Because of trademarks, Invisalign is the only device of its kind used in orthodontia today. Read on to learn how this technology has benefited its recipients over the years.
When it comes to an alternative to traditional metal braces,
the options are few and far between. But if you're looking for results similar to traditional orthodontia without the embarrassing mouth full of metal that comes with it, there is really only one option to seek out.
Lets be honest, no one thinks traditional braces look particularly good. It was with this in mind that led the folks at Invisalign to know they were on to something with their product. Whether you're a 12-year-old boy or a 45-year-old mother, orthodontics may be the only way you can ever have that perfect smile you've always wanted. In nearly every case, this means having to deal with a mouth full of braces. No matter what age you are, that is never an appealing proposition.
These days, however, there is an option for those who hope to straighten their teeth without having the embarrassing stigma of having a "metal mouth" attached to them. For anyone who had already suffered through the teasing and taunts of being "metal mouth," it was what they always dreamed of. For those who had always avoided going to the orthodontics simply because they didn't want to deal with the embarrassment, it was just what they were looking for.
Invisalign is a set of removable tooth aligners that is similar to a molded mouthpiece. It is clear in color, making it easy to hide the fact that an individual is wearing one, and it slides over the teeth and rests in place. The unit must be removed during eating and drinking anything other than water, but otherwise is to be worn between 20 and 23 hours per day.
If the idea of a clear, invisible set of braces is appealing to you, you are not alone. According to Align Technology, the company that makes Invisalign, over 700,000 patients have worn the unit and nearly 50,000 doctors worldwide carry the product.
If you're looking for another set of invisible braces, you are out of luck as well. A competitor in the market, OrthoClear, launched its own similar product early last decade only to find itself embroiled in a legal battle with Align Technology.
One of Align's founders had created OrthoClear to compete for the expanding market, only to have Align file a complaint with the International Trade Commission in January of 2006 claiming that OrthoClear had utilized trade secrets and used patented materials in creating and moving its product.
The case was settled in September of that year, with OrthoClear discontinuing its production of aligners as a result. Align also acquired the sole rights to all the information disputed in the suit and remains the sole major commercial entity on the cutting edge of the industry today.
Invisalign's cosmetic appeal and proven results have helped it gain a foothold in the field of orthodontics over the past several years, but this is only buoyed by the fact that it is the only major supplier of such a product currently in business. If you find yourself in the market for a product that will help straighten your teeth without compromising your appearance, there's really only one place to turn.
