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The Invisalign Treatment Process: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Continuing our special month long focus on Invisalign, we are celebrating the clear alternative to braces with $500 in savings, right now at select 123 Dentist clinics. We’ve talked about the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces and even shared some experiences real patients have had, what can you or someone you know expect from the treatment process?

In this week’s blog, imagine you are visiting a 123 Dentist clinic and meeting one of our doctors for the first time. What’s involved in that first visit? How long will you have to wear Invisalign aligners? What will your day and night be like through the treatment? Will you need to visit the dentist regularly throughout treatment and how often? This is the Invisalign Treatment Process and what to expect through the average treatment.

Research

Invisalign sounds like a good idea, but you should always read blogs and articles like this one, talk to friends who’ve experienced it first hand and be sure to ask your dentist about it if you’re able. 123 Dentist would also like to remind patients that many insurance plans support Invisalign for teenagers, so make sure to discuss options with your insurance provider.

Choosing The Right Dentist

Invisalign is an important decision that will affect your quality of life and your finances, so naturally choosing a dentist you trust with Invisalign experience is key. You can find out what 123 Dentist clinics offer Invisalign and call us to book a consultation. Choosing a dentist based on location, price and how comfortable you are is important, and don’t be afraid to meet with several dentists before you move forward. If you have a family dentist who does not offer Invisalign or is not part of the promotion, ask for a referral recommendation.

Consultation

You can take a FREE smile assessment in advance of your consultation on Invisalign’s site. Your official consultation will help you and your dentist determine if Invisalign is right for you. While Invisalign can be useful in treating gaps, underbites, overbites, crowding and other issues, it’s not ideal for every case, at least not at first. Some more severe cases still require traditional braces or alternative treatments. Be sure to ask questions about Invisalign, including cost, and weigh the pros and cons with your dentist.

Building Your Treatment

Once you’ve said yes to Invisalign, your dentist will build a custom plan for you. The process begins with digital x-rays, moulded impressions and photographs of your teeth to create a digital road-map that the dentist can follow. Using Invisalign’s software, our dentists can now predict how your teeth will change over time with Invisalign and can show you how your teeth will look weeks, months and eventually at the end of your treatment. It’s hard to predict how long you’ll need Invisalign, the timeframe lasts about a year for most patients, but it depends on your unique plan.

Your First Aligners

Invisalign works by fabricating custom plastic aligners and those aligners are replaced every two weeks with a brand new set. Your custom aligners won’t irritate your cheeks like traditional braces and they can be removed for meals and brushing. Once the aligners arrive, special fasteners are often necessary. These are bonded temporarily to your teeth so that you can easily clip in your aligners, but don’t worry, they’re mostly invisible too and come off at the end of treatment. It’s also important to note that each set of aligners you receive is designed to fit where the teeth should end up at the end of those two weeks, so the first few days of each new set is less comfortable. As you adjust and the aligner fits better, you know Invisalign is working!

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign!

Day To Day

Invisalign works best when it’s worn for 20-22 hours every day. That means you need to wear your Invisalign aligners all day and night with the exception of meals and brushing. As with traditional braces, you may need to spend a few days adjusting to speaking with the new aligners. And in most cases, you’ll need to visit your dentist every 6 weeks or so as part of your treatment. This allows our dentists to monitor your progress and modify any details as needed. You’ll also get a new set of aligners every two weeks which are easy to replace yourself. You can eat and drink almost anything, and most people will never know you’re wearing orthodontic straighteners.

After Invisalign

Once you’ve completed your Invisalign treatment, the truth is you might not notice a huge change. After all, you never stopped seeing your own teeth when you smiled. On the other hand, getting the attachments removed and no longer having to wear aligners will be a relief. But as with all most orthodontic procedures, there’s always a risk of your teeth reverting to their original position over time. Talk to your dentist to find out if a retainer is important in your treatment and make sure to wear your retainer as directed to maintain your new perfect smile.

Hopefully you’ve gained some valuable insight into the average Invisalign treatment, and what to expect from start to finish. Remember to take advantage of our Invisalign promotion before it’s too late. Contact your nearest member clinic today to take advantage!