There are plenty of advantages to choosing Invisalign over traditional braces, but the details of the process itself aren’t as widely known.
We’re here to clear up any misconceptions about the invisible straighteners and help familiarize you with the treatment:
Before Treatment
During the initial consultation, your dentist will assess whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign and discuss your desired outcome. At this time you should ask any questions you may have about the process and seriously consider the commitment required for this treatment. If daily upkeep of retainers seems daunting to you, Invisalign will likely be a waste of time and money, as true results only occur when trays are worn diligently.
Once you and your dentist have determined that Invisalign is right for you, they will take impressions and digital x-rays of your teeth to create a digital image. Digital imaging allows your dentist to create a detailed treatment plan that estimates how long treatment will last and shows exactly how your teeth will move throughout the process.
Your custom aligners are then created from the digital scan using CAD/CAM technology. This process will take around four weeks.
During Treatment
You will receive three sets of retainers, to be worn for two weeks at a time, respectively. With each tray your teeth will shift slightly to better match your next tray, getting straighter each time. You may experience some discomfort during the first few days of each new set as your teeth adjust to the tray.
Every six weeks, you will meet with your dentist to check alignment and receive your next set of clear aligners. For best results, you should wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day and only remove them for eating, cleaning, and dental hygiene purposes.
After Treatment
Because of the shifting of your teeth, your jaw bones will be softer than they were before treatment. This softness may allow your teeth to shift back out of position, so your dentist will provide a plan curb any shifting. In time, your jawbone will return to its previous strength.
You will receive a retainer to prevent your teeth from reverting to the previous alignment, in the form of either:
- A clear set similar to the Invisalign aligners; or
- A permanent retainer bonded to the inside of your teeth.
If you choose the removable retainer, you should treat it as you did your Invisalign aligners, wearing them full-time except for eating, drinking, and oral care. You’ll need to do this for six months to one year, at which point you may switch to only wearing your retainer while sleeping.
Invisalign allows you to smile with confidence both during and after your treatment. To start your journey to straighter teeth, book a complimentary consult with us today.
