Invisalign aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a more comfortable and transparent solution for orthodontic treatment. But where are these clear aligners made and what is the process for obtaining them? In this article, we'll explore the manufacturing process of Invisalign and how to get them for yourself or your child. Invisalign aligners are manufactured by Align Technology, a medical device company based in California. Using an advanced 3D printing process, the company's manufacturing plant ships up to 80,000 custom aligners per day.
The aligners are made from a thermoplastic material developed exclusively for Invisalign treatment plans and look similar to teeth whitening trays. Invisalign products are manufactured in Mexico and treatment plans are created in Costa Rica. Align Technology also operates independent subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Australia that sell Invisalign in their respective markets. Before you can get Invisalign braces, you'll need to have a consultation and evaluation with an orthodontist to determine if they're a good option for straightening your teeth.
The orthodontist will then create a custom treatment plan for you that will be used to make your aligners. In addition to treating adults, some orthodontists also treat teens with Invisalign clear aligners. These orthodontists have met federal standards for medical devices and prescriptions and have been shown to be biocompatible for human use in the oral cavity. Once the treatment plan is created, it will be sent to Align Technology's lab technicians who will use it to create a series of custom-made aligners tailored specifically for you.
The aligners will be designed to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your orthodontist. After your treatment is complete, you'll need to wear Vivera retainers to keep your new smile in place and prevent your teeth from moving back into their original positions. Vivera retainers do not contain bisphenol-A or phthalate plasticizers, making them safe for use in the mouth. Invisalign First is a new treatment designed specifically for growing children with simple to complex tooth straightening problems such as crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches.
Valuable Invisalign (VIP) providers are orthodontists who have historically treated a higher percentage of cases with Invisalign clear aligners. If you're considering getting Invisalign braces, it's important to find an experienced orthodontist who has done thousands of cases before. This way, they can use their experience to make adjustments to the final design of your aligners and ensure that you get the desired results.
