Are you considering Invisalign treatment? If so, you’re probably wondering what to expect. In this blog post, we will give you a general overview of what Invisalign is and how it works, then we will walk you through the entire process, from consultation to retainer. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Invisalign! By the end of this post, you’ll have a good understanding of what Invisalign can do for you and how to make the most out of your treatment!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance system of clear, plastic aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Unlike other orthodontic appliances such as metal braces, Invisalign is practically invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them! These inconspicuous aligners are custom fitted to the teeth and can be used to treat crowded and crooked teeth in both adults and teens.
Invisalign aligners are fabricated using a state of the art material that applies gentle, constant force to the teeth. The treatment works by gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position using a series of clear, plastic aligners. Each aligner is slightly different, and as you progress through the treatment, each successive aligner will move your teeth a little bit further until they reach the desired position. The entire treatment process usually takes between 12 and 18 months, although this can vary depending on the individual.
Invisalign can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including:
- overcrowding: when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth
- underbite: when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth
- crossbite: when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly
- open bite: when there is a space between the chewing surfaces of the front teeth
- gapped teeth: when there is a noticeable space between the teeth
What is the Invisalign Process?
When starting anything new, it’s important to have a general idea of what to expect. While everyone’s experience may vary slightly, here is an idea of what to expect during the Invisalign process:
Consultation
The Invisalign process begins with a consultation with an Invisalign-certified orthodontist. During the consultation, your orthodontist will assess your dental situation and determine whether or not Invisalign is right for you. Most patients are candidates for Invisalign treatment, however there are a few exceptions. For example, individuals with severe malocclusion may not be ideal candidates.
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign, your orthodontist will take a 3D scan of your teeth which will be used to create a virtual copy of your teeth known as the virtual smile 3D scan. This scan will be used in coordination with Invisalign’s technology to design a customized treatment plan for your future smile.
The First Set of Aligners
The next step of the Invisalign process is to receive your first set of aligners. These aligners are custom-made for you based on your virtual smile 3D scan taken during your consultation, however your Invisalign dentist will still have you try them on to make sure they fit well. In some cases, minor adjustments may be needed.
Once you have your aligners, you will need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours per day, and you should only remove them when eating, brushing, or flossing. You can easily remove the aligners to eat or drink, then you simply brush your teeth before putting them back in. Every night, you will also need to rinse and brush your aligners to keep them fresh and clean.
Check-Ins With Your OrthodontistDentist
You will need to come in for regular check-ups during your treatment so that your orthodontist can monitor your progress. However, the good news is that you only need to come in once every 6-8 weeks. During these appointments, your orthodontist will check to ensure that everything is progressing as planned. They may also give you new aligners at these appointments, as well as instructions for when to switch aligners. In most cases, you can expect to wear each aligner for 1-2 weeks before progressing to the next aligner in the series.
Dental Retainer
Once your treatment is finished, you will be given a retainer to wear as directed. This is to ensure that your teeth don’t shift back into their original position. How often you need to wear your retainer will depend upon your individual situation. In many cases, you can expect to start off wearing your retainer full time and then after two months . However, you may eventually be able to only wear your retainer at night. The good news is that Invisalign offers a Vivera retainer that is made from the same discreet material as the aligners.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we have taken a look at the Invisalign process from start to finish. We hope that this has given you a better idea of what to expect if you are considering Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is a great way to achieve straight teeth without metal braces. The process is simple and straightforward, and the results are amazing! If you have any further questions about Invisalign, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.
