The Technology Behind Invisalign® at E Richard Hughes DDS

You may wonder what goes on at Invisalign® between the time that Dr. Hughes takes impressions of your teeth and when you receive your first set of aligners at our Sterling office.

State of the art computer technology plays a vital role in the process. In fact, Invisalign's® high-volume, customized manufacturing process is the first of its kind in the world.

Step 1

To ensure a high degree of accuracy throughout the process, impressions are taken of your teeth by Dr. Hughes.

Step 2

Dr. Hughes sends Invisalign® your impressions which are used to make plaster models of your teeth.

Step 3

Using advanced imaging technology, Invisalign® transforms your plaster models into a highly accurate 3-D digital image.

Step 4

A computerized movie - called ClinCheck® - depicting the movement of your teeth from the beginning to the final position is created.

Step 5

Using the Internet, Dr. Hughes reviews your ClinCheck file - if necessary, adjustments to the depicted plan are made.

Step 6

From your approved ClinCheck file, Invisalign® uses laser scanning to build a set of actual models that reflect each stage of your treatment plan.

Step 7

Your customized set of aligners are made from these models, sent to Dr. Hughes in Sterling, and given to you. You wear each aligner for about two weeks.

Step 8

After wearing all of your aligners in the series, you get the beautiful smile you've always wanted.