5 Steps of the Invisalign® Treatment Process
First, schedule a consultation with an experienced Invisalign®-trained provider. Find a dentist you are comfortable with and discuss your smile goals (link to smile checklist) to find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign®. Your dentist’s office can also help you learn about the costs, your insurance options, and financing possibilities, so that you can make plans to begin treatment.
Next, the dentist will begin to create your customized plan, take x-rays and pictures of your mouth and make impressions of your teeth. Using this material, your dentist will create a digital 3-D image of your teeth. From there, he or she can map out a precise plan, taking into account the movements of the teeth and approximate length of time it takes to reposition them. You will be able to see a virtual representation of how your teeth will move at each stage, as well as the final planned result.
Soon you will receive a series of custom-made, clear aligners made specifically for your mouth. Crafted from smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic, these aligners, or “trays,” are virtually invisible. In order to see the best results, you must wear these aligners at least 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, to drink non-water beverages, and to clean your teeth and trays.
In the following months, you will change to new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, and have checkups with your dentist every 6 weeks or so. At every stage you should already be able to see the positive effects of the Invisalign® process.
Congratulations! While every case is unique, one year is typical for most adults to finally receive their beautiful new smile. To keep your smile as straight and bright as that happy first day, it is essential that you follow the dentist’s guidelines carefully. This may include wearing a retainer made from the same material as the aligner trays to maintain the shape of your smile.
Invisalign® is one of the simplest, easiest ways to a new smile. Meet with your dentist now for a free consultation to begin your first step to the next stage of your life.