Over the years, the Invisalign treatment process has become an increasingly popular orthodontic option among adults and older teens. After all, it lets you straighten your smile without having to wear unsightly metal braces to school or work! But what actually happens during the treatment? Below is a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect when you choose Invisalign.
Step 1: Consultation
The process of getting Invisalign begins when you schedule a consultation with your dentist. They’ll need to examine your smile to make sure that you’re a candidate for the treatment. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic corrections; more advanced issues, like severely rotated teeth, may call for traditional braces.
If you are eligible for Invisalign, your dentist will go over the process with you. They’ll give you a timeline of how long the treatment can be expected to take as well as an estimate of the overall cost. You’ll be given all the information you need to decide whether or not to move forward with the process.
Step 2: Impressions
The next step after confirming that Invisalign is right for you is to create an impression of your teeth. Some practices still take physical impressions using unpleasant-tasting putty, but many dentists have switched to digital scanners such as iTero®. A digital impression is typically more accurate than a physical one and can be completed in less time.
Once the impression has been taken, it will be sent to a separate lab so that they can make your Invisalign aligners. Several sets of aligners will be made at a time, with each one representing a different stage of your treatment.
Step 3: Receiving and Wearing Your Aligners
It will take at least a couple of weeks for your aligners to arrive. Once they do, your dentist will show you how to put them on your teeth and give you instructions on how to wear them. Generally speaking, you can expect to wear each aligner for at least two weeks for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Step 4: Follow-Up Appointments
Throughout the Invisalign process, you’ll need to visit your dentist once every few weeks or so for a progress check. They’ll make sure that your teeth are moving the way they’re supposed to, and they’ll provide you with new aligners as needed.
Step 5: Removal and Retainers
Once your teeth have reached their ideal alignment, you can remove your Invisalign aligners for good. However, the process won’t be quite done yet; you’ll have to wear a retainer to make sure your teeth stay in their new positions. At first, you’ll keep your retainer in your mouth for 24 hours a day; eventually, you’ll reach the point where you only have to wear it at night.
This is just a basic outline of what it’s like to wear Invisalign. Your dentist can go into more details during your initial consultation, and they can answer any questions or concerns you might have. Reach out to your dental practice today to get started on this clear path to a straighter grin!
About Wolfe Dental
Here at Wolfe Dental, Dr. Ben Wolfe, Dr. Brian Bardeloza, and Dr. Curtis Wahlen are all dedicated to providing their Hillsboro patients with dazzling smiles using the latest dental techniques and technology. They are proud to be able to offer Invisalign for patients who want to straighten their teeth without braces. To schedule a consultation with one of our dental experts, visit our website or call (503) 844-6550.