Have you wanted to straighten your teeth, but didn’t want to go through the arduous process of wearing metal braces, changing your diet, adjusting your oral care routine, and completely transforming your appearance? Perhaps you have more incentive since you’re an adult and don’t want family, friends, or colleagues to notice that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment?
Thanks to clear aligners from Invisalign, you can straighten teeth, improve your bite, and do so without all the pitfalls that come with traditional braces. Keep reading to learn about the Invisalign process in better detail!
The Consultation
When you schedule a consultation with your dentist, you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about treatment, as well as determine your eligibility to participate. This meeting is meant to help your dentist determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.
In order to be eligible, your dentist will examine your mouth and make sure that no dental disease is present. For example, healthy gums are needed for successful treatment, so any gum disease will need to be addressed before it can begin. Your dentist will also determine the severity of your misalignment or bite problems and confirm whether traditional braces would be a better option.
Invisalign is not typically recommended for patients who have severe misalignments or those who are trying to realign back teeth. Invisalign is more intended for cosmetic purposes, even if it has the potential to make improvements to your bite in the process.
How the Process Works
Invisalign works by applying small amounts of force to teeth through a series of thermoplastic trays. These are worn between 20 and 22 hours a day. By wearing them, teeth are slowly pushed into their straighter and healthier position. If your dentist determines Invisalign is right for you, he’ll create a custom treatment plan that maps out your entire treatment on day one.
Your dentist creates a minimum of 10 pairs of clear aligners that you swap out every two weeks. The number of aligners you wear can vary depending on how complex your case is, but typical Invisalign treatments go through at least 10 pairs. Treatment can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on how committed you are to wearing your aligners.
What to Do After Treatment
Once you finish treatment, it’s very important that you stay committed to wearing a retainer as well. This oral appliance is designed to keep your teeth straight immediately following Invisalign treatment. Unfortunately, teeth are extremely prone to shifting back during the first several months after the process.
In the beginning, you’ll wear the retainer for at least one year during the day and at night, only removing to brush or eat. Once enough time has passed, your dentist will likely ask you to only wear the retainer at night from now on.
Are you ready for an easier and more convenient solution to misalignment? Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to start your journey to a beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Timothy Vacek earned his DDS degree from the University of Nebraska Medical College of Dentistry. Thanks to his continuing education and past experience, he’s more than capable of helping patients achieve a straighter smile with orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website!