You may have heard that improving your smile with the help of Invisalign is quicker and easier than using traditional braces, but many people are surprised at just how fast the whole process is. If you’d like to align your teeth with the help of this innovative system, here’s what you can expect from start to finish, and why it takes so much less time than treatment with wires and brackets!
Consultation
Your first step on your road to a straighter smile with Invisalign is the consultation with your orthodontist. Here, your teeth will be examined, and if you are determined to be a good candidate, a treatment plan will be customized to address your unique needs. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and discuss financing options, too.
Diagnostic Records
Next, your orthodontist will need to take some diagnostic records for the lab to create your aligners with. This ensures that they are truly customized to your mouth, and that they move your teeth in the proper direction at the right time.
Getting Your Aligners
After your diagnostic records are sent to the lab, your aligners will be custom crafted and sent back to your orthodontist, where you will return to pick them up. Your orthodontist will show you how to properly put them in and take them out, go over care instructions, and explain the importance of maintaining your oral health during treatment. After this, your treatment has officially begun!
Follow Ups
During your treatment, you will need to return to your orthodontist’s office for a few follow-up appointments. These are to ensure that your treatment is progressing at the right speed, that your results are not causing any problems, and to give you the next series of aligners. Though you won’t need to come in as often as you would with traditional braces, you should expect to visit every few months for about 30 minutes or less.
Final Refinements
Once your treatment is complete, you could still need some minor adjustments. These are known as refinements and may require you to wear aligners for a few more weeks to get your teeth exactly where they should be. Not everyone will need refinements, but rest assured if you do, it will be well worth the results in the end!
Button Removal and Retainers
Finally, if you had buttons installed on your teeth during treatment, your orthodontist will remove them once you are done wearing aligners. You will also need to begin wearing retainers. For the first month, you will likely need to wear them round the clock, just like you did with your Invisalign trays, but after that, you will probably only need to wear them while you sleep. Your orthodontist will go over their important details and care instructions when you get them. It is imperative that you follow these closely, as failure to comply with treatment could cause your teeth to shift back into their original alignment and undo all your progress!
Infinity, and beyond!
Once you have been given your retainers, you are free to go and enjoy your beautiful new smile. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues, be sure to contact your orthodontist for assistance.
About Our Practice
At Richardson Orthodontics, our team of caring and talented orthodontists believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile, no matter what their age is. Whether you’re a teenager, adult, or even a senior, Invisalign aligners can straighten your teeth faster and more discreetly than traditional braces. Don’t let fears of treatment taking “too long” or being too complicated hold you back from the smile of your dreams. Schedule a consultation for Invisalign with Dr. Jones or Dr. Amerson by visiting our website or calling us today at 972-238-7101.