Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment due to its convenience, discreet nature, and other benefits. Are you thinking about using it to straighten your teeth? If so, you may be curious about what you can expect throughout your journey. In this blog post, you will learn about how Invisalign works, starting with the initial consultation until you complete your treatment with a retainer.
Consultation & Treatment Planning
Your Invisalign journey will begin with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, your care team will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if Invisalign is the best option for you. It is a great choice for most cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment.
Next, impressions will be taken to create a precise image of your mouth, which will then be used to plan your tooth movements. Your dentist or orthodontist will order your custom aligners from Invisalign.
Using Your Aligners
Once your aligners are ready, you will receive your first set along with instructions for proper use. You must wear the aligners for at least 20 – 22 hours each day, removing them only for eating, drinking, and cleaning your mouth. Each aligner will gently shift your teeth according to your unique treatment plan.
Attending Follow-Up Appointments
Throughout your treatment, you will attend regular follow-up appointments with your care team. These visits allow your provider to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure that your teeth are moving according to plan. You will also receive new sets of aligners during these appointments. Staying committed to these check-ins helps keep your treatment on track and maximizes the effectiveness of Invisalign.
Final Refinements
As you near the end of your treatment, your care team will assess your results to determine if any final refinements are needed. Sometimes, additional aligners are necessary to make minor adjustments for optimal dental alignment.
Maintain Your Results with a Retainer
After you complete your Invisalign treatment, you will transition to wearing a retainer to preserve your new smile. Your retainer may look similar to your Invisalign aligners, but it serves a different purpose. It will prevent your teeth from drifting out of place! At first, you may need to wear it full-time (20 – 22 hours each day). Eventually, after your teeth are more stabilized, you should be able to use it only at night.
Invisalign is an exciting process from start to finish! If you would like to learn more about the path in front of you, make a list of questions to discuss with your provider during your consultation.
Meet the Practice
At Willow Run Dental Association, our team is pleased to provide top-quality care for the Auburn community. Invisalign clear aligners are among the many services we offer. If you are ready to straighten your teeth, we would be happy to help you get started during an in-depth consultation. Contact our office at 207-352-2825 to request an appointment.