Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. Why shouldn’t you have the smile you’ve always deserved?
Aside from feeling embarrassed to smile in family photos, crooked teeth can cause an array of problems, including headaches, jaw pain, snoring, damaged gums, among others. It’s time, and long overdue, for you to have a smile that you’re proud of.
But now that you’ve decided to correct your smile, what can you expect?
Keep reading to learn all about the Invisalign process.
Choosing the Right Orthodontist
First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure that you choose the right dentist to help you through the Invisalign process.
You want to make sure that you’re seeing an orthodontist, as opposed to a standard dentist. An orthodontist specializes in correcting bites and straightening teeth.
You’ll also need to make sure that your orthodontist is certified to work with Invisalign.
Invisalign Process in 5 Easy Steps
Once you found the perfect orthodontist, all that’s left are five easy steps until your perfect smile.
Let’s break down each step:
1. Your First Appointment
Your first appointment will be smooth sailing. There’s no need to worry about poking and prodding, as your orthodontist is just going to take a look to decide if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.
They will do a brief examination, as well as perform x-rays and take pictures of your teeth.
Not everyone is a good candidate for Invisalign. Those with severe overcrowding or gaps in between teeth may not be appropriate candidates for Invisalign care. Your orthodontist will carefully determine what the best plan of action will be.
2. Build a Treatment Plan
If your doctor deems you a healthy candidate for Invisalign, it’s time to build a treatment plan.
Your treatment plan will include a cost breakdown, as well as an estimated time until completion. Your orthodontist will be able to work with you to come up with a treatment plan that works for your budget and lifestyle.
3. Impressions Are Sent Out
Once you’ve agreed on a treatment plan that’s right for you, your orthodontist will proceed to make impressions of your teeth.
Impressions can be made one of two ways:
First, orthodontists can use a clay-like substance around your teeth to create a mold. From that mold, your orthodontist will be able to create an accurate impression and send it off to and Invisalign line lab.
Second, some orthodontists use digital impressions rather than traditional ones. Digital impressions are created from pictures that they take of your teeth and gums. These digital impressions are then uploaded directly to the Invisalign lab.
Both methods are widely used by orthodontists.
4. Impressions Are Revised
While you’re sitting at home sipping a cup of tea, patiently waiting on your smile correctors, your orthodontist is readily working on perfecting your Invisalign trays.
After your impressions were sent to the Invisalign lab, a team with Invisalign works to create a step-by-step program that slowly corrects your teeth. The team at Invisalign works directly with your orthodontist, sending Information back and forth until the right program is made for you.
Once the Invisalign team and your orthodontist agree on a program, The Invisalign team will 3-D print a series of trays that are customized to you.
5. Your First Set of Trays Will Come In
Finally, your orthodontist will receive Your first set of Invisalign trays.
You’ll need to wear each tray for 22 hours every day in order to get the full benefit of these braces. You’ll wear each tray for two weeks, each time straightening your teeth a little bit more.
Here’s what you need to know about Invisalign trays:
- They are almost completely invisible, making them the perfect option for those feeling embarrassed about having braces
- While some traits may be a bit uncomfortable at first, they are completely painless
- Invisalign trays are easily removable, so eating and brushing your teeth will be a breeze
Your orthodontist will likely give you a few sets of trays at a time, and instruct you on when you should be changing them out. Depending on your case, as everyone is different, your orthodontist will likely schedule a follow up every six-eight weeks.
How Long Will It Take?
Now that you know everything that it takes to get your smile just the way you’ve always wanted it, how long will it take? The answer is relative.
For simple cases, Invisalign can take as little as six months to a year. But, problems such as overcrowding or gaps in between teeth can increase or decrease this time table.
In serious cases, Invisalign could take anywhere from 18 months up to two years.
Even so, when you put that into perspective, it’s nothing compared to having a lifetime of wearing a smile that you don’t absolutely love.
Love Your Smile
Remember that it’s never too late to give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile.
Knowing everything about the Invisalign process can make the whole thing seem a lot less daunting, so getting your smile corrected doesn’t have to be a difficult thing.
Not only will you notice a difference in your oral health, but having a straighter and brighter smile will give you just the confidence boost you never knew you needed.
Request a free assessment today, so you can have the smile you’ve always wanted.