Invisalign is famous because it offers a convenient, discreet, and effective way to straighten teeth. If you are thinking about undergoing this treatment, you might be curious about what the process entails. How can you get started, and what can you expect along the way? In this blog post, we provide a step-by-step overview of the road ahead.
Step One: Your Consultation
During your initial appointment, your care team will learn about your case in order to determine if Invisalign is a good fit for your unique situation. They will also answer all your questions and provide you with financial information. If you decide to move forward with treatment, you will move on to the next step.
Step Two: Preparing Your Treatment
At the beginning of your journey, your care team will take some photos and X-rays of your teeth. They will also take detailed impressions that will be used as the basis for creating your series of custom aligners, which will be fabricated in an Invisalign laboratory.
Step Three: Getting Started
Once your aligners arrive at your dentist’s office, you will visit them so they can make sure that the aligners live up to expectations. Your teeth may also have to undergo a few minor modifications. For example, you might need to have a few buttons placed. These are small bumps, made of a tooth-colored resin, which get placed on the teeth. Their purpose is to help the aligners stay in place and properly do their job.
Once you have your aligners, you should use them as instructed. Usually, this means you should wear each set for 20 – 22 hours each day for around two weeks before moving on to the next aligners in your series.
Step Four: Follow-Up Appointments
You should visit your care team periodically throughout your treatment so they can monitor your progress and address any concerns that may arise. These appointments are usually very short. They may be scheduled every 6 – 8 weeks or so.
Step Five: Final Refinements
Toward the end of your Invisalign journey, your dentist might determine that you need a few more aligners than what was originally planned. New impressions may need to be taken so the trays can be ordered from the Invisalign laboratory.
Step Six: Finishing Up
Once all of your teeth are in their proper positions, any buttons will be removed, and you will receive a retainer. A retainer’s job is to prevent your teeth from drifting back into their former positions. At first, you should wear it full-time. Eventually, you may be able to wear it only at night.
The Invisalign process is an exciting journey! Talk to your care provider if you have questions about what to expect while you are straightening your teeth.
Meet the Practice
At Blue Coast Dental Group, our team of general dentists and specialists is proud to provide Invisalign clear aligners. We are always happy to answer patients’ questions about how the treatment works and how they can make a success out of it. If you would like to get started with Invisalign or simply learn more about it, contact our office in Torrance, CA, at 310-424-3100.