Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, over 4 million people in Canada and the United States are currently wearing braces. And while traditional metal braces are still a popular treatment option, an increasing number of patients are opting for Invisalign – a clear aligner system that uses a series of customized, removable tray appliances to shift your teeth into their proper positions gradually.
If you’re considering Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces, you may be wondering how the treatment process works. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from start to finish during the Invisalign process.
1. The Consultation
The first step in the Invisalign treatment process is meeting with an orthodontist or dentist certified to provide the treatment. During your consultation, your doctor will examine your teeth and mouth, take X-rays and impressions (moulds) of your teeth, and discuss your treatment goals.
Based on this information, they will develop a personalized treatment plan for you that includes a virtual 3D image of how your teeth are expected to move during treatment. If you and your doctor decide that Invisalign is right for you, they will order your custom aligners.
2. Receiving Your Aligners
Once your dental care expert has placed the order for your aligners, it usually takes about two weeks to manufacture them at the lab. Once they’re ready, you’ll return to your doctor’s office to pick them up. The Invisalign technicians will also give you a run-down process for straighter teeth.
3. Wearing Your Aligners
You will need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gradually shift into their proper positions. You will typically need to wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.
4. Monitoring Your Progress
You will need to visit your doctor about once every six weeks so they can monitor your progress and ensure that the treatment is proceeding as planned. Also, brush and floss your teeth after every meal or snack to keep your mouth healthy and free of plaque and bacteria.
5. The Results
Once you have completed the treatment, you will need to wear a retainer as directed by your doctor to maintain your new, straight smile. Depending on your case, you may need to wear your retainer all the time for several months or just at night while you sleep.
FAQs
1. Does Invisalign Hurt?
Just like with any new orthodontic treatment, there may be some soreness or discomfort when you first start wearing Invisalign aligners. This is normal and typically goes away within a few days as your teeth begin to adjust to the new pressure. If you experience more than mild discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist.
2. How Long Does Each Treatment Take?
The average Invisalign patient completes treatment in about 12 months, but this can vary depending on the severity of your case. Your orthodontist or dental health expert can give you a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs.
3. How Do I Clean My Teeth With Invisalign?
Unlike metal braces, you can remove your Invisalign trays to eat, drink, brush, and floss. It’s important to keep your teeth and aligners clean to avoid tooth decay and bad breath. Be sure to brush your teeth and aligners at least twice a day and floss once daily.
4. Will I Need To Wear A Retainer After Treatment?
It is important to wear a retainer after treatment to keep your teeth from shifting back into their original position. Your orthodontist will discuss the best type of retainer for you.
5. How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on your case’s severity and the treatment length. Your orthodontist can give you a more accurate estimate based on your individual needs.
6. What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible so that you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing. The Invisalign braces are also removable, so you can eat, drink, brush and floss as usual. Plus, there are no food restrictions and no need to worry about brackets and wires.
