So many of our patients want to know that What is in Invisalign Plastic? But before that, you should know that what is Invisalign and how it is used. It used to be that in order to straighten your teeth you had to suffer through months or years with metal braces. However, now Invisalign offers an alternative to metal braces, with discreet, clear aligners.
Some of our patients question how this is even possible. Many patients actually ask our Boca Raton Invisalign dentists to explain what exactly Invisalign aligners are made of that make them strong enough to move teeth. Today I’m going to explain what Invisalign aligners are made of, and why this material is beneficial for cosmetic dentistry.
What are Invisalign aligners made of?
Invisalign aligners are made of an FDA-approved polymer—they are plastic resin aligners. This material is flexible but resilient. Additionally, it can be molded precisely, which is why it can be used for Invisalign aligners to move teeth gradually.
Using a high-grade polyurethane is beneficial for a number of additional reasons, such as:
- Less Irritation: Metal braces scratch the inside of the cheeks and can irritate the gums. On the other hand, a plastic resin is smooth and irritant-free. For this reason, Invisalign aligners are also useful for patients with metal allergies.
- Discreetness: Because the plastic resin is clear, Invisalign aligners fit snugly and unobtrusively over the teeth—they’re practically invisible. Many patients consider this to be a major cosmetic advantage over metal braces.
A SPECIAL KIND OF PLASTIC used to make Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are customized trays that are made out of plastic, or something called “polyurethane resins.” To get really technical, these resins are actually a blend of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and 1.6-hexanediol. They are also medical grade with a high molecular weight.
This biocompatible material is strong enough to gradually shift the teeth through focused pressure, but also comfortable enough that you can wear them without any issue. Plus, because this material is clear, you can feel confident enough to speak and smile — even while you are straightening your teeth.
HOW THE ALIGNERS ARE MADE
To set you up with your treatment, your dentist will take X-rays and digital scans of your teeth to identify the proper treatment method for repositioning the teeth. This information is then sent to the Invisalign lab, where your aligners will be made according to the precise specifications of your treatment plan.
Once the aligners have been created, they are shipped either directly to you or to your dentist’s office. You can begin the Invisalign treatment as soon as you receive your aligners. Because they match your dentition exactly at each stage of the process, Invisalign is comfortable — often more so than fixed metal brackets and wires.
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IS INVISALIGN Good FOR YOU?
Many patients can benefit from Invisalign clear aligners. The only way to find out whether or not this is an option for you is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your orthodontic issues. Crowded teeth, gapped teeth, as well as overbite, underbite, and crossbite can all be treated with Invisalign.
It’s never too late to benefit from straighter teeth and a more attractive smile. Don’t wait to find out whether or not you can undergo treatment with Invisalign clear aligners! If the answer is yes, you can usually get started right away.
The virtually invisible aligners are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for your Invisalign treatment plan and look similar to teeth-whitening trays.
Invisalign SmartTrack aligners or trays are made of medical-grade plastic: Multilayer aromatic thermoplastic polyurethane/polyester to be exact. Invisalign aligners are classified as Class II medical devices by the FDA, and Align Technology has held the necessary 510K clearance from the FDA since 1998 to be able to sell and market the Invisalign system.
The federal standards for medical devices and prescriptions have been met and Invisalign materials are shown to be biocompatible for human use in the oral cavity.
In today’s society, we are frequently judged by our appearance, with a focus on facial beauty. Kelton’s 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.
Why Invisalign is popular?
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.
What medical grade type of plastic used in Invisalign?
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.
Invisalign plastic safety / Is Invisalign Toxic?
At times wearing aligners may cause nausea, painful ingestion of food, dryness of mouth, and headaches. Rarely swelling of eyes is also reported with the usage of aligners. Aligners may also cause breakouts on the lips. Few patients may also report fatigue, soreness, and breakouts on the tongue.
