic Technology
Lauren N. Longfellow
Illinois Central College
DHYGN 228
November 7, 2014
Page Break Invisalign Invisalign is the movement of teeth without the use of bands, brackets, or wires. (Wong, 2002). According to Dr. Wong, it was discovered in 1945 by Dr. H.D. Kesling, who with the use of a flexible tooth positioning appliance could alter the location of the teeth. (Wong, 2002). Each patient's set of Invisalign trays is different than the other and is tailored to meet the individual's mouth. There are many pros and cons of Invisalign for not only the patients but the orthodontist and dental hygienist. It is a fairly easy process for the office although there are several steps that…show more content… There are several advantages of Invisalign over conventional appliances that help benefit the patient. The aligners are more ideally esthetic to patients than braces and other appliances. They are relatively invisible and may only be noticeable by the slight sheen to the teeth in a close-up view. (Joffe, 2003.) According to Joffe and the 60 plus treatments experienced by this author and orthodontist, the looks of the aligners are the most appealing advantage to Invisalign and a huge reason as to why it is picked over other appliances. The ease of use for the patient is also an added bonus. The aligners are easy to insert and can be quickly and painlessly removed. Since there are no brackets cutting into gums or tightening of the brackets causing pain, the aligners provide more comfort. The upkeep of oral hygiene is more simple with the aligners. They need no special treatment and just require a routine brushing with toothpaste at night or as needed. It is easier to clean the teeth as opposed to braces where the patient has to clean around the brackets and wires. This is a huge benefit to patients who have periodontal involvement to better their oral hygiene home care and fix their malpositioned teeth. (Edalatpajouh, 2013). Dr. Robert Boyd, chair of orthodontics at the University of the Pacific and one of the early pioneers of Invisalign, found during clinical trials that plaque control, tissue inflammation, bone loss, and mobility were all decreased with Invisalign treatment. (Edalatpajouh, 2013). This is a positive to patients who do not want to go through the hassle, looks and pain of braces but sincerely want to fix their teeth and periodontal