Invisalign remains a popular option for patients who need orthodontic treatment. But what does the step-by-step process look like? What can you expect when starting and moving through treatment? Read on to discover what kind of orthodontic experience you will have when choosing Invisalign.
Step One: Your Consultation
You will meet with your dentist for a scheduled consultation. This visit will include a thorough evaluation of your oral anatomy to determine whether Invisalign is the right solution for you. If so, your dentist will take digital impressions so that lab technicians have an accurate model to use when crafting your Invisalign trays. This more advanced imaging method eliminates the need for cold dental putty and produces more accurate scans, resulting in more comfortable aligners.
Step Two: Creating a Treatment Plan
Your dentist will take the collected information and use it to build a treatment plan for you to review. This will include details about what is necessary to move your teeth and bite into better alignment. Explaining the details with you should eliminate any surprises along the way. However, it is important to remember that teeth are not always predictable, so that adjustments may be required.
Step Three: Aligner Creation
Your Invisalign aligners will be crafted by technicians in an off-site laboratory. Using BPA-free plastic, they will build your trays according to the specifications provided and the proposed treatment plan. It can take about 4 weeks for them to be finished and returned to your dentist’s office.
Step Four: Starting Treatment
Once your dentist receives the trays in-house, you will return for a fitting and a clear list of instructions. With Invisalign, you will need to wear your trays for 20-22 hours to avoid delays. You will also need to remove them to eat, drink, and clean them regularly. If you want to keep your aligners transparent, avoid dark beverages as much as possible, as they can stain your trays.
Step Five: Follow-Up Appointments
Throughout treatment, you will need to meet with your dentist every 4-6 weeks to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. If adjustments are required, they will occur at this time. Otherwise, you shouldn’t expect these visits to last more than 15-20 minutes.
Step Six: Retention
Once your smile reaches its new location, you will be required to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in place. Initially, you will likely need to wear it full-time, but after several months, you may be able to transition to wearing it only at night.
Knowing what to expect with Invisalign can ease any concerns you might have, making this flexible orthodontic solution one you will not regret.
About the Author
Dr. Dhara Shah completed her dental degree at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and now serves as one of the lead dentists at Peabody Smile Design. With advanced Invisalign training, she readily helps patients who need treatment to straighten, align, or close gaps in their teeth. If you want a better solution than traditional braces to fix your smile, contact us at (978) 278-5478.