Have you heard of Invisalign? Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth like braces, but through a different method. It is quickly gaining popularity as more patients are choosing this treatment over traditional braces for a variety of reasons.
If you don’t know much about it, one of your biggest questions is probably how does Invisalign work? Here’s a basic overview of the treatment.
The Invisalign Method of Straightening Teeth
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into proper alignment. These aligners are smooth and flexible for your comfort. They are also removable for your convenience. One of the biggest advantages is that the aligners are virtually invisible so they don’t affect your appearance.
Steps in the Invisalign Treatment Process
Here’s how Invisalign treatment works step by step:
- Consultation. The first step is a consultation with a certified Invisalign provider. They will evaluate your teeth and determine if you are an ideal candidate for Invisalign. If your dentist believes that your orthodontic issues can be corrected with Invisalign, you are free to choose this course of treatment.
- Smile scan. If you choose to start Invisalign treatment, the next step is to have a digital scan of your teeth. This goes straight into the computer to be analyzed. A 3D image of your teeth and jaw will show on the screen for you to see.
- Computerized treatment plan. Invisalign software is used to create a plan for treatment. You can watch a time lapse video of the digital image of your teeth that shows how they will move into alignment.
- Creation of your aligners. The computer sends the treatment plan to the lab that will create your aligners. The entire set of aligners that you will need from start to finish will be made at one time. The aligners are shipped to your dentist within a few weeks.
- Fitting of your aligners. When your aligners arrive at your dentist’s office, you go in to have the first aligner fitted. You will also receive your complete set of aligners to take home.
- Wearing your aligners. You will need to wear your aligners according to your dentist or orthodontists instructions. You will typically wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before switching to the next until your teeth are in the desired positions.
- Monitoring your progress. Your dentist will monitor your progress along the way, making any adjustments to your wearing instructions or aligners as needed. Appointments for monitoring are usually scheduled every 6-8 weeks.
- Wearing your retainers. When you are done with all of your aligners you will need to wear retainers for at least a few months to keep your teeth from shifting back out of alignment. You may be able to wear your retainers less often over time, but it is a good idea to wear them occasionally for the rest of your life.
The Biggest Benefits of Invisalign:
- Invisible. Invisalign is practically invisible. Only you and others who know you are wearing aligners will be able to tell.
- Comfortable. The aligners are made of smooth, flexible plastic that won’t irritate your mouth. They also shift your teeth more gently than other types of braces, meaning you’ll be less sore.
- Convenient. You can remove your aligners to eat and to brush and floss your teeth. No food restrictions and no tedious threading of floss under your braces wires will be necessary.
- Shorter treatment time. On average, Invisalign treatment takes between 6 and 18 months, where braces can take as long as 1-3 years.
- Fewer appointments. You’ll only visit your dentist for appointments every 6-8 weeks, as opposed to braces appointments that are typically every 4-6 weeks.
Dental Partners of Vero Beach Are Certified Invisalign Providers
Another benefit of Invisalign is that you can get this treatment from your dentist without having to go to a separate orthodontist. The treatment plan is created by computer software, meaning it doesn’t need the expertise of an orthodontist. Dental Partners of Vero Beach merely monitor your progress and you do the work, which is wearing your aligners up to 22 hours a day. We are a certified Invisalign provider, meaning we have the training and experience necessary to offer this treatment.
Call (772) 569-4118 or contact us today to schedule a complimentary Invisalign consultation. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.
