The Invisalign Process

 


Invisalign can be a life changing process for many people and help them find their smile. But what actually is this treatment and what is the process of getting Invisalign? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!

What’s Invisalign?

Invisalign was the pioneer of the first clear aligners almost 20 years ago. It is a system that straightens the teeth discreetly, does not use metal wires or brackets as normal braces do, and the aligners are virtually invisible when being worn hence the name.

As part of your Invisalign treatment plan, special trays are custom made for your teeth using a 3D scan, and every few weeks you wear a new tray that will make new movements to achieve the desired smile.

It can be used to treat:

  • Gap teeth
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Overbite
  • Open bite
  • Crowded teeth

Invisalign Benefits

  • More comfortable and discreet than traditional braces
  • Easier to maintain oral hygiene
  • Boosts Self-Confidence.
  • Fewer Dental Visits
  • Eat Any Food and Drink

Invisalign Process

There are a few steps that go into the Invisalign process, from your first consultation to getting your aligners.

Consultation

The first stage of the Invisalign process is the same as for any other dental treatment: a consultation.

During the consultation, the dentist or orthodontist will assess your teeth and oral health and determine if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.  If that is the case, records can be taken on the same day which include intra and extra oral photos and a 3D scan of your teeth.

Clincheck

The second stage is the Invisalign ClinCheck.

Once the records are sent to Invisalign along with the Invisalign treatment plan, the aligners will be made accordingly. The before and after appearance can be seen through the ClinCheck and once the patient and dentist are happy the treatment can start and the aligners can be fitted.

Fitting Appointment – Receiving Your Aligners

The third stage in your Invisalign treatment plan is the fitting appointment when you will receive your aligners and the dentist will give instructions on how to use the trays, how to clean them and how often appointments should be made.

You need to wear your Invisalign aligners 18 to 22 hours a day as recommended. Don’t drink anything but water while wearing your Invisalign.

Regular checkups and hygienist appointments are highly recommended during the treatment to make sure your teeth are staying healthy.

Review Appointments

Review appointments are necessary so the dentist can check the progress of the treatment, your oral health and, if necessary, more aligners might be needed to achieve the desired result.

Final Appointment

Invisalign treatment usually lasts an average of 7-18 months. For more complex cases, it might take up to 2 years. To avoid your teeth moving over time, retainers are used after orthodontic treatment. The dentist can decide to go for clear retainers to use only at night or fixed retainers to keep them in place.

Usually, teeth whitening is recommended after orthodontic treatments and also composite build ups might be necessary after the Invisalign treatment as the teeth are sometimes uneven and straightening them might show it even more.

A complete smile makeover can be achieved at the end and it can be life changing! Get in touch with us, if you would like to know more, or if you want to start your Invisalign process today!

Photo credit: Diana Polekhina