The Invisalign Treatment Process: What to Expect at Each Stage
Do you ever wonder what it takes to complete an orthodontic treatment with Invisalign®? Take time to learn about the process to plan and prepare for each stage of treatment. Besides, did you know that Invisalign ® Treatment near you takes between 6 and 18 months to complete? It helps to know enough about the process for such a long time commitment.
What Is Invisalign?
It is a treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth. Often, dentists employ Invisalign as an alternative appliance for orthodontic treatments with traditional metal braces. Treatment with Invisalign involves a series of custom-made removable aligners that gradually shift teeth to the desired position.
Understanding the Process and Timeline of Invisalign Treatment in Orthodontics
Like all other orthodontic processes for shifting teeth, Invisalign treatment takes time to achieve the desired outcomes. The varying stages are all instrumental to a successful outcome. Some of the crucial steps for the treatment are:
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Initial consultation and examination
Before any dental work can begin, you need to undergo a comprehensive dental exam. The initial consultation and examination allow the dentist to learn more about your dental goals relative to your underlying oral problems. During the exam, your dentist will identify all your orthodontic complications, then create a treatment plan suitable to achieve your desired results.
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Digital scanning or impressions
After creating a treatment plan, the dentist proceeds to 3D imaging and scanning. The step entails taking impressions of your mouth to create a 3D mold. The mold allows the orthodontist to customize your clear aligners for a snug fit. With digital scanning and impressions, your dentist can create a perfectly fitting clear aligner for your treatment. Instead, it is a crucial part of the treatment plan that shows how teeth will move during each stage of the treatment and what the final result will look like.
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Custom aligner fitting and delivery
An orthodontist will create more than one clear aligner. Instead, having a series of custom-made aligners would be best to complete your treatment. Usually, it takes between 30 and 32 trays of Invisalign aligners made from a clear, flexible plastic material to move teeth successfully. Therefore, you must undergo a custom fitting for your dentist to ensure that the virtually invisible teeth aligners fit as they should. After establishing that the fit is perfect, you will wear the Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily.
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Regular checkups and aligner changes
You require regular checkups since you will not wear one aligner for your entire treatment. They allow the dentist to monitor and track the progress of teeth movement and jaw alignment. It is also a chance to replace your initial aligner trays with new ones. Therefore, you will visit your orthodontist at Dental Metaverse Clinic every six to eight weeks for an exam. It is an opportune time to make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
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Post-treatment retention
The final stage of your orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® in Scarborough, ON, entails wearing a retainer. It is a dental appliance that steadies your teeth to avoid shifting to their initial positions. Usually, you wear a retainer for many years after removing your clear aligners, sometimes for a lifetime.
Tips for Optimizing Success with Invisalign Treatment
To get optimize your treatment with Invisalign aligners, stick to the following:
- Commit to your treatment by wearing your aligners for at least 20 hours daily.
- Remove your teeth aligners before eating and drinking anything other than water.
- Avoid hard, sticky, or sugary foods that can damage your aligners or increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Clean your aligners daily using the recommended cleaning solution.
- Avoid smoking or taking alcohol drying treatment, even when you remove your aligners.
Conclusion
Generally, Invisalign aligners are ideal for improving smile appearances and optimizing functionality. However, before starting Invisalign treatment, seek to address dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, that can easily disqualify you from the orthodontic process.