The Process of Creating Invisalign Aligners
We meticulously engineer Invisalign aligners by combining advanced technology and skilled craftsmanship. Here’s a closer look at how we make these clear aligners:
- Digital Impression: Your orthodontist will use a digital scanner or impression material to capture a highly detailed 3D model of your teeth and bite. We then send this digital impression to the Invisalign laboratory
- Treatment Planning: The Invisalign laboratory’s team of technicians and orthodontists will analyse your digital impression and develop a customised treatment plan. This plan maps out the step-by-step movements your teeth will undergo to achieve the desired alignment.
- Aligner Fabrication: Using the treatment plan, the laboratory will create a series of clear, plastic aligners. These aligners are made from a patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack®, which is designed to be comfortable, durable, and virtually invisible.
- Quality Control: Each set of aligners undergoes a rigorous quality control process to ensure they meet Invisalign’s strict standards. This includes checking the fit, clarity, and precision of the aligners.
Materials Used in Invisalign Manufacturing
The Invisalign system utilises a proprietary thermoplastic material called SmartTrack® to create clear, removable aligners. We designed this material to be
- Comfortable: The SmartTrack® material is flexible and smooth, minimising irritation to your gums and cheeks.
- Durable: We design the aligners to withstand the daily wear and tear of eating, drinking, and speaking
- Virtually Invisible: The clear, BPA-free material blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, making the aligners nearly undetectable.
In addition to the SmartTrack® material, Invisalign aligners may also incorporate the following components:
- Attachments: We bond small, tooth-coloured attachments to your teeth to help the aligner tooth movement
- Elastics: We use colourless rubber bands to apply additional pressure and facilitate more complex tooth movements
- Precision Cuts: We may trim or shape areas of the aligner to accommodate your dental anatomy.
How Technology Play a Role In Production
Invisalign’s manufacturing process is heavily reliant on advanced technology, which helps to ensure the precision and accuracy of the final product. Some of the key technologies used in Invisalign production include:
- Digital Imaging: We use high-resolution digital scanners to capture a precise 3D model of your teeth, and then we create your customized treatment plan and aligners from that model
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Invisalign’s team of technicians and orthodontists use specialised CAD software to design the aligners based on your unique dental anatomy and treatment plan.
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Once the aligner designs are finalised, the aligners are produced using state-of-the-art 3D printing and milling technologies.
- Robotic Assembly: The Invisalign manufacturing process incorporates the use of advanced robotic systems to assemble the aligners with a high degree of precision and consistency.
Book your consultation today to take the first step towards a straighter, more confident smile with Invisalign.