What are Invisalign trays made of?

In today's society, we are frequently judged by our appearance, with a focus on facial beauty. Kelton research conducted a perception study, which found that the smile is the feature most Americans notice and recall first when they meet someone. As more people are beginning to understand the value of a healthy, attractive smile, they are seeking orthodontic correction for crooked teeth.

Invisalign is a popular alternative to metal wire and bracket braces. This discreet system is ideal for image conscious teens and adults who want straighter teeth but will not consider traditional metal orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are transparent and therefore inconspicuous. Virtually no one will notice that you are straightening your teeth.

They are strong and flexible enough to be comfortable to wear during the day, as well as when you sleep at night. Additional benefits include easy oral hygiene and no food restrictions because the state of the art aligner trays are removable.

Invisalign aligners or trays are made of medical grade plastic: polyurethane from methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and 1.6-hexanediol to be exact. The United States Pharmacopeia or the USP is the official pharmacopeia of the United States. USP standards for medical devices and prescriptions must be met and Invisalign materials are shown to be biocompatible to use for human use in the oral cavity.

Invisalign aligner trays are made in a highly controlled, high-tech medical manufacturing facility that utilizes specialized robots to mold and carve out each custom tray with laser precision. When your trays are ready, you will be given a series of trays and instructions for use and care. Each tray should be worn a minimum of 20-22 hours per day for two weeks, then be exchanged for the next tray in the series. Each aligner is scribed with permanent numbers so that you will not be confused as to which aligner you are supposed to be wearing.

Dr. Leo will want to see you about every six weeks to check on the progress of the treatment. As an additional benefit, Invisalign saves time. Fewer dental appointments are required, and the visits are shorter than with traditional orthodontics, however overall treatment time is about the same. In some cases, traditional orthodontics may be a better option to achieve the most satisfactory results.

Call (520) 889-1100 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Leo Toureno today to discuss the best way to achieve straighter teeth, better oral health, and a beautiful smile.