Thankfully, the days of relying on traditional braces as the only means of straightening teeth have passed. You now have the option of achieving the same results with Invisalign in Marion. However, you may not be sure what to expect from the treatment process. Continue reading for a step-by-step breakdown of how Invisalign treatment works.
How Invisalign and Metal Braces Differ
While metal braces rely on brackets and wires to apply pressure to teeth to straighten them, Invisalign metal-free aligners offer a discreet alternative. They work by applying tension via a set of clear plastic aligners that gradually and more comfortably move the teeth to their correct position. For the procedure to be successful, a series of careful steps are followed.
Step #1 – The Consultation
The first step is to visit a dentist in Marion for a consultation. This will allow you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and for the dentist to assess your bite to make sure that you’re eligible for treatment.
Here are some of the issues that Invisalign can typically address:
- Gaps
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Mild-to-moderate overcrowding
Step #2 – The Diagnostic Records
To further determine your eligibility for Invisalign, the dentist will take a series of photos of your face and smile and dental X-rays. The information gathered will also allow the dentist to customize the treatment to your specific smile needs, and the details will be sent to a certified Invisalign lab that will fabricate the initial set of clear aligners.
Step #3 – Collecting the First Set of Aligners
It usually takes a couple of weeks for the lab to craft the first set of aligners. Once they arrive, you’ll be invited back to the dentist’s office to retrieve them. The dentist will also make sure that they fit properly and are compatible with your smile.
Step #4 – Caring for Your Aligners
For Invisalign to be effective, the aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day. Additionally, they’ll need to be removed to eat or drink dark-colored beverages. With each removal, you’ll need to rinse the aligners, soak them in a special solution called Retainer Brite and gently brush them before reinserting in your mouth.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for two weeks and then exchange them for a new pair, following this cycle until treatment is completed.
Step #5 – The Follow-up Appointments
The schedule for follow-up visits can vary depending on the dentist, but a typical frequency is every four to six weeks. This allows the dentist to monitor your progress and determine whether to order additional aligners or make adjustments.
Step #6 – The Final Refinements
After you’ve worn the last set of aligners, you’ll likely need some final adjustments. The process involves the dentist conducting a few scans of the current condition of your teeth that will be used to craft a set of refinement aligners. Usually, only one or two refinements are needed to complete the process.
Step #7 – The Retainers
To ensure that you maintain your results, you’ll complete treatment by wearing a set of retainers. They typically look similar to the Invisalign aligners, which means you’ll enjoy the same discreet appearance. The dentist will provide specific instructions on how to wear the retainers.
Although treatment with Invisalign requires a little work to be successful, it’s still far easier than undergoing bite correction with traditional braces. To learn more about the process, contact a local dentist to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Dr. James Leon earned his dental degree from West Virginia University. To further expand his knowledge and skillset, he has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education. Additionally, Dr. Leon has earned a certification in orthodontics from the United States Dental Institute. He creates functional and attractive smiles with Invisalign at Cross Creek Dental Care, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.