If you’ve been considering improving your smile with the help of Invisalign, you may have already heard that treatment with aligners is a lot easier and more convenient than traditional braces. In fact, there are only six steps from start to finish! Wondering how you can get a straighter smile faster than you ever thought possible? Here’s a breakdown of the entire process from A to Z!
Step 1: Consultation
To determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you will first need to see your dentist for a consultation. At this time, your teeth and gums will be examined, and if you qualify, you will receive a treatment plan that includes your estimated cost.
Step 2: Diagnostics
Once you have decided to proceed with Invisalign treatment, your dentist will schedule you for diagnostic imaging such as X-rays so that the dental lab will be able to manufacture your aligner trays.
Step 3: Aligners
Once your images are sent to the lab, you will need to wait a few weeks for your new aligners to arrive. At that time, you will be scheduled to return for your first placement appointment. During this visit, you may need “buttons” placed on your teeth to help hold your trays in place. Once you have been shown how to take them on and off, you will be free to begin wearing them full time. You can expect to wear them for one to two weeks for at least 22 hours each day before advancing to the next set.
Step 4: Follow Ups
Once you get the hang of wearing your aligners, your treatment is largely independent, however you will still need to return to your dentist every few months to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment or buttons.
Step 5: Final Refinements
Occasionally patients will complete their treatment but still need some modifications, known as refinements. If you require this, your dentist will order more trays to continue your progress and guide your teeth into their permanent spot.
Step 6: Button Removal and Retainers
Congratulations! At the final stage, you will return once more to your dentist to have your buttons removed and your new retainers created. You will need to wear the retainers round the clock at first, just to be sure that your teeth do not shift back into their original positions, however you will eventually get the all-clear to wear them only while you sleep.
Be sure to use them as prescribed, as failing to do so can cause your teeth to shift and undo all the progress you made on your beautiful new smile!
Remember, Invisalign treatment is widely considered faster, easier, and more comfortable than traditional braces. If you’d like a straighter, more-beautiful smile in six easy steps, speak to your dentist about whether this innovative treatment is right for you.
About Our Practice
At Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys, our team of skilled dentists understands that getting a straighter smile shouldn’t mean you have to suffer. That’s why we offer Invisalign to our patients. With Invisalign, you’ll experience faster, more convenient, and unbelievably comfortable treatment that works just as well as traditional braces.
To schedule an Invisalign consultation, please visit our website or call us today at 305-680-1553.