Invisalign® can offer an exciting way for people to get the smile they want without the appearance of braces. This treatment works by shifting teeth a tiny bit at a time with the use of clear aligners, sometimes called trays. What exactly does this entail, and could it be right for you? Here’s a closer look.
The Invisalign® Process
Getting Started: Consultation and Evaluation
Your journey with Invisalign® starts with a consultation to discuss how Invisalign® works, and your individual needs and goals. Before you can begin treatment, it’s important to confirm that this treatment is right for you.
Invisalign® can be a great choice for most people, but it is not recommended for everyone. If you and your Invisalign® provider decide to move forward, you will have a more detailed evaluation and proceed to planning.
Planning Your Invisalign® Treatment: A Preview of Your New Smile
One of the cool things about Invisalign® is that you can see how your new smile will look before you even wear your first aligners! This preview is provided with a special software program that creates digital pictures of the planned treatment, showing a step-by-step progression leading up to the final outcome.
Once your treatment plan is confirmed, the aligners you will need will be created in a lab and sent to your Invisalign® provider’s office.
Invisalign® Treatment: Shifting Your Teeth with Clear Aligners
Now the exciting part begins! The first time you wear your aligners, it will take some getting used to. For example, you may talk with a slight lisp for a brief time until you adjust to how they feel. Don’t worry, most people adapt quickly. Also, you may feel some pressure or tightness in your mouth, which means that treatment is working!
It’s important that you wear your aligners per your treatment instructions, at least 20-22 hours per day. You can take them off to eat and drink, and to brush and floss. In fact, this is recommended to keep your aligners and teeth clean. You can expect to start seeing actual changes in your smile in as little as six weeks!
Retention: Maintaining Your New Smile
After your treatment is completed, there’s one more important step: Retention. This involves wearing a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back out of alignment. You can expect to wear your retainer more often at first, then just at night.
How Long Does Invisalign® Treatment Take?
The length of Invisalign® treatment really depends on each individual person. How extensive are the corrections needed? Will you wear your aligners in accordance with your treatment instructions? This is important, because not wearing your aligners will delay your results. The best way to know your treatment time for sure is to schedule a consultation.
Learn More About Invisalign®
If you’d like to discuss whether Invisalign® is right for you, contact Signature Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation or start a free digital consultation online by snapping a few selfies so we can see your smile. During your consultation, we’ll be able to estimate the length of time you’ll need for Invisalign®, along with the costs involved.