Are you hiding your smile away when it’s time to take pictures? You’re not alone. More than one-third of Americans admit they’re unhappy with their smile.
In order to improve their cheesy grins, more people are signing up for Invisalign. For adults, Invisalign is a great alternative to braces, since it doesn’t involve obvious metal brackets. With Invisalign, you can straighten out your smile for the perfect photo.
Unsure about what Invisalign entails? Keep reading to learn all about the Invisalign process. As you do, you’ll see why Invisalign is becoming a choice treatment.
Straighten out your understanding of the Invisalign process with this guide!
The Treatment Process
If you’re concerned about what the Invisalign process entails, don’t worry. We’ve reviewed it step-by-step so you can feel fully prepared beforehand. Here’s what to expect throughout the process of receiving an Invisalign treatment.
Initial Consultation
First, you’ll need to schedule an initial consultation with an orthodontist. During your appointment, they’ll examine your teeth in detail. This allows your orthodontist to determine whether or not Invisalign is the best treatment option for your needs.
If you have any questions about the Invisalign process, feel free to ask them now.
Your orthodontist can review everything from before and after expectations to the cost of your treatment.
X-Rays & Records
Once you decide to continue with the Invisalign procedure, your orthodontist will need to take records of your teeth. First, they’ll need teeth impressions. This involves running X-rays and taking images of your teeth to keep in-depth records.
Your teeth impressions are an important part of the Invisalign process.
Using these impressions, your orthodontist will then create a digital teeth model. The model will help the orthodontist determine how your teeth will move throughout the Invisalign procedure. It can take a little trial and error to determine how to adjust your teeth into the right position.
Custom Aligners
Your orthodontist will also use the impression of your teeth to order your aligners. Invisalign will create your customer aligners to ensure your teeth straighten properly. Then, they’ll send the aligners to your orthodontist.
You’ll need to replace your aligners over the course of your Invisalign treatment.
How many aligners you’ll need depends on the complexity of your treatment. If it’s going to take a long time for your teeth to straighten properly, you’ll need treatment for a longer period. As a result, you’ll also need to replace your aligners more often.
Follow-Up Appointments
Once you have your aligners in hand (or in teeth), you can schedule your follow-up appointments.
Your orthodontist will need to check the progress of your Invisalign treatment every six to eight weeks. During these follow-up appointments, your orthodontist will provide you with a new set of aligners. However, this depends on how your treatment is progressing and how will your teeth are moving.
What to Expect
Now that you know what to expect during the Invisalign procedure, let’s discuss your long-term treatment.
Wearing Invisalign aligners is a different experience for each patient. However, you’ll need to keep notice if you experience any unexpected changes.
Speech
For example, you might notice a slight change in your speech during the initial days of your treatment. This is common as your tongue adjusts to the new devices. As your mouth adjusts to wearing aligners, the lisp will fade.
If your speech doesn’t return to normal, let your orthodontist know. There might be an issue with the fight of your aligners.
Tenderness
When some people wear aligners for the first time, their gums and teeth feel compressed. This happens as the aligners try to realign your teeth. However, this compression can cause a slight tenderness during the beginning of your treatment.
Wearing your aligners over time will help your mouth adapt. You can also cover the edges of your aligners with dental wax to avoid scraping.
Meal Time & Maintenance
You’ll need to get used to taking your aligners out before you eat.
However, you’ll also need to remember to put your aligners back on. Otherwise, you could unintentionally delay your treatment.
It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your Invisalign treatment. First, you’ll need to brush and floss after every snack or meal. Then, you’ll also want to clean your aligners while they’re outside of your mouth.
Developing this new habit will ensure your aligners are clean, remain odorless, and don’t begin to discolor.
The Benefits of Invisalign
There are many benefits to undergoing the Invisalign procedure.
For one, Invisalign is an appealing alternative to metal braces. You won’t have to feel self-conscious about wires or brackets, since Invisalign is nearly invisible.
Your aligners are also comfortable and easy to wear. You won’t need to worry about mouth sores or other injuries.
Unlike metal braces, you can remove your aligners whenever you’d like. This can make it easier for you to clean your aligners, brush your teeth, and floss. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any food restrictions!
Most people have to wear metal braces for years. By choosing the Invisalign treatment, you’ll only need your aligners between one and two years. How long you need aligners depends on the state of your teeth.
Have a straighter smile can also help you achieve success in life.
For example, 48% of adults think a smile makes the best first impression. Meanwhile, 37% of adults say crooked teeth are less attractive. 25% of survey respondents said people with crooked teeth also seem less confident.
A straighter, stunning smile can help you make a strong first impression. As a result, it can help you get a date, job interview, or help in other social interactions, too!
The Invisalign Process: What to Expect Before Your Perfect Smile
Now that you know more about the Invisalign process, what do you think? The entire Invisalign treatment can help you avoid braces while still ensuring you get the smile you’ve always wanted. Even as an adult, straighter teeth are in reach!
Eager to get started? Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.