The Invisalign treatment process

Although Invisalign is a simple and easy-to-use orthodontic treatment, the process involves several important steps.  From the Consultation to the Big Reveal, the six main steps in the Invisalign treatment process are as follows:

Step 1: Consultation

During your Invisalign consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will perform a full examination of your mouth, your teeth, and your bite, using x-rays and photographs to determine whether Invisalign is a suitable choice for your particular dental needs. Invisalign is usually best for minor adjustments, and may not be effective for more complex orthodontic issues.

Step 2: Treatment plan

If you decide to move forward with Invisalign, your dental practitioner will make impressions and 3D images of your teeth in order to design an effective treatment plan. The plan involves the creation of a customized set of aligner trays designed to strategically and gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. Using special software, your dentist will be able to show you step by step exactly how each tray is designed to shift your teeth. You’ll even be able to skip forward to see what your smile will look like at the end of your treatment.

Step 3: Wearing your aligners

Once your customized aligner trays arrive, it’s time to start wearing them. Invisalign trays must be worn in a specific order, each for at 20-22 hours a day.  Any less than that, and it could delay or disrupt your treatment. Invisalign aligner trays can be removed to eat, brush, and floss. Each tray is worn for two weeks before it is swapped for the next new tray.  Little by little, your teeth will shift into place.

Step 4: At-home maintenance

One of the main advantages of using Invisalign over traditional braces is that, because they’re removable, you can brush and floss your teeth as usual, without having to work around metal wires or brackets. The trays themselves must be rinsed and brushed daily to keep them clean, but otherwise, at-home maintenance of your Invisalign trays is a breeze.

Step 5: Routine checkups

Regular visits with your orthodontist help to ensure that your treatment is on-track. In some cases, you may require a slight adjustment or a small attachment to help facilitate the teeth-straightening process. It’s also important to keep up with your biannual dental visits, as your overall oral health can have an impact on the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.

Step 6: The Big Reveal

Once you’ve completed all the above steps, it’s time to share your gorgeous smile with the world. Not only will the world be a better place when you shine your smile on it, but you’ll feel better, too. The ability to smile freely and unencumbered by the self-consciousness that comes with crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth can have a positive effect on your overall mood and quality of life.

It’s important to remember that Invisalign requires a good deal of self-discipline. If you’re not sure you’d be able to commit to wearing the trays for 22 hours a day, you may want to consider traditional braces. But if you like the idea of being responsible for your orthodontic treatment and you have what it takes to hold yourself accountable, then Invisalign could be the perfect teeth-straightening method for you.

Conditions That Invisalign Can Correct

Invisalign is a great metal braces alternative for individuals with a variety of different conditions and orthodontic issues. While Invisalign cannot treat all orthodontic issues, below are some of the most common conditions that Invisalign can correct:

• Crowded Teeth

Some patients have teeth that are too close to one another, resulting in crowded teeth. It could be that your jaw is too small or your teeth are too big, but regardless of the root of the issues, Invisalign can address it. Invisalign can fix crooked or crowded teeth, although in some cases your dentist may have to remove a few teeth in order to create room for your newly straightened teeth.

• Crossbites

A crossbite is when one tooth is out of place, causing it to bite down against the inside of the opposing tooth. A crossbite may seem relatively minor, but over time it can lead to bone loss and your teeth wearing down, making it essential to get a crossbite treated as soon as possible.

• Open Bites

If your teeth do not touch the teeth on the opposite jaw, you may have an open bite. Open bites can lead to numerous issues over time, including TMJ pain and the inability to speak clearly. To avoid developing these side effects, it is advised to visit an orthodontist for open bite treatment.

• Underbites and Overbites

In some cases, underbites and overbites can be addressed by Invisalign. However, if a patient has a severe underbite or overbite, your dentist may advise a different treatment method.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign vs. Braces?

Deciding behind Invisalign and metal braces can be a tough decision as both options have advantages and disadvantages. Invisalign braces have a number of benefits over classic braces, and you can find them below.

• Invisalign Braces Look Better Than Traditional Braces

The most obvious advantage is the aesthetic advantage. With Invisalign, you have braces that are hardly detectable, so you do not have to worry about the unflattering appearance of braces. This can lead to a confidence boost, which is essential for a young child, preteen or teenager.

• Invisalign Allows for Easier Eating and Cleaning

Since Invisalign is removable, you can simply take the braces out when you are eating. No more trying to dig a rogue piece of food out of your braces, as they won’t even be in your mouth. If your Invisalign braces do happen to get some food caught in them, cleaning is made easy because you can simply remove the braces and run them under water.

• Invisalign is Needed for Less Time Than Braces

Most patients only need Invisalign for a year or less, which is a shorter duration than with metal braces. However, this is a bit of a chicken or egg scenario, since Invisalign is only used for more minor issues, while metal braces tackle the tough stuff.

What Do I Need to Know Before Getting Invisalign?

How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Invisalign?