Creating Your Invisible Smile
By: admin | Friday, May 15th, 2015 | Invisalign
Friday, May 15th, 2015
We all know about how Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces. We know that they’re clear, retainer-like aligners that fit to your mouth in order to slowly move your teeth into the proper position. Whether you’re wearing them for bite issues or for aesthetic ones, Invisalign fits comfortably and seamlessly. But have you ever wondered how they are made so perfectly?
The Bare Beginnings
Obviously, the Invisalign process starts with your teeth. After you’ve decided to use Invisalign, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. While this might be uncomfortable, it is the worst part of the whole process. And it is most important! Every other aspect of making the aligners will come back to the shape of your teeth that is recorded by the molding process.
Turning Your Teeth Digital
After the dentist has the physical impression of your teeth, things get pixelated. That is, the dentist then uses a computer, together with the impression, to make a digital 3D model of your mouth. This step is the bridge between your current mouth (the impression) and the actual aligners that will go in your mouth. During this stage, you and your dentist consult together to form a plan of action.
Serious Stereolithography
The 3D digital model is then transferred to another 3D physical model via stereolithography. This process is technically complicated, but essentially, it uses laser beams to quickly solidify layers of previously-liquid resin. This technology allows these models to be made in just a day!
The Final Fittings
After the dental model is physically made, an automated forming system creates each liner that you will wear. These are then trimmed for comfort and delivered to you. When your dentist calls you in, he or she will carefully check that the aligners fit your mouth perfectly. While they might be a bit painful at first, this is normal with any sort of realignment system.
Now that you know how Invisalign “braces” are made, you can more fully appreciate how easy it really is to help straighten your teeth. It’s so simple—for both you and your dentist.
