What Invisalign is
Invisalign consists of 14 to 60 individually thermoformed plastic aligners, changed every one to two weeks. Each aligner moves the teeth a few tenths of a millimeter further toward the target position. The practical advantage is planability: before the first aligner, the software calculates a 3D model of the entire treatment and shows the end result. You see the simulation in the second appointment and can have the plan adjusted.
A full description of the procedure is on our service overview for braces and Invisalign. This page shows what the procedure in Winterthur looks like specifically.
Initial consultation in Winterthur
In the initial consultation Dr. Toloudis takes an intraoral scan, photos and a clinical examination. He discusses with you whether Invisalign is suitable for your misalignment or whether fixed appliances are the better option. Up to this point no treatment costs accrue for you. About two weeks after the scan Dr. Toloudis shows the digital simulation of the end result and prepares the written cost estimate.
Procedure at the location
Initial consultation and scan in Winterthur, aligner delivery to the practice, check-up appointments every six to eight weeks. Dr. Toloudis checks treatment progress at each check-up and releases the next aligners. Between check-ups you switch aligners yourself at home.
For acute problems such as a lost attachment or a damaged aligner, we are available Mon-Fri 07-20 and on weekends.
When Invisalign is not enough
With pronounced skeletal misalignments, complex rotational movements or combined orthodontic-surgical therapies, fixed appliances or combination therapy are necessary. Dr. Toloudis discusses this in the assessment. If Invisalign does not fit, we treat with fixed brackets or with lingual technique.
Early treatment in children
In some children, indications for orthodontic early treatment already appear between six and eight years. Early intervention can shorten or avoid a later more complex treatment. Dr. Toloudis treats children in the mixed dentition and during puberty.
Retainer
Orthodontics does not end with the last aligner. Teeth tend to migrate back to their original position. A retainer, a very fine wire on the inside of the front teeth, prevents this effect. We check it annually as part of dental hygiene in Winterthur.
Getting to the Winterthur practice
Resident Winterthur, Bahnhofplatz 5b, 8400 Winterthur. Directly at the main station, three minutes’ walk from the station exit. Tram, bus and train stops in front of the building. Station parking garage with direct staircase access to the practice building.