Invisalign is well-known as a reliable option for correcting crooked teeth and misaligned bites without the need for metal braces, but how exactly does it work? Before you start your journey toward a straighter smile, you should make sure that you know what you can expect from the process. Below is a brief overview of the 5 steps that will make up your Invisalign treatment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Before anything else, your dentist will need to carefully examine your teeth to make sure that you’re a viable candidate for Invisalign. Generally speaking, clear aligners work best on mild to moderate orthodontic problems. More severe issues may call for metal braces instead.
If it’s confirmed that you’re able to get Invisalign, a treatment plan will be created. You’ll be given a reliable estimate of how long the process will likely take and what the overall cost will look like.
Step 2: Receiving and Wearing Your Aligners
Impressions of your mouth will be taken to help with the task of designing and creating clear aligners for your unique smile. When the aligners are ready, you’ll visit your dentist to have them placed.
Once you receive your clear aligners, you will need to keep them in your mouth for at least 20 to 22 hours every day. While you wear them, they’ll exert pressure on your teeth to gradually move them toward better positions. You will typically switch to the next set of aligners roughly every couple of weeks.
Step 3: Attending Follow-Up Appointments
Throughout the Invisalign process, you’ll visit your dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for follow-up appointments. During these visits, you’ll receive your next set of aligners and have your teeth examined to make sure everything is going as expected. Sometimes it may be necessary to make slight adjustments to your treatment plan depending on the way your teeth have moved.
Step 4: Refinements
Even after you’ve finished with your initial series of Invisalign aligners, your smile may still not be exactly where it needs to be. Thus, you may need to wear refinement aligners in order to get your teeth to their ideal positions. Usually, only one or two refinements are required.
Step 5: Retainers
At the end of the Invisalign process, you’ll be given retainers as well as instructions on how often to wear them. Retainers are essential for preventing your teeth from going back to their original positions. At first, you may need to use your retainers for most of the day, but you’ll eventually reach the point where they only need to be worn at night.
Once you’ve completed all of the steps of the Invisalign process, you’ll be left with a straighter, healthier smile that you’ll be more than happy to show off to the world!
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem studied dentistry at Temple University, and he completed his General Practice Residency program at Kings County Hospital in NYC. He belongs to the Academy of General Dentistry and many other dental organizations. At iSmile Dental Arts in Williamstown, he offers Invisalign as an image-friendly alternative to traditional braces. If you’re bothered by crooked teeth and think Invisalign could help, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Kassem by visiting his website or calling (856) 818-9998.