Your Guide to Invisalign: How It Works From Start to Finish
Mt. Laurel Dental & Implant Center • Apr 14, 2020
Are you thinking about fixing your crooked teeth with invisalign? How it works from start to finish is explained in this complete guide.
A full one-third of Americans are unhappy with their teeth and research shows that wanting better teeth is about more than just cosmetics.
Crooked teeth have very real negative consequences on your self-confidence, social life, and career prospects. Fortunately, new dental tools and techniques make crooked teeth easy to fix. Keep reading to learn about Invisalign, how it works, and what it can do for you.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the cutting edge alternative to old-fashioned metal braces. It's an innovative and non-invasive process that straightens your teeth and gives you the smile you want. It can eliminate or reduce:
- Gaps between teeth
- Under or overbites
- Tooth crowding
The Invisalign process
involves being fitted for invisible plastic retainers that you gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. On average, the process takes about a year to perfect your smile.
During that time, you can enjoy all your usual activities and favorite foods with comfort and confidence. Invisalign carries none of the embarrassment or frustration of braces and is a cost-effective choice for your dental needs.
Invisalign: How It Works
When exploring Invisalign and how it works, you can expect to find a series of predictable, well-defined steps no matter which dentist you work with. These include:
- Consultation
- Modeling
- Receipt of custom aligners
- Regular check-ins
- Long-term maintenance
Here's what you need to know about each step.
Consultation
The first step in the process is an Invisalign consultation. During this session, your dental professional
will answer all your questions such as "what does Invisalign do?" and "what can I expect?"
He or she will also examinee your teeth to see if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. This typically includes:
- Taking x-rays and photographs of your teeth
- Looking at your dental records
- Asking relevant health and lifestyle questions
Once this is done, your dental professional can give you an estimate of how long the process will take
and what it will cost in your specific case.
Aligner Creation
If you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment, your dentist will use the digital x-rays and photographs they tooth to create a 3D model of your mouth. They will use this model to map out the changes necessary to get you to your perfect smile and make a series of aligners for you.
Aligners are clear trays from mouth-friendly BPA-free plastic. Unlike braces, they are not visible during use and do not cause injury or irritation to your tongue or gums.
Each tray is designed to gently guide your teeth into a new position. On average, you will use the same tray for about two weeks before moving on to the next tray in line. This allows time for your teeth to gradually and painlessly move into their new alignments.
Fitting Appointment
Your dentist will give you your first set of aligners at your fitting appointment. They will show you how to put in, remove, and clean your aligners and answer any questions you may have.
In some cases, they may affix "attachments" to your teeth to help your aligners fit perfectly and stay securely in place. Attachments are tiny bumps or "buttons" made of the same material dentists use in tooth fillings. They are:
- Quick and painless to put in place
- Safe and invisible
- Easy to remove when you are done with the Invisalign treatment
In rare cases, your dentist may also use Interproximal Reduction (IPR) to ensure a proper fit. This is when they file a tiny portion off the edge of one or more of your teeth. The process is fast, painless, and unnoticeable.
Once you have been fitted and are confident in how to use your aligners, you will be free to go home and start the process of getting a great smile.
Daily Wear
Over the course of the next year, you will move through the series of aligners your dentist provides. You will wear aligners at all times, including while asleep, removing them only eat or brush your teeth.
Along the way, you will check-in every six to eight weeks or so with your dentist to make sure that things are proceeding well and receive your next set of aligners. You should also keep up with regular dental cleanings during this time for the best results.
Maintaining Your Results
At the end of the Invisalign process, you will have a beautiful, confidence-boosting smile. To help maintain the results, your dentist will give you an Invisalign retainer and instructions on when and how often to wear it. This will prevent your teeth from growing out of alignment over time.
Invisalign FAQs
Do you think Invisalign might be right for you? If so, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the process to help you decide.
Do You Wear Invisalign All Day?
Invisalign aligners are meant to be worn for between 20 and 22 hours each day. They should be removed only for eating and when brushing one's teeth. They are entirely safe and comfortable to sleep in and should be left in place overnight.
This consistent wear helps your teeth move into place at the desired rate and keeps you on track with your Invisalign timeline.
What Happens When I Finish the Process?
When you finish the Invisalign process and have achieved the results you wanted, your dentist will give you an Invisalign retainer. They will provide instructions on when and how often to wear it to keep your smile in its best condition.
Are There Dietary Restrictions With Invisalign?
Unlike traditional braces, aligners can be removed when you want to eat. This means that there are no limits on what you can eat and drink during Invisalign treatment! Just be sure to keep up with your regular dental hygiene including brushing and flossing.
Exploring Invisalign
Now that you understand Invisalign and how it works, it's time to find out if the process is right for you. We here at Mt. Laurel Dental and Implant Center in Mt Laurel Township, NJ offer Invisalign Services and we're ready to schedule your personalized consultation any time. Contact us
to find out if Invisalign is right for you, today!
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